This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Matthew? The Gospel of Matthew is a testimony of Jesus’s life and ministry told from the eyewitness perspective of Matthew, a Jewish tax collector who became a disciple of Jesus. This Gospel affirms Jesus as the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, and the reigning King who inaugurated the kingdom of God on earth. It also describes Jesus coming to call His people to turn away from their sin and toward Him.
How Matthew Fits Into the Story: Our introduction to the New Testament, Matthew’s Gospel contains the greatest number of direct connections to the Old Testament while also looking forward to the Messiah’s future return. Matthew writes of Jesus as the climax of salvation history—the fulfillment of every prophecy and promise made to Israel, the incarnate presence and wisdom of God Himself, and the reigning sustainer of the Church.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is Jesus’s call to repent an invitation to follow Him?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Taylor j am so glad to hear your move went well! I love all the comments about repentance here, I understand the work in Greek is “metanoeo” which I believe means to completely change the mind. In a sermon I heard this defined as completely changing your mind, agreeing with God that you are wrong and He is right. If I may ask for prayer for a healthy pregnancy and peace of mind that will be much appreciated! Thank you all! Have a wonderful day!
Yes Amen Ashley Taylor! This is so true about modern culture portraying God as indignant. I wonder if the ancient Israelites also felt this way in the reading from Ezekiel where they say “the ways of the Lord are not just”.
When Jesus called the disciples (and calls us) to repent, he’s not just telling us to stop what we’re doing in order to rebuke us. He invites us to leave behind our life of sin and follow him into everlasting life. It’s a call to make a change that will bless us and keep us from the harm we’ve experienced without him.
Love this
We are headed in one direction when we encounter Jesus Christ and his command to repent is his call to us to turn and follow him. We cannot continue in our direction. We must turn from our sin and go in the opposite direction following Christ. Lord, help us stay close to you and keep us from wandering, please, for your sake,Amen.
I’m off and running 1st thing y’all for ultrasounds on my kidneys and thyroid. I would appreciate prayers for clean outcomes, please.
I’ll be reading here & praying for everyone while I wait. Thanks.
Hugs & love
PamC I will pray for this right now.
That’s exactly it. Repent (turn away from our old life and sins ) AND Follow Jesus. HE waits with OPEN arms waiting to receive us.
To repent is to turn from our sinful ways. Repenting is the first step in following Jesus. The disciples, like we read today, dropped everything at their calling to follow him. That is what we should do. He won’t lead us astray, he is holding our hand and guiding us through this crazy thing we call life. When we repent we are admitting we were wrong in our ways, but that we recognize that Jesus is our loving savior, he came and bled and died in order to save us, and one day he will be coming back.
@Jennifer, I, too, feel a strong need to further the Kingdom of God! We never know how long we have before Jesus’ return, and I want to make sure those I know and love and those who are lost have heard and responded to the gift of salvation. I am entering a new season in my life. After homeschooling for 29 years, my youngest daughter will leave for college in the fall, and I will be done. Praying God leads me in the next season of my life and shows me how to share His love and salvation with those around me.