Matthew

1.     First Impressions

·       What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

Throughout the book of Matthew it is clear that the author is to a large extent aiming his book at a Jewish audience. Jesus is very much portrayed as the fulfillment of the predicted Messiah. He is the King who fulfills the expectations of the Old Testament prophecies and Matthew shows how he does this. The original Jewish reader will be expecting the Messiah and Matthew reveals to the Jews how although Jesus is not what they expected, He is the true Son of God and the one they have been waiting for. What a revelation to get if you were living there!

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

The author of Matthew is unknown and somewhat debated however I agree with the most recognized writer for this book, Matthew, the disciple of Jesus. Before Jesus called Matthew to be his disciple he was a disliked tax collector for the Roman government. His position and Jewish heritage supports the style of writing of Matthew. There is a focus on Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish Messiah, Jewish customs and commonly known things are not explained and it is documented in a topical and careful way.

·       What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”
I almost just want to say… JESUS! Two of the main themes of Matthew are the fulfillment of the promises and prophecy in the Jewish scriptures by the man Jesus as well as the kingdom of God. In Matthew 2:2 it says,” Where is the newborn king of the Jews?...we have come to worship him.”  One repeated idea in Matthew is that Jesus is the Messiah, the King of the Jews (27:11). I think the key verse of Matthew which sums up the message is found in Matthew 27:37, “A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: ’This is Jesus, The King of the Jews.’” In one sentence I would summarize Matthew by saying: Jesus is the true Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy and the King of the Jews.  I was just reminded of what Carl said in class about the first letters in Hebrew of ‘King of the Jews’ spelling YHWH. I don’t have any other evidence of that but either way the proclamation of who Jesus is, is just overwhelmingly amazing. He is man, He is God, He is Jesus, He is the Messiah and He is our Salvation!

·       What is the primary reason this book was written?

I think Matthew was written for a number of reasons one of which is simply to document the story of Jesus. More than that though I think the author wanted to explain to the Jews that Jesus was the true Messiah and why He was. The old testament is directly quoted 53 times in Matthew and in Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts  we see that the old testament is quoted and alluded to almost 130 times, more than any other book in the New Testament. The author’s main purpose was to present Jesus to the Jews showing Him to be the descendent of David who was God’s son, sent as the Messiah to the people who were waiting for him and unfortunately missed Him.

2.     Theme Tracing

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

It is so interesting to see God in human form.  I realized for the first time that I’ve always just seen God in a much less concrete manner. Below is a list of quite a few of the things I’ve seen in them:

He had such humility in coming to earth

He was without sin (does not fall into temptation matt 4)

In the beatitudes we see God blesses (chapter 5)

He is Compassionate (14:14)

He is the omniscient provider (6:32-33)

He is an abundant provider (14:19-21/15:37)

He is the healer (8:3, 17/9:22)

He has all authority (7:29)

He is omnipotent, God of the impossible (8:26/14:25/19:26)

He is the forgiver of sins (9:2)

Hides and reveals things (11:25/ 16:17)

Jesus’ humanity, humility and love can be seen so clearly in his words to God before the crucifixion, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”(26:39) He is so selfless!

Possibly one of my favorite verses is 11:28-30 because it shows so much of God’s character. It speaks of Him as a teacher, humble, gentle at heart, giving rest and being kind.

There is so much more and I love digging into the character of God found in the gospels, there is so much displayed in everything that happens and all Jesus says and does.

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

Well, most obviously is Jesus! He is here! God’s plan in sending his son to come among humans and be light, teaching and turning their hearts to God is recorded in Matthew. The death and resurrection of Christ bringing salvation and a new covenant between man and God is seen in Matthew. This is the biggest mark in God’s redemptive plan. We are no longer under the Law of Moses but have salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  This door to relationship with God is amazing.  There is so much redemption other than the obvious seen in Matthew. The small things of God’s plan in taking Joseph and his family to Egypt and the way Jesus restores the lives of many people through healing, casting out spirits and giving them something to live for. In matt 8:11 we e how God plans to bring all people into his kingdom and wants relationship with Jews and Gentiles alike, it says, “And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world-from east and west- and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

