Words of Encouragement

I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. - Psalm 116:1-2

O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. - Psalm 117

Praise and prayer. These two scriptures have been on my heart for the last week or so. I wanted to share it with you this week.

The first scripture tells us about the writer of this psalm. The psalmist writes that he loves the Lord and he says it is because he has experienced God's care of him. What is that care? When he sought God, God answered. I like the part where it says he inclined his ear towards him. This made me think about a small child calling out to his parent and the parent hearing that small voice even in the midst of noisiness and leaning down to where the child is to look him in the face and hear what he has to say. WOW!

Can you see that visually? God comes to where we are and no amount of "stuff" around us can keep him from hearing us and he knows are voices even in the midst of many voices. He comes close to us and he hears his child. The psalmist says then because of this, he will continually call upon the name of God.

So what is then required of us when we call upon God? The next psalm gives us our direction. We are to praise him because his truth is everlasting. This is a reminder that when we pray we are not to walk away from our prayers as if God did not hear us or that our prayers simply were words that were lost in the air. God inclines his ear so he hears all that you request of him.

Let us realize that prayer and praise goes together. We praise our Lord because of his truth that is everlasting. We have a hope and we should praise him even before we see the results of our prayers. Why should we praise him? Because while we may not have the answer yet, we have the assurance that God has already heard us and that his word is true. He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Prayer: Lord we praise you name this day. We thank you for answering our prayers and our concerns. We are thankful and rejoice because you are a faithful God and your truth endures forever. Help us your people to rejoice always in all situations as we wait upon you. Amen.

The week in Review

The Image of God: Why Did God Create Me (part 5)?
Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams
December 11, 2008

Conclusion

Towner sums up with his comment, “We are God’s creatures and chosen partners in the work of the creation. We are given ever greater opportunity to be bearers of the divine image, that is, positive, responsible stewards in the world, until the day that God makes all things new.”[1] Man was made in the image of God. This image is found in all humanity. Sin does not destroy the image of God nor does he lose it. However, sin does distort the image of God. The image is man’s ability to have a relationship with God. Sin changes that relationship from a loving one to a hostile one causing man to become God’s enemy. God’s love for mankind caused him to send Jesus so that man could be reconciled back into a right relationship. When man is reconciled to God, man can then live out the purpose for why he was created. Man was created to worship and have fellowship with God. Christ’s gift of the cross allows man to become more like the “son” and therefore to reflect more of the restored image within. Why did God create me? He created man to have a right, loving relationship. He created man to be his partner in the world as man creates more of his kind. That translates for the believer that God requires one to reflect the Son so that others can be drawn and in doing so they too can be restored to a right fellowship.

[1] Towner, “Clones of God,” 356.

The Week in Review

Study of the Synoptic Gospels - Mark Survey
Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams (12/07)

Observations: My overall observation of the book of Mark is that it reveals how Jesus, the Son of God accomplished setting up the kingdom of God. It was evident for all to see, it was only the hardening of the hearts that kept individuals from recognizing who Jesus was. I believe Mark makes a point to show the relationships between Jesus and those that come seeking from him. The overarching theme is what does faith look like? The book of Mark shows tenderness towards the individual like none of the other Gospels. Mark shows a narrative of Jesus’ walk from baptism to the cross, to illustrate a suffering discipleship.

Author and intent: The book of Mark is considered to be the earliest of the synoptic Gospel regardless of their order in the Bible. The author of the book of Mark is said to be John Mark who worked closely with Peter. Some scholars want to deny him as the writer, but there is no evidence to support that theory. Mark’s intention was to simply gather facts but to strengthen his community’s faith in Jesus. Mark’s purpose was to show Jesus as his central theme (as with all the Gospels). It was significant to me that Jesus told many to be silent regarding the miracles he performed. This could have been due to the “divine Man” understanding at that time. Mark may have been trying to set Jesus apart from the divine men that were seeking the recognition for the “works of their hands”.

Structural: Contrast is seen in some scriptures structure.
Examples are: 2:17 (sick and whole), 2:22 (old and new bottles), and 6:11 (those that receive you and those that don’t)

Comparison is also used in this unit. The parables use this form.
Examples are: 4 (sower of seed, seed representing the word).

