Good evening. Well, we have just finished up the book of Genesis, and now we are making a transition to the New Testament. Starting tonight we are going to begin looking through the book of Matthew together. My goal is for us to get through an introduction of both the Gospels, and of Matthew, as well as get through chapters 1 and 2 this evening.
Before we do that though, let’s begin our time with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
To start, what do you know about the Gospels?
Well let me go ahead and read the introduction to the Gospels that I have in one of my Bible’s. Here is what it says, “The first 3 Gospels cover many of the same events in Jesus’ life in the same way. For that reason they are often called the “synoptic gospels” meaning that they are “able to be seen together.” It is generally assumed that Matthew and Luke used Mark as their prime source in compiling their writings. In Matthew, nearly 90 % of the material in Mark is reproduced.
These similarities, however, do not mean that the Gospels are merely a restatement of each other. Matthew adds many teaching sections and other details not found in Mark. Matthew slants his material to a Jewish audience as he cites numerous Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus’ life and ministry. His purpose was to show that Jesus is the promised Son of David, the Messiah, that has come to establish the Kingdom of God.”
Now, let me also read for you what my commentary has to say about the Gospels. Here is what it says: (READ COMMENTARY)
So there is some helpful information as we approach the Gospels. Now, let’s turn our attention to Matthew. The author is not named, but a long tradition has assigned it to Matthew, the tax collector who became an apostle. The date that it was written is uncertain, but it is believed to have been between A.D. 50-70.
Matthew is built around 5 teaching sections. We will see them in a moment when we look at the commentary. These illustrate what life in the Kingdom of Heaven is all about. Matthew’s frequent citation of Old Testament prophecies makes it the perfect book to bridge the Old Testament and the New Testament. While strongly oriented to be a witness to the Jews, Matthew also makes it clear that the Messiah has come for all peoples.
At this time, let me read what the commentary has to say about the book of Matthew as a whole. Here is what it had to say: (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we take a look at the first couple of chapters of Matthew, does anyone have anything that they would like to add about the introduction of Matthew or the Gospels in general?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s get ready to discuss Matthew chapters 1 and 2 if possible. First, we will take a look at the genealogy of Jesus. This is a tough passage to read, and so … (Read/Play CD)
Now, I don’t have anything from that section, but is there anything that anyone would like to mention there, before we move on and start discussing the next section?
Alright then, on to Matthew 1:18-25. Here in this passage, we are going to see the birth of Jesus. Before we read that passage though, answer me one question. Do you know how your parents picked your name, or what does your name mean?
Well, in this passage, we are going to find that the name given to this newborn baby has a meaning behind it as well. So whoever has the first key, go ahead and read it for us at this time please. (READ)
Have you ever tried to imagine what it would have been like to be Mary or Joseph? It’s important to realize that although a Jewish couple were forbidden to have sexual relations during engagement, they were referred to as “husband and wife” and their relationship could be broken only by divorce.
Now, if you had been Mary when she found out she was pregnant, what would be the first thing to pop into your mind? (No one will believe this!)
Now if you had been Joseph, her fiancé, what would be the first thing to come into your mind? (Another guy, what is going on?)
How would you feel in Joseph’s place in verse 19?
How about in verses 20-21?
What reason does Matthew give as to why Jesus was born? (Verse 21)
What do you learn about faith from Joseph?
What is most striking to you about this story of the conception of Jesus? Why?
When did Jesus become a warm person to you, more than just a name?
In all honesty, what difference does following Jesus make in your everyday life?
Well, let me go ahead and read what the commentary has to say about chapter 1. Here is what it says: (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on to chapter 2, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s move on. I am going to break this chapter into 2 sections. First, we are going to read about the visitors that Jesus received after His birth. And then we will read about where all Joseph, Mary, and Jesus went to escape death. To start though, what is your favorite tradition related to Christmas time?
Well, let’s take a look at this first section of chapter 2. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ)
Well, here we find the account of the wise men coming to see Jesus. Let’s take some time and discuss this event. First, why was it important that Jesus be born in Bethlehem? (Fulfill prophecy?)
Since the wise men were pagan astrologers, why would they leave everything in order to follow that star?
What is the “gold, incense, and myrrh” in your life? And how have you offered this to Jesus?
Does anyone have anything else form this passage that they would like to talk about?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s move on and finish up chapter 2 for this evening. If you had to go into witness protection, what would be the hardest thing for you? Leaving home, leaving family, not knowing when you can go back, or something else?
Well, as we look at the rest of chapter 2, that is sort of what we see Jesus and His family have to do. They are on the run for their lives, and have to go into hiding. Whoever has that last key, go ahead and read it for us at this time please. (READ)
Okay, based on Herod’s response to the new of the coming Messiah, what kind of person do you think he was? (Easily threatened.)
What does his response say about his view of the Messiah? (Thought He was coming to rule an earthly kingdom, and was scared.)
From Joseph here in this passage, what do you learn about faith and obedience? (They go together. Obedience is a sign of your faith!)
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 2. Here is what it said: (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, for next week we are going to read chapters 3 and 4, and possibly do a review of the Sermon on the Mount. So if you want to be ready for discussion, and you have time this week, take a look at those 2 chapters, chapters 3 and 4.
Prayer Concerns/Announcements
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