Matthew: Introduction And Intertestamental Age

Who was Matthew? What is the Book of Matthew about? In Part 1 of our new study, we will introduce this Gospel and talk about the audience that it was originally written to - the Israelites. While Matthew contains truth and wisdom for all people, it was intended to explain the person and work of J…

Matthew: Emmanuel, God With Us

The God who MADE YOU wants to be WITH YOU. That's what the word 'Emmanuel' means - 'God with us.' The pagan gods didn't work that way. These (false) deities kept the people at arm's length. But our God wants to be close. He walked with Adam in the garden. He dwelt in the tabernacle and temple. …

Matthew: The Baptism Of Jesus Christ

If baptism is for SINNERS, then why was JESUS baptized? In Matthew 3, Jesus asked John to baptize him. That blew John's mind. And so, John told Him that it was the other way around - that Christ needed to baptize him! John knew that Jesus had no sins that He needed to repent of, and no need to be…

Matthew: Tempted In The Wilderness

Does the devil think that he can win? In Matthew 4, Jesus is led out into the wilderness, where He was tempted for forty days by the devil. What did the devil think he was going to accomplish? And what was the Father's purpose in allowing His Son to undergo this? Other Questions That We'll Answ…

Matthew: Faith Of The Roman Centurion

The Pharisees hated Jesus. But the Roman Centurion did not. Throughout the New Testament, the Pharisees antagonized our Savior. They accused and berated Him at every turn. Conversely, there are seven Roman Centurions in the New Testament - and each is portrayed in a more positive light. How can…

Matthew: The 12 Apostles

Who were the 12 Apostles? Well, they're not the sort of men you would expect. They weren't the sort of men that anyone would expect. Fishermen, a tax collector, a Judas - from an earthly perspective, this was an unlikely bunch. And yet, Christ chose them to be His friends and ambassadors. What c…

Matthew: Sermon On The Mount

It is the most famous sermon ever preached - the 'sermon on the mount.' In Matthew 5, Jesus starts this sermon with a series of blessings (or beatitudes). What were these blessings all about? And how were they received by hurting people who were used to the legalism of the Pharisees? Questions …

Matthew: The Gates Of Hell

This was a very wicked region. In the time of Christ, Caesarea Phillipi was the 'red light district.' It was filled with pagan people doing pagan things. And yet, this is where Jesus took His disciples in Matthew 16. Why? That will be the focus of today's study. Questions That We'll Answer: A…

Matthew: The Transfiguration Of Jesus

Jesus, Moses, and Elijah met on the mountaintop. One's face radiated with light. The others did not. Moses and Elijah were no slouches - these were titans of Jewish history, the embodiment of the law and the prophets. And yet, when standing next to Jesus, they paled. It was Christ alone that th…

Matthew: The Cleansing Of The Temple

In Matthew 21, Jesus was angry. Now, how could this be? What could possibly make gentle, loving, patient Jesus so upset? What could cause Him to flip tables and to make a scene? In today's study, we'll consider both the circumstances and reasons for Christ's anger. Questions That We'll Answer:…