The New Testament Simplified – Page 7

Matthew Chapter 5 Simplified: Jesus teaches on the mountain

Published on June 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Seeing there was a large crowd, Jesus went up the mountain and sat down. His disciples came and found him. Jesus started teaching the crowd.
“If you are currently spiritually poor, you are favoured by God because you will get the heavenly kingdom. If you are grieving, you are favoured by God because you will be comforted. If you are gentle, you are favoured by God because you will inherit the earth. If you are really keen to get God’s approval, you are favoured by him because you will receive his approval. If you are compassionate, you are favoured by God because you will receive compassion. If you are innocent in your heart, you are favoured by God because you will see him. If you are making peace, you are favoured by God because you’ll be labelled as ‘children of God’. If you are currently being persecuted because you want to receive God’s approval, you are favoured by God because you’ll get the heavenly kingdom. If you are being insulted, persecuted or slandered because of me, you are favoured by God. Be happy and celebrate because your reward in heaven will be fantastic. They persecuted the prophets before they persecuted you.
“You are like salt. If the salt becomes bland, what use is it? It’s good for nothing. You might as well chuck it out and walk over it. You are the world’s light. You can’t hide a city on a hill. You don’t light a lamp and then put it under a basket. Instead you put it on a lampstand so that it’s useful for everyone in the house. Be like a lamp and shine so people around you can see the good things you do and praise your heavenly Father.
“Don’t assume that I have come to get rid of the law or the Prophets. I’m fulfilling them, not getting rid of them. I truthfully say that until the earth and skies are gone, not the smallest part of the law will be gotten rid of until everything has happened.
“Whoever breaks a commandment, even the smallest, and teaches others to do the same will be a loser in the heavenly kingdom. Whoever keeps and teaches them will be a winner in the heavenly kingdom. I’m telling you, if you don’t try and seek God’s approval through what you do in your lives more than the Jewish teachers and Pharisees, you won’t get into the heavenly kingdom.
“You know your ancestors were told ‘Don’t murder’ and ‘Whoever murders will be judged’. I’m telling you now that if anyone is angry with their brother, they will also be judged. Whoever calls his brother an idiot will be liable to the court. Whoever says ‘you’re a moron’ will be liable to hell. So, if you want to offer a gift at the temple altar and remember that a brother has something against you, leave the gift at the altar and go make up with the brother. Then offer your gift at the altar.
“Quickly reach an agreement with an accuser before you get to court, so that they can’t hand you to the judge, then from the judge to the officer where you’ll end up in jail. I’m being honest with you: You won’t come out of jail until you have paid up.
“You’ve heard you shouldn’t commit adultery. I’m telling you that if you check out a woman because you’re keen for her, you have already committed adultery with her in your heart. If your right eye leads you astray, pull it out and throw it away, so that only one part of you dies and not your whole body ends up in hell. Also, if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off an throw it away. It’s better that part of your body should die rather than your whole body sent to hell.
“The law also says ‘When a man divorces his wife, he should give her notice.’ I’m telling you that if anyone divorces his wife, except if it’s because of cheating, causes her to commit adultery. And if you marry a divorced women, you also will have committed adultery.
“Again you have heard it was said to your ancestors ‘You will not lie; you will keep your promises to the Lord’. I’m telling you, however, don’t swear on anything. Not heaven, because it’s God’s throne, or by earth, because it’s his footstool, or by Jerusalem, because it is the great King’s. Don’t even swear by your own head, because you don’t have control to make a single hair change colour. Just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Evil can come if you say more.
“You’ve heard ‘Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth’. I’m telling you not to fight an evil person. If someone hits you on the right side of your face, offer him the other cheek as well. If someone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give him your jacket as well. If someone requires you to go one kilometre with him, go two. If someone asks you to give or if someone wants to borrow from you, don’t say no.
“You’ve heard ‘Love your neighbours and hate your enemies’. I’m telling you now, love your enemies and pray for anyone who persecutes you. Bless anyone that curses you. Do nice things for anyone that persecutes and hates you so that you can be children of your heavenly Father. Because he makes his sun rise on evil and good and he sends rain on the just and unjust. If you just love those who love you back, what reward do you get? Don’t tax collectors do that? And if you only say ‘Hi’ to your brothers, how is that special? Don’t foreigners do that as well? Be perfect just like your heavenly father is.”

