MATTHEW

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original readers?
The original readers were mostly Jews who already believed in Jesus and that he was the Son of God. (14:33 and 16:16).

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of this book is Matthew (also named Levi). He left his tax office to follow Jesus (9:9 and 10:3). The book was written between AD 70 and 80.
 

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea”.

It was important for Matthew to tell about that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah (5:17). I think the priests and the Pharisees understood more than they were willing to admit when Jesus told the parable about the evil tenants and how the tenants (the Israelites) treated the servants (God’s  prophets). The landowner at last sent his own son (Jesus) to them, but they killed him also.

Another important theme is righteousness. The citizens of the Heavens kingdom  are called to be righteous. Love for others is also emphasized – and mercy and forgiveness (5:7 and 6:2-4).

I think what Jesus says in 3:17 contents the main idea: “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near”.

                                                      

What is the primary reason this book was written?

I think the most important message in Matthew is to show that Jesus is the Messiah that is prophesied many times in the Old Testament – for example 4:14-16, 8:17, 12:17-21, 13:35. The Genealogy of Jesus in 1:1-16 (which shows that Jesus is a descendant of Abraham and David), his birth and childhood, teaching and ministry confirm that Jesus is Christ – the anointed one.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

In the NT is it possible to see God's character and nature lived out practically through Jesus, and he is a example for us as his followers. All things Jesus did reflect God’s nature - for example 4:23&25: “He healed every kind of disease and illness”.

I think Jesus in Sermon on the Mount shows many qualities that God appreciates among His people, because these are similar to Himself (Matt. 5:5-11)

-      Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

-      Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

-      Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

-      Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

-      Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

 

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The prophesy of Jesus in Isaiah 42:1-4 is according to Matthew 12:2 fulfilled by Jesus:
“And his name will be the hope of all the world”

Jesus came to fulfill the law and the blood of Jesus is poured out as the perfect lamb to take away the sins of the world.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”. (26:28)

Personal Application:

When reading the OT I can see again and again that one of the things the people must repent from is that they have not helped the poor. When reading Matthew 25:35-36 I see that even when the Son of Man shall judge the nations that will it be of   decisive importance how we have treated the poor:

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”’

Back home we have several people-groups (especially people from Romania) that are suffering and begging money from people passing by in the streets. I will pray God to show me ways I can be a helper to these people.

Point of passion:

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

This fall the 1st Shan DTS ever was started in Chiang Mai. There are 6 Shan students and during the first week they had a powerful time of prayer and worship. God gave a word for these students, quote: "They will be the head and not the tail, they will be a tip of an arrow to penetrate and open up doors for the gospel among the Shan people". This was an amazing word from the Lord and by summing it up, that means they are PIONEERS.

The saddest thing about all these students is that most of them are orphans, and have gone through a lot of difficulties in life. But I believe that God has chosen them and have a plan and a purpose for every one of them. I will also pray that God brings healing into their lives, and will reveal His Father Heart to these students, and use them to reflect His glory to the Shan in South East Asia.

The story Jesus told in Matthew about the importance of building on solid rock, reminds me about praying that the teaching these 6 students will get during this DTS will make them able to build all their lives on solid rock – so they can stand steadfast  when all kind of trials come.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)