Opening Prayer

 Introductions

 Theme hymn                 Seek Ye First

 The gospel of Matthew

For you, what distinguishes Matthew from the other gospels?

 General introduction

·        Matthew is built upon Mark, using other material as well.  But Matthew diverges with the addition of the birth stories and the resurrection appearance and the great commission (28:9-20)

·        Each of the synoptics has his baptism and temptation, choosing disciples, & transfiguration.  Matthew does it differently.

·        Matthew mentions Jesus’ Davidic origins more often than other gospels

·        Sees Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and continues to emphasize this throughout the gospel.  We will see this repeatedly in today’s material.  It is believed that the audience was people of Jewish background who were struggling to know what the truth is, particularly in the face of strong opposition from the Jewish leadership after the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E.

Walk Through this block, Ch. 1-4

• Genealogy – It has its own distinctive characteristics, different than genealogies of the day, including women, one of them a prostitute.  Here the breaking of molds or barriers is evident right from the beginning of the gospel.  This Jesus is a different kind of messiah than most were looking for.

• Birth and early days –

 1:18-25 - The birth is seen from the perspective of Joseph.  What is different than your perception of the birth of Jesus?  What is missing?  What is added?  Note v. 23 is an OT scripture that is being fulfilled.  What about dreams?  According to Matthew, what’s in a name?  (Jesus, Emmanuel).  What are you saved from?  How is God present in your life?  (These could be journal questions.)

2:1-12 - Wise Men – What is different than what you thought was included in this story?  Once again, an OT scripture is being fulfilled in v. 6.  This is seen as symbolic of the appeal of the gospel to Gentiles, which the Wise Men are.

2:13-15 – Escape to Egypt.  V. 15 is fulfillment of prophecy.

2:16-18 – Slaughter of innocents.  V. 18 another fulfillment of prophecy.

2:19-23 – Return to Nazareth, with another fulfillment in v. 23.

• Temptation – 4:1-11.  Jesus will not be distracted by worldly concerns.  Jesus responds with scripture, a fulfillment of sorts.  Food, protection and power are what are offered in the temptation.

• Beginning of ministry, 4:12-17 – Jesus leaves Nazareth, after John’s arrest, and moves to Capernaum, fulfilling prophecy.  Jesus message is to repent.

• First disciples are called, 4:18-22.  They are all fishermen and Jesus promises to make them fishers of men.

• Jesus’ ministry begins, 4:23-25.  Jesus teaches and heals and people from everywhere come to him.

Journaling – We will be journaling  each week as we work through Matthew’s gospel.  This will familiarize you with the spiritual practice of journaling.  These journal entries are primarily for your use and reflection, though you may share them if you choose.

 For Oct. 30, 2002

1.  What are you saved from?

 2.  How is God present in your life?

 3.  Jesus uses scripture in his temptation.  What spiritual resources do you use when you are in a tight spot?