Chronological Bible Study – Oct 2
There is a short introduction available for the book of Matthew. You can read it here.
Key Themes (Matthew)
The book of Matthew is the first Gospel in the New Testament and presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and King of the Jews. It emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His role as the teacher and savior of humanity. The Gospel of Matthew is structured around Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven. The key themes include:
- Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy: A central theme in Matthew is that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Matthew frequently references the Hebrew Scriptures to show how Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection align with what was foretold by the prophets. This theme underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and affirms Jesus’ identity as the promised Savior.
- The Kingdom of Heaven: Matthew emphasizes the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven, which Jesus proclaims and embodies throughout His ministry. This theme focuses on the idea that God’s reign is breaking into the world through Jesus, offering a new way of life marked by righteousness, peace, and justice. The Kingdom of Heaven is both a present reality and a future hope, with Jesus calling people to repent and live according to God’s will.
- Jesus as the New Moses and Teacher: Matthew presents Jesus as a new Moses, a teacher who provides authoritative interpretation and fulfillment of the Law. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a key example, where Jesus offers deeper insights into the Law, focusing on the heart’s intentions rather than mere external compliance. This theme highlights Jesus’ role as the ultimate teacher and lawgiver, who brings God’s commandments to their fullest expression.
- Discipleship and Righteousness: Matthew places a strong emphasis on the demands of discipleship and living a life of righteousness. Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of living, one that reflects the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. This theme includes teachings on humility, forgiveness, love for enemies, and the importance of inner purity over outward religiosity. Discipleship in Matthew involves total commitment to following Jesus and living out His teachings.
- Jesus’ Authority: The Gospel of Matthew frequently highlights Jesus’ authority over all aspects of life, including His authority over nature, illness, sin, and even death. Jesus’ authority is evident in His teachings, miracles, and the way He interprets the Law. This theme underscores that Jesus is not only the Messiah but also the sovereign Lord with power over all creation.
- The Mission to the Gentiles: While Matthew initially focuses on Jesus’ ministry to the Jewish people, the Gospel also emphasizes the expansion of the mission to include Gentiles. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) commands the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. This theme highlights the universality of Jesus’ message and the call to spread the Gospel beyond Israel to the entire world.
- Conflict with Religious Authorities: Matthew records numerous conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees. These conflicts revolve around issues of authority, interpretation of the Law, and the true nature of righteousness. This theme illustrates the tension between Jesus’ teachings and the established religious order, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.
- Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: The Passion narrative in Matthew emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ death as the atoning sacrifice for humanity’s sins and His resurrection as the confirmation of His divine identity and the inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven. This theme highlights the centrality of the cross and resurrection in Christian faith, offering hope of eternal life and victory over sin and death.
- The Church and Its Mission: Matthew’s Gospel also introduces the concept of the church (ekklesia) as the community of believers who continue Jesus’ mission on earth. Jesus gives instructions for church discipline, leadership, and the proclamation of the Gospel. This theme emphasizes the role of the church as the bearer of the Kingdom’s message and the responsibility of believers to live out the teachings of Jesus in community.
The book of Matthew is a richly theological Gospel that presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes, the authoritative teacher of righteousness, and the savior of all humanity. Through its emphasis on prophecy, the Kingdom of Heaven, discipleship, and the mission of the church, Matthew provides a comprehensive portrait of Jesus and His ongoing significance for both Jews and Gentiles. It calls readers to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, follow His teachings, and participate in the spreading of His Kingdom to all nations.
What I Noticed Today (Matthew 1; Luke 2)
Matthew 1
In verse 1, Matthew declares Jesus Christ as the focus of the book, beginning with His lineage traced through Abraham and David.
In verses 2-17, Mathew presents the genealogy of Jesus through his legal father, Joseph. Matthew establishes Jesus as King.
- Abraham through David vv. 2-6a
- David through to Josiah vv. 6b- 11
- Jechoniah through to Joseph vv. 12-16
There were 14 generations listed from Abraham to David, 14 generations from David to Josiah and the deportation to Babylon, and 14 generations from Jechoniah to Jesus.
Note: There are four unusual aspects of the genealogy presented by Matthew: 1) it includes women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Typically, Jews only trace lineage through the men.), 2) it includes bad people, 3) it includes Gentiles, and 4) it includes Rahab, a Gentile woman who was a prostitute.