Matthew Chapter 5 Summary

In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus delivers a sermon known as the Sermon on the Mount. He starts by pointing out the ‘blessed’ in society – the spiritually poor, the mournful, the gentle, the justice-seekers, the merciful, the pure-hearted, the peace-makers, and the persecuted. Jesus tells them of God’s favour and the rewards they’ll receive. He then compares his followers to salt and light, encouraging them to keep their faith and positively influence others. He points out the importance of obeying the Law and urges followers to seek being good beyond that of religious leaders. Jesus then talks through the interpretation of several commandments, saying that they don’t just include actions, but also thoughts and attitudes; anger, lust, divorce, lying, retaliation. We are to love enemies. Essentially, Jesus encourages a higher moral standard.

Matthew Chapter 5 Bible Study Questions and Answers

What is the significance of being “salt” and “light” in the world?
Answer: This means that as followers of Jesus, we are to positively influence others, keeping our faith and shows God’s love, just like salt preserves and adds flavour, and light gets rid of darkness.
What does it mean when Jesus says he has come to “fulfill” the law?
Answer: Jesus means he has come to fully complete the law’s intentions and requirements, providing a perfect example and also completing the prophecies about the Messiah.
How does Jesus extend the understanding of murder to include anger?
Answer: Jesus explains that murder isn’t just the act but also the intention. So keeping anger or insulting others is just as problematic.
How should we understand Jesus’ statements about removing the eye or hand that causes sin?
Answer: These are metaphorical and urge us to eliminate anything in our lives that lead us into sin. They emphasise the seriousness of sin.
Why does Jesus encourage restoring relationships with others before worship?
Answer: Jesus values relationships and peace with others. He’s pointing out that our relationship with Him is impacted by our relationships with others.
What does Jesus mean by loving enemies and praying for those who persecute us?
Answer: Jesus encourages us to combat hatred with love and pray for those who hurt us. This shows the radical nature of God’s love.
How does Jesus explain the concept of justice with “turn the other cheek”?
Answer: Jesus encourages a response of love and peace instead of revenge, changing the concept of justice from pay-back to forgiveness.
Why does Jesus instruct followers not to swear?
Answer: Jesus emphasises honesty. He suggests our word should be enough.
How does Jesus’ teaching on adultery challenge the understanding of sin?
Answer: Jesus broadens the definition of sin to include not just the act but the intention, challenging us to maintain purity of thought.
How does Jesus expect us to be “perfect”?
Answer: Jesus calls us to strive for moral and spiritual maturity, to love everyone, and to fully live out the teachings He has given.

Matthew Chapter 5 Explained

In Matthew 5, Jesus presents a sermon that reshapes the understanding of God’s Law and challenges the status quo. He begins with the ‘Beatitudes’, where he blesses those who are often overlooked in society. Jesus tells them of God’s favour, reminding us that God’s kingdom is different to worldly values. These blessings offer hope, highlighting God’s care and the future reversal of their situation.

Jesus then shifts to using metaphors of salt and light, urging His followers to live their faith and be a positive influence to others. The importance of keeping their distinctiveness as followers of Christ is discussed here. This passage calls believers to make a real difference in the world through love, righteousness, and good deeds.

Jesus then discusses the Law’s interpretation, saying He hasn’t come to get rid of it, but to complete it. He urges people towards good character that surpasses the Pharisees’, going beyond just doing what the law says to having a heart attitude for doing what is good. This was a revolutionary teaching that shifts the focus from actions to internal character.

