This week we explore Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-38 for part two of our Chronological Gospels study. Matthew opens up with the genealogy of Jesus. It seems like most people see lists of names and kind of gloss over it, but I encourage you to truly investigate and absorb the names on this list.
What names in the genealogy of Jesus listed in Matthew 1 stand out to you and why?
I love that Rahab, the prostitute from Joshua 2 and Joshua 6, is part of Jesus' genealogy. In Joshua, she was an unexpected participant in the story of Jericho. She hid some men of the Lord, saving their lives, and she was spared when the city fell. We then get to see that she was the mother of Boaz, who later married Ruth, which we learn in Ruth 4.
Each of these people is named in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Every name mentioned in scripture is important and intentional. This passage may seem mundane, but I find it incredible to discover ties to other stories of the Old Testament right here in this list of names. We get to learn so much from a seemingly simple list of people, but each served an incredible role in God's plans to send His Son to earth.
Who else on this list do you recognize from other Bible passages?
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After telling us the lineage of Jesus, we get to read about His birth in Matthew 1:18-25 and again in Luke 2:1-24. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 and is a beautiful reminder that God is a promise keeper.
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.[a]
What promises have you seen God keep in your life and how has this helped your faith?
In Luke 2 we learn that God used the census to lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in order to fulfill the prophecy from Micah 5:2. God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and He absolutely uses these details, that so often we see as burdensome or as getting in the way, to lead us where He wants us to go.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From [a]everlasting.”
Explain a time you felt burdened by a situation and later learned God was working in it.
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be presented at the temple, we see beautiful examples from Simeon and Anna. They were led by the Holy Spirit to the knowledge of who Jesus, this little infant in His parent's arms, truly was. They both not only believed what was revealed to them but proclaimed and praised this wonderful news!
This was the news they waited all their lives, and many generations, for, and here He was in their temple. These people who faithfully waited and prayed for the coming of the Messiah were blessed with being participants in presenting this Holy child to the Lord. They welcomed this opportunity and gave great, bold praise to God.
This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.
Today we are diving into Luke 1 and John 1:1-14. There are so many nuggets here and I invite you to read these passages over the next week and join the conversation to study alongside one another.
What are some things you found interesting about the message from Gabriel to Zechariah about the coming birth of John?
One thing I noticed today is that Elizabeth is from the tribe of Aaron, which was the tribe ordained by God to be priests. John the Baptist was of the line of Aaron, which is fitting for the one who would be the prophet born to go before Christ and make the way ready for His coming.
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I also love that even in the womb, John was filled with the Holy Spirit and that it was revealed to Elizabeth also that Mary would bear the Lord and Savior. Throughout this whole chapter, I love seeing Mary and Elizabeth both praising God and being faithful, willing, and obedient to the will of God, to be used in such ways as they were.
Throughout this whole first chapter in Luke, I cannot help but notice the theme of God as a Promise Keeper. Sometimes it can be so difficult to remember not only that God keeps His promises, but that He MAKES promises.
How can remembering that God makes and keeps promises encourage you or someone you know today?
Hopping over to the first bit of John we see John's account of the birth of John and proclamation of Jesus. Throughout both passages this morning I am drawn to the different names for Jesus we see right off the bat; Son of the Most High, Son of God, the Word, the Light, the Life, the only Son from the Father.
What names of Jesus that we read today stand out to you the most, and mean the most to you?
I also love what John tells us that Jesus, the Word, was with God from the very beginning and that all things were created through Him. Not only was Jesus sent to redeem all of creation, but creation was created through Him as well as redeemed through Him.
What does knowing Jesus the light mean to you?
Jesus is the light, and no darkness can overcome Him. When we believe in Jesus as the Son of God, we have His light in us, we are children of God with Him, and His light cannot be overcome. We should bring His light into the world, and participate in the great and wonderful work of drawing more and more people to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.
Who wrote the Gospel of John and who did they write it for?