3.     Application questions

·       Personal application: One of the main things I can apply from Matthew I saw when Satan tempts Jesus. He questions His identity. He repeatedly says ‘If you are the Son of God…’ Did Satan need a Jesus to prove to Him that He was the Son of God? No, of course not, He knew very well who Jesus was! Why then? Well, I think it is because when we question who we are we often question who God is. Satan fools us in the same way by questioning our identity. I am the daughter of the King, the mighty God and Satan knows this but unless I stand firm in my identity in Christ I will question myself and take my focus off of who God is and onto who I am. Honestly, I am not much without God and without God I will fall. So I just found it interesting that Satan even tempts Jesus by questioning His identity. I have seen so many people turn to put their lives and identities in other things and I know what it is like to struggle with that. It is so cool that never once does Jesus even comment on that, He doesn’t even need to address it because He knows who He is , He knows who His Father is and  He knows that because of that He can be victorious.  We are the same; I want to stop justifying myself but rather just walk in the freedom of the knowledge of the greatness and character of my Father.

·       Point of Passion:

There are several things concerning education which can be taken from some of the things said in Matthew. Firstly, the primary goal of education should be to see salvation and discipleship as the next step we can deduce this from Matthew 28:19-20. In Matthew 6:19-20 it speaks about not storing up treasure on earth but rather in heaven and I think it is so important to teach the value of things correctly, education must have a view that includes an eternal perspective .

Matthew 10:24, 25 is the passage concerns education in a very clear way, it says, “Students are not greater than their teachers, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher and salves are to be like their master…”

That is pretty clear students are under their teachers but are to become like their teachers, there is much responsibility to be taken in both cases!

Mark

1.     First Impressions

·       What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The book of John is the shortest of all the gospels and is filled with action. It is clearly not written to a Jewish audience and often alludes to Roman customs. This book is written to the Roman believers. They would have been able to associate better with the fast paced style of writing and relate to Jesus portrayed as a man of action in Mark. The Roman Empire had begun to persecute Christians and so this gospel is an encouragement and reminder to the believers of who God is and the definite reason it is worthwhile to endure the hardship they were faced with for the sake of Christ. There are several mentions to persecution in Mark which is very relevant for the original Roman reader.

In Mark 15:21-22 the author makes reference to the man who helped carry the cross as the father of Rufus who is later also referred to in Romans 16:13.

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

The book of Mark does not identify its author and therefore it is impossible to be certain. However, according to the early church fathers the book was written by John Mark. He and his family played a large role in the early church in Jerusalem. Mark went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey and he was also Peter’s translator. It is thought that much of this gospel was written with the help of Peter. There are many references to boats and water throughout Mark which would make sense if Peter had an input in the writing since he was a fisherman.

·       What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

Throughout Mark, Jesus is portrayed as the obedient servant and teacher. He is a man of action and the book builds up from no one knowing who Jesus is to the ultimate revelation of Him being the Messiah. The Miracle in 8:23-25 is a symbol of the way people could not clearly see who Jesus was and then suddenly their eyes were opened. The key verse in Mark is found in Mark 10:45 where it says, “For even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I would say Mark is a fast paced account of the servant Jesus who came to save not only Jews but Gentiles alike.

·       What is the primary reason this book was written?

Mark is said to have been the first gospel. The book is written to document the story but more than that to share Jesus, who he is and what He had done. Mark is written to the Romans who were beginning to be persecuted and thus the gospel is one which would have encouraged them and been a reminder of what they believe and that it was worthwhile to suffer for Jesus who suffered all for them.

2.     Theme Tracing

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

As with the other Gospels Mark shows us much about the character and nature of God but focus’s and reveals him more in the light of an obedient servant as seen in 10:45.

Among many others, Mark reveals Jesus as compassionate (1:41/6:34) and good (10:18). He is God of impossible (10:27) and Lord over all (2:28/ 24:34). Jesus does many miracles in Mark and is seen to be a healer on many occasions. He is often spoken of and addressed as the teacher (4:38/5:35/10:17/10:35/12:14/12:19/18:32). We see that God acts; he doesn’t sit around waiting but is stirred to action by the Spirit and in compassion for people. He longs after our hearts and blesses those who stand firm in their faith in Him no matter what.

