DAY 007: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – MATTHEW 1-2

January 6, 2024

MATTHEW 1-2
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DAY 007: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Our journey today begins our journey through the Gospel of Matthew. Although the Gospel of Matthew was written anonymously, is credited to the Apostle Matthew, a tax collector, who became an Apostle of Jesus. Matthew forsook the ways of a tax collector becoming an Evangelist of Christ. The Gospel of Matthew was written around AD 85. At the time the Gospel of Matthew was being written, Christians were facing persecution for their faith. In order to remain strong in their faith, it was beneficial to have a record of Christ’s life.

Ask the Lord for His understanding of Matthew 1-2. Read Matthew 1-2. Let’s journey!

The Gospel of Matthew appears to have been written with Jews as the intended recipients. It contains many references to Old Testament prophecies, linking them to Jesus and demonstrating that Jesus was the awaited, prophesied Messiah. During the time of today’s reading, Rome was under a time of change, adjusting to the rule of an Emperor instead of being ruled by the Senate. Julius Caesar had been killed in 44 BC, plunging Rome into civil wars, civil unrest, and civil lawlessness. Julius’ nephew, Gaius Octavian, who later became Caesar Augustus, consolidated his power and became the first Emperor of Rome in 27 BC, and remained in power until his death in AD 14. King Herod, ruling Judah as a client king for Rome, was near the end of his life at the time Jesus was born. Herod died between 4 and 1 BC.

Matthew 1-2: The first chapter of the book of Matthew is about the genealogy of Jesus and about Mary becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit with Jesus. It is also about the fulfillment of prophecy. The second chapter of Matthew is about the birth of Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecy. (Matthew 1:1-2:23)

Read chapters 1 and 2 and ask yourself these questions: What prophesies were fulfilled in today’s reading? Why is it important to recognize the prophecies fulfilled? As you begin the journey of Jesus life, consider where are you on your journey. What are you wanting to learn?

Godspeace!