Cause and Effect (causation). Some examples of cause and effect are found in 4:28-29 (Cause – blasphemies against the Holy Spirit, Effect – unforgiveness), 5:34 (Cause faith, Effect – healing). This happens several times regarding faith.

Chapter Titles:
Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Gospel
a. John the Baptist sets the way (1:2-8)
b. Jesus set apart (Baptism & wilderness experience) (1:9-13)
c. Jesus steps forth (preaching starts) (1:14-15)
d. Jesus gathers disciples (1:16-20)
e. Wonders begin to follow him (1:21-45)

Chapter 2: The Gospel Spreads
a. The word preached (2:1-2)
b. The sick healed (2:3-5)
c. The revealing of the hard hearts (2:6-12)
d. Jesus teaches (2:13)
e. He continues to gather disciples (2:14)
f. The teaching of parables begins (2:19-22)

Chapter 3: The Gospel is advanced
a. Jesus’ works questioned (3:1-6)
b. The people seek Jesus’ miracles (3:7-13)
c. Jesus empowers his disciples (3:13-19)
d. The power is falsely accused (3:23-30)

Chapter 4: The Gospel is not deterred
a. The multitudes come to hear (4:1-10)
b. A deeper understanding to the followers (4:11-33)
c. Faith questioned (4:35-41)

Chapter 5: Gospel taken to the other side
a. Work advanced in a new place (5:1-16)
b. The power rejected (5:17)
c. One left to witness (5:18-20)
d. Faith expressed in the miracles (5:21-43)

Chapter 6: Authority of the Gospel questioned
a. No honor in his own country (6:1-6)
b. Jesus sends them forth (6:7-13)
c. Who is this great one? (6:14-30)
d. A miracle in a desert place (6:31- 45)
e. Faith challenged (6:48-52)
f. Healings continue (6:54-56)

Chapter 7: The ministry methods questioned
a. Pharisee’s find fault (7:1-5)
b. Pharisee’s rebuked (7:6-16)
c. Disciples questioned (7:18-23)
d. Jesus withdraws himself (7:24)
e. The people still come (7:25-37)

Chapter 8: Signs of the Gospel’s power
a. Multitude feed (8:1-10)
b. Pharisees seek signs (8:11-12)
c. The disciples miss the signs (8:13-21)
d. The secret miracles (8:23-26)
e. Do you know who Jesus is? (8:27-30)
f. End time signs revealed (8:31-38)

Chapter 9: The coming Kingdom is revealed
a. Kingdom promised (9:1)
b. Jesus’ identity revealed (9:2-9)
c. Scribes question (9:10-13)
d. Faith questioned (9:16-29)
e. Position in the kingdom (9:33-37)
f. Other followers (9:38-50)

Chapter 10: The Gospel challenged
a. Tempting questions (10:2-12)
b. All welcomed (10:13-16)
c. The heavy price of eternity (10:17-22)
d. Call from the Gospel (10:23-32)
e. The promise through the Gospel (10:32-34)
f. Position in the kingdom (10:35-45)
g. Faith receives fulfillment (10:46-52)

Chapter 11: Preparation for the fulfillment of the Gospel
a. The entrance preparation and fulfillment (11:1-11)
b. The preparation of the authority of the temple (11:15-19)
c. Preparation for maturing faith (11:20-26)
d. The preparation of the authority of Jesus over all (11:27-33)

Chapter 12: The religious world questions the authority of the Gospel
a. Jesus speaks in a parable (12:1-11)
b. The Pharisee questions kingship (11:12-18)
c. The Sadducees questions resurrection (11:19-27)
d. The Scribe perceives wisely (11:28-34)
e. Warning of religious things (11:35-40)
f. Faith is greatly rewarded in the Gospel story (11:41-44)

Chapter 13: The Gospel is the foundation
a. Old ways torn down (13:1-8)
b. Sacrifices for the Gospel (13:9-13)
c. Signs of the Gospel’s fulfillment (13:14-20)
d. False signs of the Gospels fulfillment (13:21-23)
e. True signs of the Gospels fulfillment (13:21-37)

Chapter 14: Blessings given to the Gospel purpose
a. The anointing given (14:1-9)
b. Betray amongst the blessing (14:10-11)
c. Preparation for the meal (14:12-17)
d. Betrayal’s purpose (14:18-21)
e. The blessed truth revealed in the meal (14:22-26)
f. The blessed truth offends (14:27-31)
g. The cup of bless (14:33-42)
h. The betrayal kiss (14:45-50)
i. The spoken promises unfolds (14:53-72)

