Let's read the Bible
January 22, 2021
The last two weeks we read the book of Genesis. This week we will skip ahead to the book of Matthew in the New Testament. Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus, so we see names familiar from Genesis: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah. Then we read of the birth of Jesus and the preaching of John the Baptist. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all tell the events of Jesus’ life, but in slightly different ways. Matthew gives us the Sermon on the Mount, followed by many accounts of healing and teaching and faith.
The Sermon on the Mount begins with the beatitudes, the “Blessed are they” statements. There is a lot of comfort in knowing there can be blessings in hardships. Then Jesus shakes up the world he lives in by making it clear our hearts are as important as our actions. This was a new idea for its time. Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness. A few chapters later He invites “Come unto me all who are weary.” I think that would be everyone I know.
Later He is asked what is the greatest of the commandments, and He answers to “Love God with all your heart, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.” Imagine how much different our world would be if everyone knew they could be blessed, would seek after righteousness, and all hearts were full of love. Imagine if all our decisions were made through the filter of Jesus teachings.
Matthew is full of Jesus’ teaching, miracles, healing, and tells of His life and death, and resurrection. The final teaching that Matthew writes is to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching,” and he ends with the comforting thought that He will be with us always.
This week we will read Matthew. Please contact me if you have questions or thoughts to share.
Kim Barker, 580-732-0244, or email [email protected].
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