In the rest of the chapter, Jesus addresses murder, adultery, divorce, promises, revenge, and loving enemies. The radical nature of Jesus’ teachings is in extending these laws beyond the literal acts to thoughts and intentions. For instance, anger and insult are equated with murder, lustful thoughts with adultery. This challenges followers to a higher standard, where the heart’s purity matters as much as actions.

Divorce and oaths are discouraged, underlining the importance of marriage and honesty. Jesus is against taking revenge, but rather loving enemies, going against traditional ideas of justice and revenge. He calls for loving everyone.

Matthew 5 teaches us that being a disciple of Jesus isn’t simply about following rules, but about being an example of the values of God’s kingdom—love, mercy, purity, peace-making, and good character—in every aspect of our lives.

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Continue exploring Matthew 5

If you’d like to read Matthew 5 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 5 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 5 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 5 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Matthew in more depth, here are some commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Matthew
Matthew (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Matthew (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Matthew Chapter 4 Simplified: What did Jesus do each time Satan tempted him?

Published on May 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

The Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He didn’t eat for forty days and forty nights and became hungry. The tempting devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell those stones to become bread loaves.”
Jesus answered, “It has been written down ‘Mankind will not survive on bread alone, but by everything that God says.'”
The devil then took Jesus to the holy city and sat him on the highest tower of the temple. “If you are the Son of God, jump off!” he said. “It has been written down ‘He’ll tell the angels what to do for you, and they will carry you so you don’t even trip over a rock.'”
Jesus answered, “It has been written down, ‘Don’t test the Lord your God.'”
The devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him all of the kingdoms in the world and how amazing they were. “If you worship me, I’ll give you all of this.”
“Go away, Satan,” Jesus told him. “It has been written down ‘You will only worship and serve the Lord your God.'”
The devil finally left him alone. Angels arrived and saw to Jesus’s needs.
When he heard that John had been arrested, he went to Galilee.

After he left Nazareth, he stayed in Capernaum, which is on the sea-side in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah said: ‘In the area of Zebulun and Naphtali by the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee where the non-Jews live, people sitting in darkness will see a light. People living in the land and under death’s shadow have a light shining on them.’
This is when Jesus began to preach. He said, “Change your ways! The kingdom of heaven has come closer.”
Walking on the beach at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon (aka Peter) and his brother Andrew fishing, because that was their job. He said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishermen of men!”
They immediately left their fishing gear and began following him.
Then Jesus saw two more brothers, James and John, Zebedee’s sons, in a boat with their Dad. They were fixing their nets when Jesus invited them to go with him. They immediately left the boat, with their Dad still in it, and followed Jesus.
He went around Galilee teaching where the Jewish people assembled. He told them the good news of the kingdom and healed all sorts of disease and sickness that people had.
Jesus began to become famous around Syria. People brought other people who had various diseases, painful injuries, demon possession, mental illness or couldn’t walk. Jesus healed them all. Crowds followed him. There were people from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and beyond the Jordan river.

Matthew Chapter 4 Summary

Matthew Chapter 4 is Jesus’ journey as He resists temptation in the desert and begins His service. The Holy Spirit leads Him to the desert where, after fasting for forty days and nights, He is tempted by the devil. Despite the devil’s temptations of turning stones into bread, jumping off a tower, and ruling the world in exchange for worship, Jesus remains committed to God’s Word.

Upon hearing about John’s arrest, Jesus moves to Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. In Galilee, Jesus starts preaching and pleads with people to repent, as the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus calls Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John to be His disciples, who immediately stop their jobs to follow and help Him. As Jesus continues to teach and heal the sick, His fame grows. He attracts followers from everywhere, all of whom are amazed with His abilities to cure disease and sickness.