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

Mark shows us some of the ministry that Jesus did as well as His death and resurrection. There is a prominent focus in Mark on the miracles done. The author is showing the Roman and other readers that God is a powerful servant. His ultimate will is restoring the relationship He can have with man. He does this by redeeming many people through healing and of course through the cross. Mark 16:16-18 instructs us to go into the entire world and preach the Good news to everyone and it continues on with all the miraculous signs that will accompany those who believe. This is a large part of the redemption we see in Mark:  Signs and miraculous from believers to reveal God’s glory and a spread of the knowledge of God leading to an increase in the kingdom.

3.     Application questions

Personal application:

 I found faith interesting in Mark. We always use this word…Faith! However I have gotten to see it differently in reading Mark. I see faith as one of the only things God requires of us to amaze us, to do miraculous and to see change. I haven’t seen faith as the opposite to fear before but in Mark 5:36 Jesus says to Jairus: don’t be afraid. Just have faith. For me Mark 11:22-26 is a passage explaining what God is after, what does He want from us? He wants us to have faith, to pray and to forgive. This puts in a place where we solely rely on Him and love other even if they’ve wronged us. It is not new revelation but an amazing reminder. Mark also just reminded me of persecution. We have nothing to fear in life because when it goes well we praise God and when we are persecuted (judged or criticized) we can still praise God for the honor of enduring hardship for His sake. It is amazing what we can accomplish without fear and with faith!

·       Point of Passion:

Of all the gospels it is in Mark that we most see Jesus portrayed as the Teacher. He is addressed as this and is repeatedly said to be teaching (4:38/5:35/10:17/10:35/12:14/12:19/18:32). There is the much we can learn about teaching by looking at the character of the man who was the perfect teacher. He was patient and compassionate but spoke up and against sin.  He taught with authority and lived his teaching wholeheartedly.  We can also see from the passage in Mark 10:13-16 that education must not hinder the spiritual and moral development of a person but rather build them up in these areas.

Luke

1.     First Impressions

·       What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The gospel of Luke is written to a majorly Gentile audience and the book is addressed to Theophilus which means lover of God. It can be said that Luke was then written to all who loved God or simply a gentile by that name, possibly a government official (“Most honorable”). The book however is not written from a very Jewish perspective and clearly shows that God loves Jew’s and gentiles alike and all have salvation through Jesus. The idea that because of Jesus, Gentiles and Jews alike can have salvation will be very new to the Gentiles and definitely good news!

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

The author of this gospel is unknown but generally agreed to be Luke. Luke might have been a Hellenistic Jew but most probably was a Gentile. Luke is a gospel which emphasizes the fact that the Christian message is universal and this makes sense if indeed written by a gentile. Luke was not an eye witness of the events (1:2) but composes this book in a detailed and historic way. The topical style of writing and information included shows the author to be gentle, concerned with grace and salvation.

·       What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

Luke is about portraying the humanity of Jesus and showing that He came for all humanity. Of all the synoptic gospels Luke has the most parables and Luke has more reference to prayer than the other gospels. This emphasis on Jesus as a man and Jesus’ prayer life, His need to have relationship with the Father is a main theme throughout the book. We see that there is also more of a focus on women in the book of Luke. The key verse in Luke is found in 19:10, it says,” For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” In one sentence I would describe the main idea of Luke as: The story of Jesus’ humanity and how his death and resurrection brings salvation to all humanity.

·       What is the primary reason this book was written?

One of the purposes of Luke is to show that Jesus is not a threat to the Roman Empire but that His kingdom is not of this world. Jesus is clearly shown not to have broken any of the Roman law (23:41). Jesus’ humanity is shown and this is to have people be able to relate and also realize that He came for the salvation of every person, no matter your ethnicity or culture.

2.     Theme Tracing

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

In Luke 1:48-55 we see much of God’s character in Mary’s response she says he is mighty and holy. He takes notice of people, this reminded me of Hagar and the way she said that God is the one who sees me. He is merciful and keeps His word. God is able to rise up and tear down. Luke 1:78-79 shows us God’s character, it says: “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” We also see that Jesus is lord over all (4:5), compassionate (6:36) and wise (11:49). I was amazed at the selflessness and compassion He had in healing his enemy before they take him to suffer and die (22:51). ‘God loves everybody’, that is such an overused and undervalued saying. God’s love is limitless and Luke shows us this in many ways, it is amazing!

