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As part of the discussion at last nights Quest, we will be spending this week reading through the Book of Matthew. Here on the site we will look at 4 chapters each day; highlighting points and asking questions. You are invited to interact and share your thoughts as we learn the Message of Jesus together.

Introduction to the book of Matthew

Author: Considered anonymous although some believe it is the work of the apostle Matthew (Levi the tax collector)

Audience: Most likely Jewish Christians who were committed to the Gentile mission

Some background notes:

• Matthew weaves together the story of Israel and the extension of the Kingdom to Gentiles
• Matthew frequently notes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies
• Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament)
• Jesus is Teacher and “true interpreter of the law” and his disciples are to be learners
• Jesus’ followers are expected to not only listen to His teaching but to live what they are taught
• The book is structured around 5 major discourses of Jesus: Sermon on the mount (5-7), Commissioning the 12 disciples (10), Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven (13), Church life and discipline (18), Woes against religious leaders and end times teaching (23-25).

Chapter 1 - The Family Tree and birth of Jesus

Some notes:

• links Jesus to David and Abraham - showing this family connection to David emphasizes Jesus’ royalty and to Abraham emphasizes his connection to Israel and the mission of being a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12)
• note Joseph’s obedience

Questions to consider:

• Why is Jesus’ family line important?
• Why was it important for Jesus to be born by a virgin?
• What is the significance of Jesus name?
• How has the reality that God took on flesh and lived among us changed your life?

Chapter 2 - Wise men and a trip to Egypt

Some notes:

• King Herod is paranoid about competition from this “king of the Jews”
• Note the obedience of the wise men when warned in a dream
• Once again Joseph exhibits obedience to an angel

Questions to consider:

• Why do you think Herod felt so threatened by the news of Jesus?

Chapter 3 - John the Baptist baptizes Jesus

Some notes:

• Note John’s message
• Jesus is baptized and symbolically anointed as King
• Notice how in verse 16-17 we see the Trinity in action

Questions to consider:

• John the Baptist seemed to know his role and didn’t have any problems stepping aside for the Messiah. How easy is it for you to “step aside” for someone else?

Chapter 4 - Temptation, ministry, and the first disciples

Some notes:

• Jesus spends 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness - similar to the 40 years Israel spent wandering the desert
• Jesus fasted as he faced temptation
• Jesus overcomes the Devil’s temptation by relying on Scripture
• Note the message of Jesus in comparison to John’s message in 3:2
• The first disciples are called - Peter, Andrew, James, and John
• Note the response of the fishermen to Jesus invitation
• Jesus begins to teach and to minister

Questions to consider:

• How might you be able to battle temptation by memorizing Scripture the way Jesus did?
• Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. Have you ever considered fasting as a spiritual exercise?
• In verses 8-10, the devil tempts Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world saying that Jesus can have them if he will just worship the devil. How does Jesus respond? How does the devil tempt us in a similar way (power, wealth, etc.)? Think about the importance of what Jesus said.
• Jesus not only preached the kingdom, he demonstrated it through his healing ministry. How can you demonstrate the kingdom in practical ways that will help people to believe that the Kingdom of Heaven is near?

Please feel free to share any thoughts, comments, or questions about these chapters in the comment section below.

Tomorrow: Chapters 5-8