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.
I’m scared I have exams Tuesday and Wednesday I would like God’s peace
There is only true freedom when we follow Christ. Following the ways of this world will only leave us trapped in the pain and destruction the devil brings.
When we repent and turn to follow God, we are admitting that living our lives for ourselves does not bring good and that God’s way is the only way to true life.
Melanie, I have been struggling with similar feelings lately. I want to share a verse I came across the day before yesterday that encouraged me. Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of Go”d, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” I am praying for you.
I didn’t realize that Matthew had the greatest references to the Old Testament. I so enjoy finding out new and interesting facts about the Bible either through SRT or you my sisters. I’m a history nerd and love to learn about history whether American, World or Biblical history. Matthew and John are my two favorite gospels. Matthew because of how it starts before the birth of Christ and John because of how John shows who Christ was and the resurrection story. Can’t wait to do this study.
I don’t remember who suggested the book, “Get Out of Your Head” but I’m loving it. I’m a slow reader so I’m listening to it on audio and will be listening to it a second time.
Have a blessed week my sisters and rejoice in the Lord.
Dorothy I love that book by Jennie Allen! She has an accompanying Bible study that is great.
I have this book, but haven’t read it yet! I will put it at the top of my pile!!
I’m reading that too and doing the study with a small group online. So good!
Teresa, this is a concept I really resonate with. I am at a point that I’m not so concerned with my sinful behavior but with the root cause of that behavior. For me, that plays out on suspicion in my marriage. My husband and I both fear being taken advantage of, because we had abusive fathers and patented our mothers. Sometimes we forget not to rely only on ourselves. We become tired thinking we give all day to one another, to our children, to our church but no one is giving to us. We build up so much resentment and we sin to self sooth, to release our anger etc.
Here on these passages, I am distinctly aware that I am to pray to God for healing from this bondage, rather than trying on my own to modify my behaviors. When I am healed from feeling like a used up orphan, I can take my place as a daughter of God. I can live in his abundance, safe and secure. I can need him and rely on him and not myself. Ultimately, my sin is turning away from God and relying on myself to meet my needs those of the people in my care. I need to turn to Jesus as “the river of life flowing out of me”. My river is a dry creek bed, and I keep using is up. I need to tap into God’s never ending, abundant, healing waters and live out of that!
Amen Katie B. Thank you for sharing.
HOPE – I copied down what you had to say. Thank you
MICHELLE – Thank you for the Crosswalk article.
This is from the article Michelle suggested on being a living sacrifice.
Living sacrifice – when we live our lives in service to God, we are simply returning love and respect to the one who has already given us everything.
Victoria E, Praying for you and your pregnancy.
PamC, praying for you now.