Matthew Chapter 4 Bible Study Questions and Answers

Q: What does Jesus’ time of temptation in the desert teach us about resisting temptations in our lives?
A: Jesus’ time in the desert shows us the importance of knowing and relying on God’s Word to resist temptations. It teaches us to remain confident in our faith even in testing times.
Q: How does Jesus respond to the devil’s temptations and what can we learn from His responses?
A: Jesus responds to each temptation by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God’s Word. This teaches us the value of Scripture in our lives and the importance of using it as a weapon against temptations.
Q: What does Jesus mean when He says, “The kingdom of heaven has come closer”?
A: Jesus’ announcement signifies that with His presence on earth, the God’s reign is near and accessible, and people are invited to be a part of it through repentance and faith.
Q: Why did Peter, Andrew, James, and John immediately leave their work to follow Jesus?
A: Their immediate response shows their recognition of Jesus’ authority and a willingness to leave everything behind to follow Him. It teaches us to put our faith first and commitment to God over worldly goals.
Q: What is the importance of Jesus healing the sick?
A: Jesus’ healing miracles show His power and care, confirms His role as the saviour, and are a sign of God’s kingdom breaking into the world.

Matthew Chapter 4 Explained

In Matthew Chapter 4, the story focuses on two major themes: Jesus’ temptation by the devil and the start of His public service. These aspects reveal Jesus’ holy authority, His fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, and set the tone for His future teachings and miracles.

Jesus’ time in the desert shows His human vulnerability and holy strength. Although he is physically hungry, He resists the devil’s temptations by relying on the strength of God’s Word. This communicates a powerful message to Christians about the importance of having a good spiritual diet over physical needs and the power of God’s Word in overcoming trials.

Jesus’ move to Galilee following John’s arrest represents the exchange of the spiritual torch from John to Jesus, in fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus’ decision to start His ministry in an area populated by non-Jews shows His message is for everyone, not just Jews, and that God’s kingdom expands beyond Israel.

When Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they abandon their work to follow Him. This immediate and complete obedience highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ call and underscores the magnitude of His divine mission.

As Jesus preaches the ‘good news of the kingdom’, He brings a message of hope and that God’s reign over the world is coming. His ability to heal many different sicknesses shows that God’s kingdom is here, where wholeness and well-being win over brokenness and illness.

The chapter ends with an example of Jesus’ growing influence, showing His fame spreading far and wide. It sets the stage for His future teachings and miracles, solidifying His role as the promised saviour and confirms His authority to both His followers and generations of followers to come.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow and subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 4

If you’d like to read Matthew 4 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 4 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 4 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 4 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 3 Simplified: Who was John the Baptist?

Published on May 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

During that time, John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judea.
He preached, “Change your ways! The new Kingdom of Heaven is coming soon.”
John the Baptist was talked about by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “There is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Get ready for the Lord! Make your paths straight!'”
John’s shirt was made of camel hair and he had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. People in Jerusalem, Judea and the regions around the Jordan river came to see and hear him.

John baptised them in the Jordan river when they admitted their failures. Pharisees [Jews who believed a messiah was coming, but only for Jews] and Sadducees [Jews who didn’t believe a messiah was coming at all] also came to his baptisms.
John said to them, “You sons of snakes! Who told you to escape from the punishments that are coming? Make it obvious that you have changed your ways. Don’t presume that you can just say ‘Abraham is our father’. I’m telling you that God can raise up children of Abraham from these stones here! The axe has already started chopping at the tree roots. Every tree not producing good fruit is going to be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptise you with water to change your life, but someone is coming who is more powerful than me. I am not even worthy to carry his shoes. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He has his shovel and he’ll clear the floor of the granary, gather his wheat, but burn the chaff with inextinguishable fire.”

Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan river to be baptised by John.
John tried to stop him by saying, “I need to be baptised by you! Why are you coming to me?”
Jesus answered, “Do it for now, as this is how we are going to fulfil God’s justice.” He then was baptised.
After Jesus was dipped into the water, he came back up and the skies cleared up. God’s spirit came down in the form of a dove and came to Jesus.
A voice from the skies said, “This is my son who I love, and I am very pleased with him.”

