 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| MATTHEW |
| The Jews waited for a leader who had been promised centuries before by prophets. They believed that this leader....the Messiah ("anointed one") ....would rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom. As their king he would rule the world with justice. However, many Jews over looked prophecies that also spoke of this king as a suffering servant who would be rejected and killed. It is no wonder, then, that few recognized Jesus as the Messiah. How could this humble carpenter's son from Nazareth be their king? But Jesus was and is the King of all the earth! Matthew (Levi) was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. Once he was a despised tax collector, but his life was changed by this man from Galilee. Matthew wrote this Gospel to his fellow Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah and to explain God's Kingdom. Matthew begins his account by giving Jesus' genealogy. He then tells of Jesus' birth and early years, including the family's escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth. Following Jesus' baptism by John (3: 16, 17) and his defeat of Satan in the wilderness, Jesus begins his public ministry by calling his first disciples and giving the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5 ~ 7). Matthew shows Christ's authority by reporting his miracles of healing the sick and the demon-possessed, and even raising the dead. Despite opposition from the Pharisees and others in the religious establishment (chapters 12 ~15), Jesus continued to teach concerning the Kingdom of Heaven(chapters 16~20). During this time, Jesus spoke with his disciples about his imminent death and resurrection (16:21) and of his ministry, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a triumphant procession (21:1 ~11). But soon opposition mounted, and Jesus knew that his death was near. So he taught his disciples about the future....what they could expect before his return (chapter 24) and how to live until the (chapter 25). In Matthew's finale (Chapters 26 ~28), he focuses on Jesus' final days on earth.....the Last Supper, his prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the flight of the disciples, Peter's denial, the trials before Caiaphas and Pilate, Jesus' final words on the cross, and his burial in a borrowed tomb. But the story does not end there, for the Messiah rose from the dead...conquering death and then telling his followers to continue his work by making disciples in all nations. As you read this Gospel, listen to Matthew's clear message: Jesus is the Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life. The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus' credentials for being King of the world...not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and rule in the heart of every person. If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects, fit only to be banished from the Kingdom. We must make Jesus King of our life and worship Him as our SAVIOR, KING, and LORD. |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| THEN AND NOW In the Bible we are told Many stories from days of old. Many think they have no relevance To our day they give no evidence. But I beg to differ from then to now, The evidence is clear all around I vow. The Word of God is written down, For all of humanity to be found. In Matthew Five, Jesus is quoted, In verses seventeen to twenty, it's loaded. He reminds us of the law that was placed, By His Father, not to be erased. That not one jot or tittle pass From the law until fulfilled at last. So by God's word we shall endure And our final day, we shall be pure. There are many stories to be revealed, In these wonderful books so real. The gospels were written all down For us to read and the truth be found. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Were all sinners that found God. They did their best the message to tell To every man, woman and child as well. There will be stories that I will not reveal For time and space will not yield. But you find as we go through, The truth will come evident to you. So from then to now the work is the same, Not one word should ever be changed. It is Holy and comes from a Holy Source, Keep this in mind as we study this course. But Praise GOD, His Son He chose, To come and deliver us from all who appose. The debt of sin He took upon himself, To give us eternal life and home to dwell. What wonderful peace lies between The covers of this Holy Book as we glean. Miracles that came to pass back then, Can still happen today, if we have faith within. A new discovery is always there, As we read and worship in prayer. Revelations will come into view, And simply amaze and astonish you. A worn Bible found in your home, Will gather no dust from sitting alone. Tattered pages are not a sign of abuse, But merely a sign of daily use. Written by Shirley Barr September 15, 2005 References: World Study Bible and the King James Version |
|
|
| MUSIC: ' MUST JESUS BEAR THE CROSS ALONE" Sequenced and performed by Samuel Tolbert |
 |
