Tag: gospel of matthew
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John the Baptist and the Gospel of the Kingdom
He was a wild man! He lived on locusts and wild honey. Wore clothes made out of camel's skin. And shook up the religious paradigm in Jerusalem. But what lessons can we take from the life and ministry of John the Baptist? The most important, is that the Gospel of the Kingdom begins with repentance, but doesn't end there.
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The Slaughter of the Innocents: Jesus as the New Israel
In the story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing Israel and seeking refuge in Egypt, we see many allusions to Old Testament Scripture. The Slaughter of the Innocents mirrors pharaoh’s murder of the baby boys in the Exodus story. That one is easy to see. But Matthew ties in two other passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. And these are much more difficult to work with.
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We Three Kings? It’s NOTHING Like Your Nativity Set!
Your nativity set is defective. If it has "we three kings" at the manger presenting their gifts right alongside shepherds to a “dear 8 pounds 6 ounces newborn infant Jesus, who don't even know a word yet,” this episode should turn the entire Christmas story on its head for you. When the Magi entered Jerusalem seeking the “King of the Jews,” Herod saw this as a potential invasion.
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Why Is the Birth of Jesus a Holy Scandal?
Critics will try to shake your faith by suggesting that the virgin birth of Jesus is a fantasy. They’ll tell you that Matthew was a fool who read something into the story that isn’t there. And that this caused him to make up the entire virgin birth story. These critics are fools. Because Matthew’s main point isn’t that Mary was a virgin. It’s that her child is the Son of God.
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Is There a Missing Generation in Matthew 1?
Matthew begins his Gospel with Jesus' genealogy. Most scholars agree that these verses are an argument for Jesus legal standing as the Messiah of Israel. But verse 17 could call this into question. A generation is missing. And because of this, you might even argue that Matthew is hiding a secret clue revealing that Jesus IS NOT the Messiah. What does this missing generation really mean?
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Herod the Great: A Genius or a Fool?
In the First Century AD, a despot sat on the throne of Israel. History has recognized him as a brilliant leader, a masterful architect, and a cunning diplomat. But Herod the Great was also unbelievably paranoid and horribly vengeful. His story ends just as the story of Jesus begins. Both will end their lives officially named “King of the Jews” by the Roman Empire. But their stories couldn't be more different.
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Warning: STOP Ignoring This Page Of Your Bible, NOW!
Christians who ignore this page and what it means are responsible for terrible misinterpretations. If you're making this mistake when you study the Bible, here's a warning! You're ignoring "The Most Dangerous Page in the Bible."
