Please remember that we bless each other with your presence, and may the Holy Spirit bring you His wisdom and His peace. Join us!!!
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For Study, Prayer and Fellowship - 8:00 AM PDT 10/25/2025:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82968961343?pwd=LzcwVjJKcWVESDRURlhDcXlNV0JUdz09
Meeting ID: 829 6896 1343
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10/25/2025 – Prologue – What should we be discovering in our study of Matthew? I suggest as we move systematically from [Matt. 1:1 to Matt. 28:20] we keep a focus on Matthew’s five closing verses, known as, “The Great Commission”. I pray that by now we have come to understand that we are part of a living tradition that compels us to action. We must get beyond study, belief and salvation. We must take the wisdom we gather from study and belief along with the assurance of salvation to create a world for everyone. “Therefore, every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” [Matt. 13:52] It seems that before we begin the study of Matthew each of us should read Jude. It is but one page and will guide us as we read Scripture. Jude’s salutation is priceless, “ … To those who have been called, who are loved by God the father and kept by Jesus Christ. Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” [Jude v. 1-2]
[Matt. 1:18-25] - The Birth of Jesus – In Matthew, the story of Jesus’ birth, inspired by God, is seen principally through the eyes of Joseph. In Luke, we see the same inspired story through the eyes of Mary. Neither tries to link or reconcile with the other. However, there is one point where they are identical. The angel speaks to Joseph and Gabriel speaks to Mary and both say, “Do not be afraid.” That may apply to us as well. Do we have doubts about this story? What does it say about our attitude toward sex? Or God’s attitude? Did Mary stay a virgin all her life? What does the Bible say on this subject? The Bible does not comment on Mary’s perpetual virginity. We see snippets of the Holy Family as living a normal married life. The myth of perpetual virginity has given rise to the attitude that virginity is a preferred state to marriage. Please allow me to voice a criticism of both the Protestant and Catholic treatment of Mary. “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. [Luke 1:28] Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. [Luke 1:42] Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” Added in 1555 A.D. by Petrius Canisius, S.J. This is unbiblical, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” [1 Tim. 2:5] and [Rom. 8:34]
The idea of conception without a human male parent existed in the pagan world. There were numerous stories of a conception involving a woman and a pagan god. Examples: Perseus of Danae, a mortal mother and the god Zeus; Romulus and Remus of Rhea Silvia and Mars; and Krishna of Devaki and Vishnu. In the absence of these myths, it would be complicated in Matthew’s Jewish neighborhood to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Mary’s pregnancy would be much more conventional. There are five questions to ask and answer regarding this virgin birth narrative: 1) Was it the fulfillment [Isa. 7:14] “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” (God with us); 2) Do miracles happen; 3) Was Jesus, fully God, became fully man; 4) Do we study this story in relationship to God and Israel; and 5) Was God always present and at work? Thus does Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit make Jesus’ presence on earth more or less believable? I will go out on a limb: Both the Protestants and the Roman Catholics should rethink their position(s). It would be healthier if Mary were presented in the light of who she truly was.
Matthew sees Jesus as the one who will complete what the law of Moses could not. He will rescue His people not from slavery in Egypt; but from the slavery of sin – the exile they have suffered not only physically, but in their own hearts and lives. Matthew’s entire gospel is framed by this theme and at the end [Matt. 28:20] Jesus promises to be with us (His people) to the close of the age. God is present, with his people, with us, He does not intervene from a distance, He is always active and often in unsuspecting ways. God’s actions are aimed at rescuing people from a helplessness, a plight, demanding that He take the initiative to do things the folks deemed inconceivable. This is God and this is Jesus - Matthew presents us with the story of their coming to us - today even as it seems as if human possibilities have been extinguished. We are offered new and startling ways forward, fulfilling His promises, by His powerful love and limitless grace.
[Matt. 2:1-12] – The Magi Visit Jesus – Scholars have attempted to reconcile Matthew and the changes in the night sky associated with Jesus’ birth. Some think it a conjunction of Jupiter (the ‘royal’ planet) and Saturn (thought to represent the Jews) which happened 3 times in 7 B.C. The ancient astronomers would notice strange events in the heavens. Matthew is not giving us a romantic tale, but one burdened with politics. He is telling us about the true king of the Jews – Jesus and the interloper old Herod. (Note he died soon after Jesus’ birth) Herod was succeeded by his sons and one of them Herod Antipas, who plays a pivotal role in Jesus’ young life. But the point is the house of Herod did not relish anyone else claiming to be “king of the Jews.”
Matthew introduces the Magi (astronomers, magicians, or interpreters of dreams or strange happenings) as significant. If Jesus was to be ‘king of the Jews’ His kingdom could possibly go beyond the limits of the Jewish people. Many prophecies claim the Messiah would bring God’s justice and peace to the whole world. [Ps. 72] This Psalm by David contains 20 prophetic verses, ex. [v. 14] “He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight.” And Isa. 11:1-10] ex. [v. 6a] “I send Him against a godless nation …” Matthew will end his gospel with Jesus commissioning His followers to go out and make disciples from every nation … The Magi are indicators of the manner that the prophecies of the Messiah’s worldwide rule are going to come true. Matthew gives us other hints [v. 8:11a] “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and take their places at the feast … And! [v. 10:5-10] “… Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. …” Thus, when Jesus was an unknown baby, there was a sign of what was to come.
The gifts borne by the Magi were typical of gifts deemed desirable for kings or gods. The story of the Magi points to the climax of this gospel. Eventually, Jesus will come face to face with the representative of the world’s greatest king – Pilate, Caesar’s representative/subordinate. Pilate had different ‘gifts’ to give, but was warned not to do anything to Him. [v. 27:19] Pilate’s soldiers are the first Gentiles since the Magi to call Jesus ‘King of the Jews’. [v. 27:29] However, his crown was of thorns and his throne was the cross. At Jesus’ death there was not a bright star, but an unusual earthly darkness. [v. 27:45] And out of this a single Gentile voice (The Centurion who commanded the crucifixion detail.) saying, “Surely, He was the son of God.” [v. 27:54]
Study this narrative by Matthew. Think about the meaning of Jesus becoming the true king of the Jews. And then come to Him by whatever journey that has been opened for you, and bearing the best gifts you are able to find. AMEN
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