Chapter 15: The Gospel crucified
a. Jesus accused (15:1-5)
b. Foreshadow of the mercy in the Gospel (15:6-15)
c. The cost of the Gospel (15:16-38)
d. The Gospel message (15:39)
e. The preparation for the Gospel re-entry (15:40-47)

Chapter 16: The Gospel is not dead
a. Alive and well (16:1-8)
b. Jesus shows himself (16:9-14)
c. The Gospel mandate enacted (16:15-20)

Thematic Study (Noting Proportion/Sensing Atmosphere):
There are several themes that run throughout the entire the book of Mark. The greatest is the miracles of Jesus. Healings start as early as the second chapter and continue through to the very last chapters of the book. Jesus teaches the crowds as a group and his disciples when he brings them aside to hear a deeper explanation. Faith also plays an important role in the book of Mark, with an emphasis on the individual. I believe that the question of faithfulness is addressed in numerous places of the book. The disciples who are able to see Jesus’ miracles, still seem not to understand who he is. The last theme I see is the establishment of Jesus’ authority. Sometimes he answers the questions, sometimes he does not and this may be because he already knows the heart of those that are questioning.

Literary Type & Genre: The earliest description of the Gospels as books comes from Justin Martyr in A.D. 155 and he called them memoirs. The Gospels were understood as essentially biographical accounts of Jesus. Form Criticism saw the Gospels arising from oral tradition to have a different understanding than before. One explanation of the style of the book of Mark is that it is a long short story (and historical in nature). It is also said that Mark is a single literary work.

Who or what is this about? – This writing is about the savior, Jesus Christ. Mark does not attempt to give you much detail regarding Jesus’ youth; he is more concerned with where his ministry starts. Mark takes us directly to his baptism and the start of his ministry.

Why is this so important? – Why is this book written in this way? Why is the Gospel as presented by Mark more person centered than simply listing the deeds of Jesus? I believe that is Mark wrote to show his audience that faithfulness in Jesus is important. Those he was trying to encourage were dealing with difficulties and may have been in need of some reassurance for the question, are we doing what is right? Mark’s response to them is yes, Jesus is the savior and your faithfulness in rightly placed; that is why I believe he starts his writing right at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

What are the implications and assumptions one can take from this book? – Mark’s message was most concerned with showing Jesus in his interactions with different peoples. Mark makes a point of showing Jesus’ interactions with the “religious people”. He shows how Jesus relates with the crowds and those that stand out in the crowd because of their faith. He also shows how he relates with those that are close to him, his disciples. This gives us a multifaceted look at the savior. He was concerned about people at the same time concerned about the faithfulness of the individual that comes to seek him. He questions his disciple’s lack of understanding, yet patiently continues to show them the truth. He stands as the authority over all that doubt him, yet he still answers. What is the setting and why is that important? – The writing of Mark points to Rome as the most likely place that this was written. Mark has a Gentile audience in mind. This is the explanation given as to why he explains the Aramaic expressions he uses (3:17, 5:41, 7:11, 34; 14:36, 15:34). This is important because Mark was writing so that he could encourage those believers of the power and authority of Jesus. He tells the stories that are not simply a history lesson but a lesson in faith in what Jesus has done and continues to do in their time. It is to increase their faith.

How does this now speak to me? – As a believer in Jesus Christ, I find encouragement that God sees the faithfulness of the individual person. One’s deeds do not go unnoticed by the savior. This is evident because of the women that touched his hem. Jesus’ promises to the disciples are still a promise to me today. It can heal, it can teach and it can save. Mark’s encouragement to the Gentile listener that Jesus was a savior they could trust is still true for me today. His authority, power and concern for man is still alive and available for me.

Words of Encouragement

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; - Matthew 9:27-29

I believe...in What? We have in the scripture today two blind men following after Jesus asking him to have mercy on them, they are in need. They followed Jesus, but we do not see him responding initially. They follow him indoors and come to Him. Jesus ask them do they believe that I am able to do this. Jesus' response is, according to your faith will it be done to you. Jesus touches their eyes and they receive their sight.