Matthew Chapter 3 Summary

In Matthew Chapter 3, John the Baptist appears in Judea’s wilderness, announcing the coming arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven and urging people to reconsider. Isaiah’s prophecy told of John’s message, encouraging people to prepare for the Lord’s coming. John, wearing camel hair with a leather belt, ate locusts and wild honey. People came to see to him from all over, including Jerusalem and Jordan. Those who reconsidered and confessed their sins were baptised in the Jordan river.

The Pharisees and Sadducees, Jewish groups with different beliefs about the Messiah, also came for baptism. John told them off and urged them to change rather than relying on their family line. He spoke of another man, greater than he was, who would baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Jesus then arrives from Galilee to be baptised by John. John initially resists, feeling unworthy, but Jesus insists it’s necessary to fulfil God’s justice for the world. After Jesus’ baptism, the sky cleared, and a dove representing God’s spirit came down to on Jesus. A heavenly voice proclaims Jesus as God’s son who he loves, with whom He is very pleased.

Matthew Chapter 3 Bible Study Questions and Answers

Q: How can John the Baptist’s message of reconsidered what we do [repentance] be applied to our lives today?
A: Repentance remains an essential step in the Christian life. It means recognising and turning away from our sinful behaviours, and continually aiming to live according to God’s will and plans.
Q: What was the significance of John the Baptist’s clothes and food?
A: John’s lifestyle symbolised a life of simplicity. It serves as a reminder to not be consumed by worldly things and to focus more on spiritual growth.
Q: How can we see true change in our lives, as John told off the Pharisees and Sadducees?
A: Genuine change is seen through our actions and attitudes. It’s about more than just saying the right words; it involves a genuine change in our hearts that is reflected in how we treat others and live our lives.
Q: What does the idea of Jesus baptising with the Holy Spirit and fire mean to you?
A: It refers to a deep, spiritual cleaning that goes beyond what water can clean. The Holy Spirit purifies, renews, and gives us power, while the fire symbolises the cleaning presence of God that deals with sin.
Q: How does Jesus’ humility, shown when he insisted on being baptised by John, inform our own attitudes and actions?
A: It reminds us to be humble, acknowledging that we’re part of God’s broader plan and that we’re called to serve, not to be served.

Matthew Chapter 3 Explained

Matthew Chapter 3 introduces John the Baptist, a significant person in Christianity, who called for people to reconsider their ways in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of Heaven. His life in the wilderness and eating locusts and honey portrays a man dedicated to his mission and less concerned with earthly things. His simple lifestyle sends a clear message about the need for humility and being less concerned with worldly things for spiritual growth.

John’s preaching contains Isaiah’s prophecy, connecting the Old and New Testaments and confirming that John was the foretold advertiser of the Messiah. His message was a call to change in preparation for the coming of Jesus, a challenge that still holds true today. John’s words to the Pharisees and Sadducees were a stern warning against getting comfortable and having a surface-level faith. It emphasised that true repentance is shown through actions, not mere words or having a certain family line.

Jesus’ baptism is very significant. Despite John’s objections, Jesus insisted on being baptised, displaying humility and obedience to God’s plan. His baptism publicly confirmed his mission and served as the official start of his ministry. The opening of the sky, the descent of the dove and the divine voice confirmed Jesus as God’s Son, setting the stage for his public service and role as the saviour.