The apostle John wrote the gospel of John. His father was Zebedee, and his mother was Salome, who was sister to Mary the mother of Jesus, making John the cousin of Jesus. John wrote the book of John to fellow Jews, encouraging them to confess faith in Jesus and persevere in their new identity in Christ.
When did the events of the the Gospel of John happen?
The events of the book of John take place from the birth to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. John likely wrote his account of the gospel between 80-95AD, toward the end of his life.
What was the setting of the Gospel of John?
Scholars believe that John likely wrote his account of the gospel while he was in Ephesus toward the end of his life. Jewish Christians were being thrown out of the Synagauges and heavily persecuted, and John wrote the gospel of John to help give these Christians purpose and reinforce their identity in Christ.
Presents the teachings and ministry of Jesus in a manner that reinforces His identity and authority, versus focusing on a chronological retelling of the gospel like Matthew, Mark, and Luke do.
Serves as a theological retelling of Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection.
Explains Jesus in a way to teach Christians that Jesus truly understands what we face in human life, even while He remained our sinless and soverign King.
Explains much of Jesus' teachings and ministry with symbolism and spiritual expression.
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Summary
The Apostle John was cousin to Jesus. His father was Zebedee, mentioned many times in the New Testament, and his mother was Salome who was sister to Jesus' mother, Mary. John was in Jesus' inner circle, and he and his brother James were nicknamed by Jesus "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17). He was also called "uneducated and untrained" (Acts 4:13), but also was "the disciple whome Jesus loved" (John 21:20).
Scripture indicates that John ministered longer than any other disciple, that he was an eyewitness to the ministry and life of Jesus, was present even for the Last Supper, was with Peter on the way to Jesus' empty tomb, and also recognized Jesus after He had resurrected.
There is much evidence throughout the New Testament to support that John was in fact very close to Jesus and that Jesus loved John deeply. His gospel account has been called the spiritual gospel, focusing on the spiritual aspects of the life and works of Jesus Christ versus a more synoptic account as with Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Throughout this gospel account, John presents Jesus as the divine Word, the Christ, and the Son of God. He reinforces that Jesus is Redeemer and that He is the Sacrificial Lamb, which would have resonated strongly with the Jewish population, and the only means to salvation and eternal life.
All throughout this book, John focuses on the spiritual aspects of Jesus' life and ministry, how Jesus can sympathize and understand what we face in the human life, and how this should impact us spiritually. This book should serve as an incredible encouragement to all who read it that Jesus is in fact the Son of God, Savior and Redeemer, and the ultimate sacrifice for sins for those who choose to believe in Him.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Gospel of Luke and who did they write it for?
Luke, a medical doctor and a companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote the Gospel of Luke. The book is addressed to Theophilus, which means "lover of God". Theophilus could have been a particular person or could represent any Christian or group of Christians. Regardless, this account of the Gospel is written to those who need encouragement in the faith.
When did the events of the the Gospel of Luke happen?
It is likely that Luke wrote both the books of Luke and Acts while Paul was imprisoned in Rome, probably between 59-61 AD. It is also possible that Luke was written later, after AD 70. The events of the book of Luke take place from the birth to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
What was the setting of the Gospel of Luke?
No matter when Luke was written, it was intended to encourage Christians and those inquiring about Christ in a time when the Romans believed Christians to be a great political threat to their rule.
Luke, who was a medical doctor and also a dear friend and companion to the Apostle Paul, wrote this account of the Gospel of Jesus. Luke is not an eye-witness account, but a collection of reports from others compiled together to create a chronological and historical record of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Being a dear companion to Paul, it is likely Luke also intended this record to help convince Roman authorities that Christians were not a political threat.
No matter when Luke wrote the book of Luke, there was certainly incredible persecution of Christians happening. He was even close with Paul, who was imprisoned multiple times for his work in spreading the Gospel. There would have been a lot of fear of proclaiming faith in Jesus, and great risk involved. Luke does a great job to encourage and help others to understand the person, life, and works of Jesus Christ in his account of the Gospel of Jesus.