Note: The listing says “the father of” all the way up to Mary which says “of whom Jesus was born,” indicating Mary as Jesus’ physical mother, but not Joseph as the physical father.
In verses 18-25, the birth of Jesus is described. Mary and Joseph were betrothed (engaged).
Note: In Jewish tradition, marriages were arranged. Once the “contract” was agreed to the man and woman were betrothed, and considered married. They were referred to as husband and wife but did not live together or have sexual relations. The betrothal period was one-year after which a marriage ceremony was conducted, and the couple would begin their married life together.
During the one-year betrothal period, Mary was found to be with child although she remained pure. Joseph decided to divorce her quietly but was told by an angel that the child was from the Holy Spirit. This fulfilled Isaiah 7:14: a virgin will conceive a son, and his name will be Immanuel (which means God with us).
Luke 2
In verses 1-2, Caesar Augustus ordered the entire empire to be registered during the time of the first registration of Quirinius governor of Syria.
Note: Caesar Augustus reigned from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14.
Note: There is an issue with the interpretation of the time of Quirinius. Some scholars believe that Quirinius only reigned from A.D. 6-7, which would be too late for Jesus’ birth. Scholars that believe in a single reign suggest the word translated “first” should be translated “before” which would then mean “before the governorship of Quirinius.” However, other scholars believe Quirinius reigned twice: once from 6-4 B.C. and again from A.D. 6-7. In this case, the translation of “first” remains as is.
In verses 3-7, Joseph and Mary traveled up from Nazareth in Galilee to the City of David (Bethlehem) because Joseph was of the line of David. Mary gave birth and wrapped the Son in cloth and laid Him in a trough because there was no room in the lodging place.
In verses 8-14, in the same region, shepherds were outside at night watching over their flocks when suddenly an angel appeared before them. They were frightened, and the angel comforted them, saying he brought the good news of the Messiah. The Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, and you will find Him wrapped in cloth in a feeding trough. Suddenly a host of angels appeared praising God.
Note: It was normal for shepherds to be watching the flocks because of the predators that come out at night. To be suddenly surrounded by a bright light from the angel terrified them.
In verses 15-20, as soon as the angel left, the shepherds decided to go straight to Bethlehem to see what the angel of the Lord had told them. When they arrived, they found Mary and Joseph along with the baby Jesus just as the angel had said. The shepherds returned to their flocks glorifying and praising God.
Note: The shepherds believed what they were told and went to see Jesus immediately. This stands in stark contrast to the religious leaders who knew the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem yet never sought out the truth on their own.
In verses 21-24, On the eighth day, Mary and Joseph circumcised the baby and named Him, Jesus, just as they had been instructed by the angel when Jesus was conceived. When the days of purification were completed, they presented Jesus at the temple and made an offering for him as required by the Law of Moses (Exodus 13:2, Leviticus 12:2-8).
Note: The “days of purification” was 33 days after Jesus was circumcised.
In verses 25-35, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who had the Holy Spirit and had been told that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he entered the temple at the time when Mary and Joseph came with Jesus to have Him circumcised. Simeon took the baby up in his arms and praised God for having brought salvation to the Gentiles and the people of Israel.
Note: Simeon’s praise to God in verses 29-32 is referred to in the Latin Vulgate as “Nunc Dimittis.”
Simeon blessed them but then warned them that Jesus would cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, be opposed, and their grief would be like a sword piercing the soul.
In verses 36-38, A prophetess named Anna of the tribe of Asher served God continually in the temple by fasting and in prayer. She also came to Joseph and Mary praising God and speaking of Jesus’ redemption of Jerusalem.
Note: Anna was married for seven years, then a widow for 84 years (vv. 36-37). If she were married when she was 15 years old, she would have been 107 years old at the time of her proclamation about Jesus in the temple!
In verses 38-40, Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth. Jesus grew up and became filled with wisdom and the grace of God.
In verses 41-50, every year, Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. When Jesus was 12 years old, Joseph and Mary left after the Passover and traveled a day before they noticed that Jesus was not with them. They returned to the temple and found Jesus listening to and asking questions of the Rabbis (teachers). Mary asked Jesus why He had worried them, and He answered, did you not know that I would be in my Father’s house?
Note: The reference to three days is likely to be one day of travel away from Jerusalem, one day of travel back, and one day looking for Jesus.
In verses 51-52, Jesus left with them and was obedient to them. Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and the people.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.