Overall, this chapter contains themes of preparation, repentance, humility, and divine confirmation. It serves as an important point in the New Testament, being the change from prophecy to fulfilment, and from preparation to action. The chapter calls Christians to a life of sincere repentance, humble service, and active faith in the knowledge that Jesus, the one who baptises with the Holy Spirit and fire, is leading the way.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow and subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 3

If you’d like to read Matthew 3 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 3 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 3 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 3 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 2 Simplified: Herod’s hunt for Jesus

Published on May 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea, while King Herod ruled. Eastern astrologers came to Jerusalem and asked “Where is the newborn called ‘King of the Jews’? We saw his star in the east and want to worship him.”
King Herod, and the rest of Jerusalem, was upset to hear this. The King summoned all the chief priests and religious teachers and asked them, “Where is this Christ going to be born?”
“Bethlehem, Judea,” they replied. “The prophets wrote, ‘Bethlehem, land of Judah, will not be the worst among the rulers in Judah. The leader who will shepherd the people of Israel will come out of Judah.'”
Herod secretly asked the eastern astrologers exactly when the star had appeared. He told them, “Go to Bethlehem and find the child. Let me know when you find him so I can also come and worship him.”

The astrologers left the King and began travelling. Amazingly, the star in the east lead them until it stopped over the child’s house. When they saw the star, they were ecstatic. They went into the house and found the boy with his Mum, Mary. They fell down and worshiped Jesus. They opened their belongings and gave him presents: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
When they were about to return to the King, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so took a different route and escaped back to their home country.
After they left, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up and take your wife and child to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise. Herod is about to start hunting for the child to kill him.”
Joseph immediately got up and started travelling, that night, with his wife and child to Egypt. They remained there until Herod died, fulfilling what the Lord said through the prophet, “I have called my Son out of Egypt”.

Herod, realising he had been tricked by the astrologers, became incredibly angry. He hunted and killed all the boys under 2 years old in Bethlehem and the surrounding regions, as that’s the age the astrologers had told him. This fulfilled what Jeremiah the prophet said: “A voice was heard in Ramah crying and mourning: it was Rachel crying for her children and she could not be comforted because they were dead.”

After Herod died, an angel came to Joseph, who was still in Egypt, in a dream and said, “Get up and take your wife and child back to Israel. The people who were hunting the child have died.”Joseph got up and took his wife and child back to Israel. He was informed that Archelaus was ruling Judea in place of his father Herod, and so was afraid to go there. He had another dream where he was given a warning, so Joseph went to Nazareth, Galilee. It fulfilled what the prophets said, that Jesus will be called a ‘Nazarene’.

Matthew Chapter 2 Summary

Matthew 2 tells the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, during King Herod’s reign. Eastern astrologers (aka ‘wise men’) saw a star that was a sign of the birth of the ‘King of the Jews’ and travelled to worship him. Upon hearing this, King Herod, not happy with this, ordered the astrologers to find the child for him to also worship. However, his intent was to kill him.

Guided by the star, the astrologers found Jesus, presented him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned in a dream, the astrologers didn’t return to Herod on their return home.

Meanwhile, an angel warned Joseph in a dream to escape to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, as Herod planned to kill the child. They stayed in Egypt until Herod’s death. Herod, angered by the astrologer’s deception, massacred all Bethlehem boys under two, fulfilling a prophecy made by Jeremiah.

After Herod’s death, an angel told Joseph to return to Israel. Afraid of Archelaus, Herod’s successor, Joseph made home in Nazareth, Galilee, fulfilling a prophecy that Jesus will be known as a ‘Nazarene’.

Matthew Chapter 2 Bible Study Questions and Answers

Q: How does the astrologer’s journey to worship Jesus encourage us to seek Christ?
A: Their journey illustrates determination and devotion. It encourages us to seek Christ persistently and honour Him wholeheartedly, despite challenges.
Q: What can we learn from the gifts the astrologers brought for Jesus?
A: Their gifts may signify recognition of Jesus’ kingship (gold), deity (frankincense), and sacrifice (myrrh). It reminds us to acknowledge Jesus’ nature in our own lives.
Q: How does Joseph’s immediate obedience to the angel’s warnings apply to our lives?
A: His obedience shows the importance of listening quickly to God’s guidance, even when it is different from our plans, because God’s warnings are for our protection.
Q: How does Herod’s reaction to Jesus’ birth serve as a caution to Christians today?
A: It can symbolise the world’s resistance to Christ’s truth. It warns us to stay on alert against oppositions to our faith.
Q: What lessons can we draw from Joseph’s fear of Archelaus and his subsequent actions?
A: Joseph’s fear led him to God’s guidance and protection. It reminds us that fear should lead us to seek God’s direction, not cause us to freeze.