What is interesting to me reading this scripture is the question Jesus ask. "Do you believe...". Today, we believe in many things. We believe in our own abilities and skills, until we find out that we are not able to overcome everything alone and in our own ability. We believe in our children or our relationships, until we are disappointed by their choices or decisions. Many believed Obama would be the "savior" for all that is wrong in our country. Yet, now the polls say he is losing the confidence of the people.

Jesus asked a very important question for all of humanity. Do you believe? But more than do you believe, his question was do you believe in me? Do you believe I can do what you are seeking from me? Do we believe that God is able to help us in those areas where we have been trusting others or other things? Obama can never be the savior for all that is wrong in this world or our country. He is simply a man trying to do what he thinks is best. Will he make all the right decisions? He's human, do I need to say more?

But there is one that is more than human, he is also Divine and he is the Son of God. Jesus is asking us in this time are you coming to seek from him and do you really believe he can do what needs to be done? Do you believe God can heal your blindness: blindness to his ways, blindness to spiritual things and blindness to your own purpose and worth in Christ?

Let us say as the blind men said, Yes Lord! And then watch God work. Experience the healing touch upon your blindness and receive your sight! I pray for us today, Lord we seek you just as the blind men did. We seek you to open our eyes to your ability, your will and your way. Open our eyes to see your calling on our lives. Lord help us to shout, LORD I BELIEVE. Lord today we affirm that we believe in you. We believe you are the Son of the most high God. We believe you are the true and only way to the Father and no man will see God unless he believe and trust in you. So today, Lord help us even in our unbelief so that we can draw closer to you and your power. Now Lord we all say this personally: Lord today, I believe in you. I trust you through every battle and every victory, I trust you through every joy and every disappointment, I trust you in my weakness and regardless of my strengths. This day, my heart says I believe and now I recieve my sight. I now receive from you my healing in the area where I need healing. This is my prayer, Amen.

The Image of God: Why Did God Create Me (part 4)?
Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams
December 11, 2008

God: His Purpose For Man

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4-5)

Robert Pasnau in his article, Thomas Aquinas on Human Nature: A Philosophical Study of Summa Theologiae 1a, 75-89, writes what Thomas Aquinas believed man’s purpose was. He quotes Aquinas’ position as, “Far from supposing that God created the universe for our sake, Aquinas believes that we were created for God’s sake, as a manifestation of his goodness.”[1] Pasnau states in Aquina’s view it is misleading to say that God created human beings in order to make them happy in heaven. Pasnau also states, “But we serve a larger, more significant purpose, the manifestation of God’s goodness, and in that larger context we are simply the means to God’s end.”[2] He also states everything exist for the sake of God. Man’s creation was not to make him happy but to accomplish God’s own ultimate goal. With man’s ability to have a right relationship with God man’s purpose can be carried out. Pasnau poses, “we are not just a passive reflection of God: we seek him and come to love and understand him, and this means that we contribute to the perfection of the universe in a special way.”[3]

McConnell further clarifies when he states, “Since Jesus shows us exactly how those who are made in the image of God should live, he becomes our model . . .We should therefore live out God’s image as Jesus did.”[4] McConnell argues it is this restored relationship that helps man to care for the earth as God intended. He argues God placed Adam in the garden to tend or serve it. As the Son of God and second Adam, Jesus came to serve creation. McConnell’s stand is that children of God need to serve creation in the same way that Jesus did. For McConnell, one purpose of man is to have dominion over the earth in the way God intended. Sin marred man’s thinking and therefore man’s ability to understand his stewardship of God’s creation was also marred. Clark concludes his writing by stating, “Sin has caused its malfunction. Redemption will renew men in knowledge (righteousness and holiness) after the image of him that created him. Then in heaven we will not make mistakes even in arithmetic.”[5] Clark argues man’s thinking is restored through redemption. This leads one to the understanding that a restored mind helps the individual to have the “mind of Christ”.

The relationship between God and man is restored. This also means all relationships are restored, humans with other humans as well as man and creation. Evidence of this is shown in the book of Acts (1:14; 2:1; 2:46). After sin entered one was able to see the breaking of relationships. Cain’s murder of his brother Abel and Joseph’s brothers’ jealousy against him, just to name a few. However one can read in the book of Acts how the disciples were on one accord (in restored relationship) and the scripture says God added to the church daily. This is a New Testament reflection of the mandate to Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply.

