Welcome to the weekend, friends! I’m working on my posts for this coming week and I look forward to seeing what God wants me to share with y’all. In the meantime, it’s Sunday and time for another installment of Bible Study Sunday, where we examine and explore God’s Word—the Bible—together.
It’s hard to believe that I started teaching the Bible 17 years ago, starting in 2008. I pray that this walk through the Gospel of Matthew is helpful to you and that my blog The Devotional Guy™ continues to enrich and deepen your walk with the Lord.
I’m attending a Men’s Bible Study at a local church near our house in Richardson. Although it starts earlier than I am usually up and about these days, I decided it would be good for me to take part in it. It’s very encouraging because at 6:30 on Thursday morning, hundreds of Christian men make the commitment to gather together and study God’s Word. As a Believer navigating the uncertainty of our present world, it does my heart good to see so many people interested in learning more about the Bible. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, the Bible presents us with our standard of truth in a world that is extremely deceptive.
If you’re new to the Bible and want a good place to start try this short plan.
Our weekly Men’s Bible Study, hosted by Watermark Community Church, will be working through the Gospel of Matthew.
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
The Gospel of Matthew serves as a connecting bridge between Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, the 400 years of silence that followed, and the long anticipated arrival of the Messiah.
In Matthew, we discover Jesus, the perfect Son of God who came to Earth and lives among His people to reveal the truths of the Kingdom of Heaven and God’s character as He also fulfilled the Old Testament law and teachings of the prophets. While the Jewish people were expecting a conquering military warrior who would overthrow their Roman oppressors, Jesus flipped the script and came as a gentle and humble servant king who spoke truth in love, called the world to repentance, and even engaged with suffering sinners desperately in need of a savior. Jesus is the king-awaited forever King who would rescue, redeem, and restore all those who put their faith in Him.
While Matthew’s author isn’t identified in the same way Paul’s letters identify him as the writer, it is widely accepted that the Apostle Matthew authored the Gospel bearing his name. He is also identified as Levi, the tax collector and the son of Alphaeus, in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. The earliest known Greek manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew all begin with the Greek words “According to Matthew.” This view is supported by the early church fathers including Clement of Rome, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Origen. It is also widely believed that Matthew wrote his account of the life and ministry of Jesus between A.D. 50-65. Based on his numerous mentions of the Temple (19) and Jerusalem (21), it is likely both the temple and the city were still standing, meaning it would have been written before A.D. 70 when both the Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed.
Matthew begins where Malachi left off, sort of. You see, God has been silent, yet still working, for 400 years. The Lord has not revealed anything new to the people of Israel through any prophets because of their continual disobedience and rejection of Him. When we quit listening, God quits speaking. How scary is that?
The Roman Empire served as the predominant world power of the time and the Jewish people lived under their oppressive rule and under the strict laws set by their Jewish religious leaders. They were heavily taxed and spiritually burdened, anxiously awaiting deliverance from their warrior-king, the Messiah. They hoped the Messiah would come and free them, establish a new kingdom, and lead them into an era of flourishing prosperity. Sound vaguely familiar?
No wonder so many people today are thinking the Rapture is right around the corner, along with Christ’s return!
The Apostle Matthew captured the story of Jesus to show his Jewish audience that Jesus was indeed their long-awaited Messiah and the promised Son of David. Unfortunately, Jesus came and His people rejected Him and the new Kingdom He was offering them. Thankfully, even though He was rejected, Jesus remained faithful and completed His rescue mission, redeeming a broken humanity to its Holy Creator.
Now, you and I await His return…
Our Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we embark on the journey of studying the Gospel of Matthew, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Illuminate our hearts and minds to understand the teachings and life of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to grasp the significance of His words, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the call to discipleship.
As it is written in James 1:5, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” We humbly seek Your wisdom, Lord, that we may comprehend the depths of Your Word and apply it to our lives.
May this study deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with You. Help us to reflect Your love and grace to others as we learn about the Kingdom of Heaven proclaimed by Matthew. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
Please hit me up if you have questions or drop a comment below. And please subscribe to my blog!
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
#mentalhealthmatters
The Devotional Guy™ 
Yes, it’s a wonderful thing to gather with fellow Christian brothers to study God’s Word. Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great resource your church is providing! Thanks for the link to your church, it is beautiful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen 🙏 I agree, Loring. Thanks for reading and commenting. Blessings!
LikeLike
When we quit listening, God quits speaking. Good point! May we keep listening.
LikeLiked by 1 person