Matthew Chapter 2 Explained

Matthew Chapter 2 recounts the early life of Jesus, focusing on His divine birth, escape from King Herod’s killing of all the baby boys, and the fulfilment of biblical prophecies.

At Jesus’ birth, the eastern astrologers were guided by a star, showing the cosmic significance of His arrival. Their purpose was to worship Him, underlining Jesus’ divine nature from birth. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh embodied Jesus’ roles as a king, a God, and a sacrificial saviour, respectively.

Herod’s plot shows the opposition Jesus faced right from birth. Herod’s rule symbolises the worldly power threatened by Jesus’ spiritual kingship. Herod’s massacre of the innocent babies shows the lengths worldly powers will go to keep control, revealing a contrast to Jesus’ peaceful kingdom.

Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s warnings protected Jesus. His immediate actions highlight the role of obedience in God’s plan. Their time in Egypt fulfilled a prophecy, demonstrating God’s careful plan that goes across generations.

Upon Herod’s death, Joseph was guided to return but decided against settling in Judea due to fear of Archelaus. Instead, they resided in Nazareth, which aligned with the prophecy of Jesus being called a ‘Nazarene’.

Overall, Matthew 2 reveals the divine plans of events surrounding Jesus’ early life, confirming His identity as the Messiah and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. It underlines the struggle between worldly and spiritual powers and highlights a new age in human history.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow and subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring Matthew 2

If you’d like to read Matthew 2 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 2 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 2 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 2 in the Contemporary English Version.

Matthew Chapter 1 Simplified: Jesus’s Family Tree and Birth Story

Published on May 2020July 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

This is the genealogy of Jesus Christ who is a descendant of David, who in turn is a descendant of Abraham:
Abraham was Isaac’s Dad,
Isaac was Jacob’s Dad,
Jacob was Judah and his brothers’ Dad,
Judah and Tamar had Perez and Zerah,
Perez was Hezron’s Dad,
Hezron was Ram’s Dad,
Ram was Amminadab’s Dad,
Amminadab was Nahshon’s Dad,
Nahshon was Salmon’s Dad,
Salmon and Rahab had Boaz,
Boaz and Ruth had Obed,
Obed was Jesse’s Dad,
Jesse was King David’s Dad.
David and Bathsheba had Solomon,
Solomon was Rehoboam’s Dad,
Rehoboam was Abijah’s Dad,
Abijah was Asa’s Dad.
Asa was Jehoshaphat’s Dad,
Jehoshaphat was Joram’s Dad,
Joram was Uzziah’s Dad,
Uzziah was Jotham’s Dad,
Jotham was Ahaz’s Dad,
Ahaz was Hezekiah’s Dad,
Hezekiah was Manasseh’s Dad,
Manasseh was Amos’s Dad,
Amos was Josiah’s Dad,
Josiah fathered Jeconiah and his brothers during the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile, Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel,
Shealtiel was Zerubbabel’s Dad,
Zerubbabel was Abiud’s Dad,
Abiud was Eliakim’s Dad,
Eliakim was Azor’s Dad,
Azor was Zadok’s Dad,
Zadok was Achim’s Dad,
Achim was Eliud’s Dad,
Eliud was Eleazer’s Dad,
Eleazer was Matthan’s Dad,
Matthan was Jacob’s Dad,
Jacob fathered Joseph, Mary’s husband; the Mary who gave birth to Jesus Christ.

In summary, there were 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 generations from David until the Babylonian exile, and 14 generations from the Babylonian exile until Christ.