Why was man created? What was to be his purpose? Man was created to be in fellowship with God. Man was created to worship, love and honor God. Man was also created to “be fruitful and multiply”. Yes, this means physical children but it also can be applied to bringing others into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Man was created by God to be in a relationship with him and with others humans. This is why Jesus tells those listening to him what the two most important commandments are, to love God first and to love one another (John 13:33-35). Come back next week for the final installment.

[1] Robert Pasnau, “Thomas Aquinas on Human Nature: A Philosophical Study of Summa Theologiae 1a, 75-89.” New York: Cambridge University Press, (2002): 394-404. NetLibrary Online Reader, eBook: 9780511018961 (accessed December 3, 2008), 394.
[2] Ibid, 395.
[3] Pasnau, “Thomas Aquinas on Human Nature,” 401.
[4] McConnell, “In His Image,” 125.
[5] Clark, “The Image of God in Man,” 222.

The Week in Review

Study of the Synoptic Gospels - Matthew Survey
Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams (12/07)

Observations: My first thought is that Matthew wrote this Gospel to preserve what he knew about Jesus’ life and words. He wanted to make sure that the truth about Jesus was never lost. For Matthew to do that, he focused on those areas that he felt were the most important; this is one reason why he may have amended Mark’s Gospel.

Author and intent: The Apostle Matthew was the only author suggested for this book until recent times. Those that attest to Matthew as the author are: Irenaeus, Origen and Eusebius (early Church Fathers). The dispute among scholars today is that since Matthew never clearly stated that he was the author, the book is considered anonymous. Matthew’s intent for writing this Gospel was to show his audience that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel of a coming Messiah and Redeemer. Matthew points to the fact that Jesus is also the savior of the whole world. Matthew shows that Jesus is the supreme authority, teacher, preacher and healer.

Structural: Chiastic Structure In this literary pattern, elements are related to each other in certain ways. (A-B; B’-A’). This is found in chapter 13 over the length of the chapter and is the center of the pattern (Nickle, 118-119). I was able to detect a small section in Chapter 7:6.

Give not…unto the dogs (A) - Neither cast…before swine (B)

Trample under foot (swine) (B) - Rend [rip] you (dogs) (A)

At first glance I did not see this until I read it again and separated these lines. It at first looks like the trample goes to the dog (A), but it would seem that it is more likely that a swine or pig would trample over you and a dog rip or bite you with its teeth. When I looked at it that way, I was able to see this “X” (ABBA) pattern.

This structural element of the scripture was not something I was familiar with, before so I looked it up to better understand its usage. Since I did not discover the bigger patterns myself, I will not take credit for them, but I was able to learn that there are several other places this is found, 8:1-9:34 (Signs of Kingdom), 10:1-42, 16:13-17:27 (vision of second coming), 17:22-20:19, 19:1-22:46, and 23:1-25:46.

Comparison is shown in Matthew in the area of the Parables. His main parable theme is the Kingdom is “like” and then he makes the comparison of good seed, mustard seed, and other items.

There are several promises listed in Matthew and then he tells of Jesus fulfilling them as said by the prophets. I am not sure if this is a style or simply something that is noteworthy about Matthew’s writing. Matthew uses this to show Jesus’ purpose and that he is the Messiah promised to them in their very own scriptures.

Chapter Titles:
Chapter 1:1 – 4:25: Jesus’ Beginning and Preparation

Chapter 5:1 – 7:29: A New Teaching
a. Those That Are Blessed (5:3-16)
b. Right Conduct (5:17-5:48)
c. Right Attitudes (6:1-6:34)
d. Concerning Judging and Hypocrisy (7:1-7:29)

Chapter 8:1 – 9:38: Miracles of Jesus
a. Leper Cleansed (8:2-4)
b. Centurion’s Servant Healed (8:5-13)
c. Peter’s Mother-in-law Healed (8:14-15)
d. Healed and cast out devils (8:16-17)
e. Calmed the Wind and Sea (8:24-26)
f. Man with Palsy healed (9:1-6)
g. Ruler’s daughter healed (9:18-19)
h. Women healed (9:20-22)
i. Blind give their sight (9:27-31)
j. Dumb man healed (9:33)
k. All sick and diseased (9:35)

