Matthew - Week 9

The gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the great Teacher. The author presents the teachings of Jesus by subject matter in 5 collections: (1) the Sermon on the Mount, which concerns the character, duties, privileges, and destiny of the citizens of the Kingdom of heaven (chapters 5-7; (2) instructions to the twelve disciples for their mission (chapter 10); (3) parables about the Kingdom of heaven (chapter 13); (4) teaching on the meaning of discipleship (chapter 18); and (5) teaching about the end of the present age and the coming of the Kingdom of God (chapters 24-25) (From the Introduction to Matthew in the Good News Bible)

As you read this Gospel, be alert to familiar teachings. I found myself on first reading to almost skim the material because I felt like I knew these scriptures. When I went back, I slowed down and allowed my mind to really focus on what Jesus was saying to me...Jana, living in Van Wert, raising children, trying to live a life worthy of God's calling...needless to say, the scriptures spoke much louder.

Please slow down with these scriptures. Take away the "I have to keep up" mentality and let Jesus have some time with your soul.

Consider these questions:
1. Matthew 6:19 - 21 Another scipture about what we treasure. How does this scripture speak to you? Where/what is your treasure? If I look at your calendar, what do I see? Where we spend our time is a clear indicator of what we value.

2. Matthew 7:1-5 "Do not judge...." We really have no idea what is happening in people's lives. We make assumptions and judgments as matter of course. We gossip with self righteousness and pride. We justify our behavior as "okay." The more we grow and live in God's grace, the less likely we are to judge others. As we see ourselves through God's eyes, we are less likely to judge others. Who in your family needs more love and less judgment? Who in your workplace needs more love and less judgment? What sin in your own heart needs confession and repentance?

3. Matthew 7-24-29 I like the commentary on this passage from the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible: ......Jesus has been offering the disciples a solid foundation of teaching on which to build their lives and ministry. But it is up to them to put his words into practice. Otherwise, they are like the fool described so often in Proverbs, who is not the intellectually challenged person, but rather the person who lacks good moral judgment. It is not common sense that Jesus' wisdom calls us to, rather a Christian sense, which only makes sense in the context of a Christian vision of the world, a belief system attested to by ethical commitments and behavior. (Page 24 in the book of Matthew)

4. Matthew 8 & 9- So often Jesus' asks those he heals if they want to be healed or if they really believe he can heal them? Do you want to be healed of the sins and attitudes that keep you from a full relationship with Jesus? Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is?

5. Matthew 9 - Eating with the tax collectors, et al. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Why does God want mercy over sacrifice? How does this speak to the condition of our hearts? Is it possible to give a sacrifice while our heart remains hard to God's love? How is your heart?

6. Matthew 10 - How do you interpret these directions for the 21st century? Are we living in an age hostile to Jesus and his teachings? How are we like "sheep in the midst of wolves?" Have you been publically persecuted for your faith?

As always there is soooo much here to discuss and ponder. What struck you from these chapters? What did you learn about your Christian walk? Love your comments.