This is how Jesus Christ was born: His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph. Before they got married, she was already pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, being a good person and not wanting her to be publicly humiliated, decided to secretly break off the engagement.
While he was deciding this, an angel appeared to him in a dream and said “Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to marry Mary. She was made pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus. He will save his people from their sins.”
This all happened and was already explained by the Lord through the prophet who said, “The virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means God is with us.”
Waking up, Joseph did what the angel told him to do and married Mary, but didn’t have sex with her until she had given birth to a son. He named the son Jesus.

Matthew Chapter 1 Summary

Matthew Chapter 1 provides an overview of Jesus Christ’s family line from Abraham, through King David, to Joseph, Mary’s husband. There are 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 generations from David until the Babylonian exile, and 14 generations from the exile to Christ. In addition, the chapter narrates the context surrounding Jesus’s birth. Mary, Jesus’s mother, was set to be married to Joseph when she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph planned to secretly end the engagement, but an angel appeared to him in a dream, assuring him that Mary’s pregnancy was God’s plan. He was told to name the child Jesus, who would save his people from their sins. When he woke up, Joseph followed the angel’s advice, marrying Mary and naming her son Jesus after his birth.

Matthew Chapter 1 Bible Study Questions and Answers

Question: How can Joseph’s decision to stand by Mary inspire us to have faith during challenging times?
Answer: Joseph’s decision shows us the importance of faith and obedience to God’s will, even when the circumstances are challenging or unclear. We can learn to trust in God’s plan, knowing that He works all things for good.
Question: What significance does Jesus’s family line have on our understanding of His mission?
Answer: Jesus’s family line, being a descendant of Abraham and King David, fulfils Old Testament prophecies and reveals Jesus as the rightful king, emphasising His plan to save humanity.
Question: How can the angel’s reassurance to Joseph help us cope with fear and uncertainty?
Answer: The angel’s reassurance is a reminder that God is always with us, guiding us, even in times of fear and uncertainty. We can take comfort in this guidance.
Question: What does the name “Jesus” signify, and how does this relate to Christian living? Answer: The name “Jesus” means “God saves”. This points to our belief in Jesus as our Saviour, reminding us of God’s grace and forgiveness.
Question: How does the word “Immanuel” (God is with us) apply to your daily life as a Christian?
Answer: “Immanuel” assures us of God’s constant presence and guidance in our daily lives. It encourages us to trust in God’s plan and seek His guidance.

Matthew Chapter 1 Explained

Matthew Chapter 1 is an introduction to the life of Jesus Christ, tracing His family line back through notable people like King David and Abraham. This family line is important because it establishes Jesus as the rightful heir to David’s throne, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, and positions Him as the promised saviour.

This chapter further delves into the context surrounding Jesus’s birth. It depicts Mary’s miraculous pregnancy by the Holy Spirit while she was engaged to Joseph. Joseph, a good man, planned to quietly break off the engagement with Mary to avoid public shame. However, an angel shows up in a dream, assuring him that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit, a part of God’s divine plan. The angel instructed Joseph to name the child Jesus, which means ‘God saves’—a clear foreshadowing of Jesus’s plan to save humanity from their sins.

Joseph’s obedience to the divine message portrays his good nature and serves as an example for Christians to trust and obey God’s recommendations, even in perplexing situations. It also underlines the divine guidance that we can expect in our own lives.

Moreover, the fulfilment of the prophecy—”The virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means God is with us”—underscores the central belief of Christianity that God became man in Jesus Christ. It assures Christians of God’s never ending presence in their lives and His willingness to intervene for their good.

In summary, Matthew Chapter 1 firmly establishes Jesus’s divine and royal family line, details His amazing, miraculous birth, and sets the stage for His mission of salvation. This chapter encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even in the face of uncertainty, and to be open to His divine intervention in our lives. It also underlines Jesus’s role as the Saviour, a theme that reoccurs throughout the Gospel of Matthew.

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Continue exploring Matthew 1

If you’d like to read Matthew 1 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Matthew 1 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Matthew 1 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Matthew 1 in the Contemporary English Version.