The book of Luke is the longest of the four gospel accounts, is the most detailed, and is the only gospel account with a sequel; the book of Acts. Luke, having accompanied Paul on many of his journies, later settled in Philippi. He devoted the rest of his life to the ministry of the Philippian Church.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Gospel of Mark and who did they write it for?
The Apostle Mark wrote the gospel of Mark for gentile Christians, in particular to Roman converts, and those suffering and being persecuted.
When did the events of the the Gospel of Mark happen?
There is much debate over when Mark wrote this gospel account, but the events which it covers are from the time of Jesus' birth until His death and resurrection.
What was the setting of the Gospel of Mark?
Regardless of when Mark wrote this gospel account, Christians were being heavily persecuted. Mark's account addresses the reality of their suffering and persecution and serves to encourage them with his account of the gospel of Jesus.
Verifies the Truth of the gospel and encourages Christians to share this Truth with future generations
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Summary
The Apostle Mark wrote this gospel account very unique compared to the other three accounts; Matthew, Luke, and John. Throughout the New Testament, we see evidence that Mark was a great helper to both Paul and Peter, and traveled with both of them. It is said that the gospel of Mark is actually the written account of Peter's recollection of events, that Mark wrote Peter's record of events from his travels and time with Jesus.
There is much speculation about where Mark was when he wrote this account, as well as when exactly he wrote it, but regardless of those details, we can be certain that the gospel of Jesus according to Mark is filled with encouragement for Christians of all generations. Mark clearly spoke to Christians at an emotional yet logical and practical level. The way he wrote his account was such that it would spur a Christian into action, into change, to be transformed by the gospel rather than merely informed about it.
The gospel according to Mark is different from all of the other three gospel accounts and is just as important for all Christians to read, study, believe, and apply to their lives.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Who wrote the Gospel of Matthew and who did they write it for?
The book of Matthew is one of the four gospels of Jesus. This gospel was written by the apostle Matthew as an account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This account was written primarily to the Jews.
When did the events of the the Gospel of Matthew happen?
The book of Matthew covers events from the genealogy of Christ, up to the resurrection of Christ. It was likely written before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.
What was the setting of the Gospel of Matthew?
As the events of the book of Matthew cover the entire genealogy, birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the events take place in many locations, settings, and cultures. It is said that Matthew may have written this gospel in Antioch or Palestine.
What is the purpose of the Gospel of Matthew?
Geneology, Birth and Early Life of Jesus (Matthew 1-2)
Acts as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments with the benefit of a Jewish perspective.
Confirms that Jesus is the promised Messiah and that He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament through His birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Explains the genealogy of Jesus as evidence of Him being the promised King and Messiah.
Discusses the law, Sabbath, the temple, prophecy fulfillment, and more from a Jewish perspective.
Provides instructions for how a disciple of Jesus should live their life.
Explains the relationship Jesus wishes to have with His followers.
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Summary
Reading and studying each gospel is invaluable for the edification of every believer. Each gospel provides a unique perspective of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to its author, by the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, who was born Jewish and became a tax collector for the Romans.
Matthew wrote this gospel in a way that his fellow Jews would understand, teaching them that Jesus is the Messiah promised through the Old Testament Hebrew texts. Many times scriptures from the Old Testament are quoted in Matthew in order to help build the case for Christ.
Matthew's gospel account provides a unique Jewish perspective, tying the Old and New Testaments together and proving that Jesus is who He claims to be, has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, and is the new way of salvation which is offered first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. His record of Christ's genealogy ties Jesus all the way back to the line of David, which
Pin me for later!
Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
I am a wife, mom, writer, crafter, and above all, a Child of God. I love to study the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God. I am thrilled to invite you to join me in seeking to satisfy our thirsty souls with the Living Water of Christ, which is what Water On Thirsty Land is here to do.