Chapter 10:1 – 11:1: Disciples Empowered and Commissioned
a. Power over unclean Spirits (10:1)
b. Mandate to Go (10:5-15)
c. Perils of the Journey (10:16-39)
d. Who Receives Me (10:40-11:1)

Chapter 11:2-12:50 Teaching receives mixed reviews
a. Jesus Honors John (11:2-15)
b. This Generation “like” Children (11:16-19)
c. Jesus’ Yoke (11:28-30)
d. Greater than the Temple (12:1-9)
e. Right to do Good? (12:11-13)
f. Divided Kingdom (12:25- 37)
g. Sign of Jonah (12:39-41)
h. One Greater (12:42-45)

Chapter 13:1-13:53: The Parables
a. The Sower (13:1-23)
b. Kingdom “Like” Good Seed (13:24-30)
c. Kingdom “Like” Mustard Seed (13:31-32)
d. Kingdom “Like” Leaven (13:33-43)
e. Kingdom “Like” Hidden Treasure (13:44-46)
f. Kingdom “Like” a Net (13:47-51)

Chapter 13:54-16:12: Continuing through Opposition
a. Without Honor (13:54-58)
b. Herod worries (14:1-12)
c. Jesus Departs (14:13, 14:29, 15:21)
d. Miracle in the desert (14:15-21)
e. Walks on Water (14:22-27)
f. Peter steps out (14:28-31)
g. Heals the Multitude (14:32-36)
h. Pharisee’s and Scribe’s Complain (15:1-2)
i. Jesus rebukes (15:3-9, 16:2)

Chapter 16:13-18:35: Jesus, Son of God
a. Who Am I? (16:15-19)
b. Explains Things to Come (15:21)
c. Greatness in the Kingdom (18:1-11)
d. None Lost (18:12-14)
e. Power of Prayer (18:15)
f. Forgive Often (18-21)
Chapter 19:1-20:34: Final Period
a. No One Forbidden (19:13-15)
b. Count the Cost (19:16-26)
c. Promise to the faithful (19:27)
d. Warning of the coming time (20:17-19)

Chapter 21:1-16: The Triumphant Entrance

Chapter 21:17-25:46: Christ Teaches the Kingdom

Chapter 26:1-27:66: The Finished Work
a. Prepared for Burial (26:6-13)
b. The Betrayal (26:14-25)
c. New Covenant (26:26-30)
d. Jesus’ Agony (26:46)
e. Jesus’ Arrest (26:47-56)
f. Jesus Accused (26:57-27:24)
g. Jesus Sentenced (27:25-30)
h. Jesus Crucified for the guilty (27:31-50)
i. Jesus Buried (27:51-66)

Chapter 28:1-20: Resurrection and Ascension
a. Presence of God (28:1-4)
b. Empty Tomb (28:5-8)
c. A witness to Truth (28:9-10)
d. Plot against the Truth (28:11-15)
e. Message to the World (28:16-20)


Thematic Study (Noting Proportion/Sensing Atmosphere):
The overarching Theme in the book of Matthew is “Jesus has compassion on the multitudes” or stated another way; Jesus cares for the needs of people. Matthew mentions Jesus’ interaction and compassion on the people (1:24-25, 8:1,16-17, 9:8, 12:15, 13:2, 14:14, 15:32) in several verses. He either mentions Jesus’ compassion on them before he heals them or he shows Jesus’ willingness to teach them the things of the kingdom. There are other themes as well, “Jesus as Supreme Authority”. Matthew show’s Jesus authority over people, disease, blindness, wind and water the temple, sin, demons and even his own mission. He shows Jesus as the teacher, preacher and healer as he interacts with the multitudes, his disciples and the individuals that come seeking a special touch from him.

Literary Type & Genre: The Gospels, Matthew included, were said to have come from Oral traditions. However, it is being suggested that these books also be looked upon as Biographies. Matthew’s Gospel is more than just a biography. Some believe that since each Gospel is different, they should be considered as expanded biographical sermons. Two general localities are said to possibly be the place of origin or destination for the writing, Syria or Antioch.

