This year in the sermons from January 1, 2023 until the Sunday after Easter (April 16) we will be studying the Gospel of Matthew. Reading the Gospels gives you a deeper and better understanding of how to be a disciple and follow Jesus. Read at your own pace, but if you want to follow along with the sermons a suggested plan and reflection questions are below. Please let us know when you complete the whole Gospel. We are going to celebrate the completion of this reading with a potluck dinner and with prizes. We hope you can join us!
Biblegateway.com is a great resource for Bible study. Find several translations of the Bible.
Week One: Beginnings
Read Matthew 1:1-2:23. You'll discover the genealogy of Jesus, the announcement to Joseph about the birth of Jesus, the arrival of the Magi, and the tragic story of the slaughter of the innocents. As you read, consider how is Jesus portrayed as a new kind of king? How is he different from Herod? Who will be the people in Jesus' kingdom?
Week Two: John the Baptist
Read Matthew 3:1-17; 11:1-19; 14:1-12; 16:13-20 and 17:11-13. Consider how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. What was John's message? How did Jesus add to or change the message? How did John's understanding of Jesus grow and/or change?
Week Three: Temptation of Jesus
Read Matthew 4:1-17. Jesus is tempted by Satan's promises for food, safety, and power. Read the following readings and consider how Jesus exercised this kind of authority and power without Satan's help. Matthew 4:18-25. Matthew 8:1-9:8. What powers does Jesus display in these passages. How does he present his authority? To whom does he show favor?