Matthew

Matthew


What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader? Matthew, the Jewish tax collector is an excellent writer using a topical format for his Hebrew readers in whom he is introducing the long awaited Messiah. With 53 references to the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus, he certainly has convincing evidence!

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author? The author is a careful and precise writer which is reflective of the job he had as a tax collector for the Romans. He is also a suspected character and his invitation to Jesus and his disciples to dine with him and his questionable friends did not put him in good graces with the Pharisees, as is evident in Mark 3:15.

What is the main themes, repeated ideas, main idea in this book? One of the main themes is Jesus being the fulfilment of the prophecies; "That which what was fulfilled." Matthew emphasizes Jesus as a teacher, and the phrase the "Kingdom of Heaven" is written in this book and no other.

What is the primary reason this book was written? To prove the fulfillment of the prophecies relating to the Messiah in the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The promised King had come, but for a far greater purpose than the Jew were expecting.

What does the book show of the nature and character of God. God is here in as a Rabbi, as a King and to prove without question the dozens of prophecies about Him in the Old Testament. Jesus is the very man who was foretold demonstrating God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promise for a Messiah.

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind? Fulfilled prophecies clearly show God’s redemptive plan has been accomplished.

Personal application: I have to confess that after the reading of this Book, I experienced quite a let down. This might have been for a couple of reasons, but I am happy to say that the drawing exercises this morning after our teaching of Matthew, revived me once again. It is almost as if after our long journey through the Old Testament, the story of Jesus was too quickly revealed!

Point of Passion: The experience above has helped me realize that the drawing a person experiences to God is a gentle drawing most of the time. It is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance and into His heart.