Who or what is this about? – This Gospel is about Jesus. It is Matthew’s way of telling that the Messiah had come. It tells about Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s intention, fulfillment of prophecy (1:22, 2:15, 17, 23; 4:14-16, 8:17; 12:17; 13:35; 21:4; 26:53-54; 27:9). This writing was also to establish Jesus as savior of Israel and the world as well as how Jesus prepares the church (through the disciples’ walk with him).

Why is this so important? – Why is this book written in this way? Matthew writes his Gospel in this way because he possibly felt it addressed more directly the Gospel than Mark’s Gospel did. Matthew wrote his book to substantiate the claims of Jesus. The other reason for writing this book was for the community. His Gospel helped Christians understand the Jewish origins of their faith.


What are the implications and assumptions one can take from this book? – One can assume that it was vital to Matthew that the Jewish people understood the nature of who Jesus was. He was their promised King sent to restore the kingdom. Matthew went to great lengths to explain Jesus’ fulfillment of the promises of their redeemer. I believe from my reading that Matthew was concerned with the Jewish people’s rejection of Jesus as the true Messiah. Secondly, Matthew was determined to keep the history of Jesus correct. Matthew lengthens Mark’s Gospel to highlight the points that he felt were important. Who Jesus was (and still is) was vital to Matthew’s message.


What is the setting and why is that important? – It was stated in our my reading that the church Matthew was writing to were Jewish Christians as well as the Gentiles that were hearing the message and coming into the Church. Matthew addressed growing Jewish population that rejected Jesus as the Messiah. If this was his motivation, then Matthew’s aim was to reach the Jewish people and persuade them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. It was also to let the Gentiles know they were now the “true Israel”; grafted into the family tree by God’s saving work.


How does this now speak to me? – This serves both as a warning and an encouragement. It first warns me to be careful not to reject Jesus because he is the fulfillment of God’s purpose. Jesus was sent to be the savior of the world and he accomplished that. It also serves to encourage me. It encourages me because I know that when I was not part of the family, God took time to graft me into his “Spiritual Israel”. I am now part of the family of God because of Jesus’ saving grace. It also makes me think on those that had the promises first hand and rejected them. It cautions me to not look too lightly at the promises of God, for to reject them can lead to loss of his riches.

Words of Encouragement

As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself.  - Galatians 5:12-14

Freedom from sin. Paul is addressing the belief that was making its way into the church. That was the belief that some work must be done inorder for Christians to be saved. This was directed at the Gentiles by some that were called Judizers. Paul's words in the first part of this scripture are quite harsh. He calls these individuals "agitators". He calls them this because they are causing confusion among the believers. He says that he wishes they would emasulate themselves! Wow!

Talk about not being spiritually correct! Paul lets his readers know he is passionate about this believe that salvation is through any work of man. He tells them first that they are free from sin. Not to indulge in sinful behavior, but to live for God.

He says the entire scripture is summed up in one command, love your neighbor as yourself. Reading this scripture would make you think it does not flow together. How does the first line connect to the rest of this message? One could look at this scripture and say that it is the love of one another that will keep us from inflicting unnecessary "laws" upon others. It is also love that should direct us and keep us from causing confusion among the believers. When we love one another we will not only walk in the freedom we have but we will also allow others to walk in the freedom that God has called them to. We will not seek to place rules upon rules on what someone should do.

Instead, we will use our time to seek how to live for God and pray that others are able to resist the pull of sin upon their lives. We will love others enough to pray for their strength as we pray for our own. These believers that were  causing trouble had a problem that the Gentiles did not have to do any work. Remember for the Jewish people the commandments and the Laws to them were about rules for conduct and on how they should live. The be curcimsized was one sign of them being one of God's childrens. Now this "new" way was saying you did not have to do any more of the rules. For some this was difficult. Today we have to remember the same thing. For some that have been told that they have to follow "rules" find it difficult that you do not have to follow "rules" you only have to accept Christ to be saved.

I believe Paul's addressing of freedom is to remind them that while the rules have been fulfilled through Christ, it does not mean you have no responsiblity to what you were called to. In other words you were not saved from sin, to continue in sin.

Prayer: Today Lord we do not want to be like the people of Paul's time and place unnecessary burdens upon others. Help us to walk in the freedom given to all believers. Not freedom to sin as we will, but freedom from sin so that we can live right before you. Help us to love one another in prayer, in actions and in the way we encourage others to live for you. Help us to show ourselves as a unified body of Christ. Amen.