Posts that reference the Gospel of Matthew

Temptation: Timing

(Note: When I teach, I learn more than my students. The next three Thursday posts will cover some things my boys and I learned as we studied Jesus' temptation.)

Matthew, Mark and Luke all relate the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. While I love the affirmation that we have a Great High Priest who was tempted like we are (Hebrews 4:15) as I studied, I flipped this around.

Am I ever tempted like Jesus? Are there patterns or similarities I can draw from? The first element I considered was timing.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him… (Matt 4:1-3a)

At the end of chapter 3, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist and publicly recognized as God's Son, well-pleasing to the Father and beloved. It was a great moment, kicking off Jesus' earthly ministry.

But Satan didn't go after Jesus when the crowds swirled around Him, while He was energized. Satan waited until Jesus was alone. And hungry.

Victories often make me feel self-confident, and satisfied. After Jesus' victory, He was led to a time of intense communion and preparation for the next phase of His mission. I, on the other hand, have a tendency to soak in all in, and rest in "my" accomplishment. That's when it hits. Temptation is most effective when I am isolated, when I am physically depleted or when I'm relying on my own strength.

Next week we'll look at the substance of those temptations.

Who Is He?

By Paula Wiseman

Matthew 16:13-15 says: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

What we believe about Jesus doesn’t change the fact of who He is.

What we believe about Jesus changes not only our lives…

But our eternity.

Who do YOU say He is?

GP: Joseph by Jon Wiseman

By Paula Wiseman

I usually reserve Friday from guest posts, but we're headed out of town for an early Christmas with our family. So enjoy this guest post from Jon Wiseman. An amateur theologian, and deep thinker, he's taught the Bible in one setting or another for at least twenty years. I think you'll like his stuff.

Very little is said of Joseph in the Bible. He is possibly one of the least discussed men of Scripture. If we examine the few Scriptures concerning him, we find an exemplary man and father. Briefly and succinctly here is what Matthew 1:18-25 says.

Joseph, being a just man — Few people are given this description. Mary had “obviously” been unfaithful, and Joseph was going to see that the situation was dealt with as the law allowed.

Not willing — He could make a decision. He knew what he did NOT want to do although he hadn't fully decided on what TO do. This apparent indecisiveness was actually the manifesting of another character trait we'll discuss later.

To make her (Mary) a public example — Joseph was merciful. He could have done anything up to and including stoning, but he loved Mary too much for her to receive the justice she apparently deserved.

While — This single word that we may often over-read, simply and clearly relates that Joseph was not brash, but patient. He didn't want to make a hasty decision that he would regret later.

He thought on these things — Joseph was wise. This is closely related to his patience, but time is sometimes necessary for the mind to weigh out all of the options and (as many people forget) the consequences of his decisions.

The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said — He was a spiritual man. Some do not believe in angels because they have not seen them. Joseph did not seem to be too disturbed by the angel, so he already assumed they existed.

"Joseph, Son of David — You are of the kingly line, Joseph. You could rightly be heir to the kingship of Israel.

"… the child is conceived by the Holy Ghost — “Really!? Pregnant by the Holy Ghost. That’s rich.” No, that was not his response. He received it by faith as fact. His previously mentioned spirituality is accented by the faith he exhibited here.

Did as the angel said — Obedience. Spirituality and faith are not complete if they are not put into action. Joseph, in addition to the other traits discussed was obedient.

Joseph was a confident man. This is not directly stated, but certainly inferred. By not punishing Mary for infidelity, Joseph appeared to admit that he was the father, and therefore unable to control himself. He bore the blame and shame for the "early" pregnancy. Joseph knew what he had done… and what he hadn't… and lived the rest of his life shadowed by the notions of the community.

I wish to follow Joseph’s example and encourage other men (and boys) to do the same.

This is Jon's debut post . Why not encourage him with some comment love. Thanks!

Study Tip: Matthew

By Paula Wiseman

The gospel of Matthew contains some of the most familiar passages in the New Testament- the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer and the Great Commission – and that helps make it great choice for study.

There are two major themes running through Matthew.

Jesus is the long-awaited King – Matthew's audience was Jewish, and he intended to show that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. In fact, tags about the prophets appear throughout the book. His genealogy was royal, His decrees were majestic, and He introduced us to "the kingdom of heaven".

Jesus faced stiff opposition – Beginning with the early threats on His life by Herod, the political ruler, through His eventual trial at the hands of the religious authorities, the King was rejected by all segments of society. Many times Jesus' words ran counter to the conventional wisdom of His day or to the long-held traditional interpretations.

If you are a list-maker, here are some suggestions.

What does Jesus say?
What is the response to His teaching?
What do others say about Him?
What is the kingdom of heaven like?

In some ways, I think it's harder to study the Gospels than some of the other books, maybe because these are the words and actions of Christ Himself. Usually with the Gospels, I tend to study by "episode" rather than take an entire chapter. I like to soak it in and let it percolate before moving on to the next thing.

What do like about the gospel of Matthew?

Immediately

By Paula Wiseman

In Matthew 4:20-22, Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, then James and John to follow Him.

Immediately they left their nets… the boat… their father.

Immediately.

And followed Him.

He called me to follow Him.

How have I responded?

Immediately?

What have I left?

Anything?

Am I really following?

Milestones

By Paula Wiseman

My youngest starts kindergarten tomorrow. I realize that a lot moms my age are packing their babies off to college right now. Obviously God knows I'm not ready for that.

There are lots of profound observations I could make, I suppose. New beginnings, letting go, equipping my kids. All the usual things.

But here's what hit me. Rachel can't wait to go to school. She's heard about it. She's been in the building. But she's never experienced it. Her enthusiasm is based in large part on seeing her older brother and sister go to school. She wants what they had.

The people around me determine whether they want anything to do with Jesus Christ based on how I – or other believers they know – act and react. If living the Christian life comes across as pure drudgery… nobody wants that.

But if I have that joy and peace… If they see Jesus is that vital sustaining presence that keeps me going… they are much more likely to want what I have.

Let your light so shine before men… Matthew 5:16