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

Jesus came to bring life. This death and resurrection we see in all the gospels cannot be repeated enough. It is the new covenant and redemption which the Old Testament looks to and it is our hope for the future. Furthermore, in Luke we see highlighted the fact that all people can have salvation and relationship with God because of what Jesus did. In Luke 7:29-30 it speaks of how all the people, even the worst of sinners were baptized by John believing God’s way was right but that the religious leaders “rejected God’s plan for them”. God had a very specific plan in bringing John then Jesus and He was calling all people back to himself but we see how His plan was rejected and yet his plan for redemption fulfilled.

3.     Application questions

·       Personal application:

In Luke we read much more about Mary. She was given a promise which would change her life and she saw things happen which amazed her. I am in a very different place but I associate with her. God has spoken to me about big things which will happen in my future and the impact it will have on me and people around me. In Luke 2:19 it says, “But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often” and Luke 2:51 again says, “…And his mother stored all these things in her heart.” I feel that although a time will come where I am called to action for now God is asking me to be like Mary. To prepare and keep his words in my heart often thinking of them, to continue to be amazed by what He does and build my faith, strengthening the relationship.

I love Jesus’ response to His parents in Luke 2:49. I have been challenges to always have ‘my Father’s House’ first. It is not the first place I go to when I have some time or whatever the situation, but I want it to be and I am going to change that. Together with this is the emphasis on prayer. Jesus often went away by himself just to go pray and I think that I need to do that more often (5:16/18:1). In Luke 9:23 Jesus says that we need to take up our cross DAILY and follow Him. It is a lifelong commitment to be lived out in every second. I think at times I sin through compromise because I fail to see the importance of every second. Every day, every second is a chance to choose God or reject him and living with this realization can only radically change your life.

·       Point of Passion:

 Luke 6:39b-40 says the following, “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” In teaching it is important to build other teachers and not just convey information. Teachers therefore have to lead and thus have to be able to lead. One can’t simply appoint one person to teach another but must rather have someone with knowledge and character lead. In Luke I also saw again the importance of equality. If Jesus came for everyone then it is vital that we also keep this value of everybody being important to God in the education system.

Malachi

1.       First Impressions

Malachi was a prophet who addressed the wickedness of the people with false senses of hope in the time of Nehemiah. As identifies in Nelson’s maps and charts (pg274) some of the key issues addressed in Malachi are ‘hypocrisy, infidelity, mixed marriages, divorce, false worship and arrogance.’ The name Malachi means ‘my messenger’ and it is debated whether the author was actually named Malachi or simply took on this role of being God’s messenger. There is no exact date for Malachi but we read that it was after the temple had been built and during the Persian reign since the Persian word “pechah” is used for the governor. Based on this we can assume it was written somewhere around 432 and 425 B.C.

The people where not being faithful to God and questioning whether it was worthwhile serving Him even after He had kept his promises of bringing them back and restoring the Temple among the many other great things he had done for them..

 

2.       Theme Tracing

 

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

Most of all I noticed God’s hatred for sin and the way in which he speaks in Malachi. His way of asking and explaining His perspective was new and I loved it. We see that God has always loved His people in 1:2 and yet He can get quite angry (1:4). Malachi 1:5 speaks of God’s greatness and in chapter 2:5 we see that He is a God of life and peace. There are two verses which stood out to me in the boldness which God proclaims who he is. He proclaims, ‘For I am a great king’ (1:14b) and ‘I am the Lord, and I do not change” (3:6a).  That is amazing!

 

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

In these four short chapters there are several passages which point to the coming of John the Baptist, spoken of as Elijah and then the messiah as the next steps in God’s plan in drawing his people back to him. 3:1-3 speaks of God sending his messenger to His Temple to purify His people. Then in 4:1, 2 we are told that his coming will bring judgment and that he will heal His people. In both3:1 and 4:5 there is reference made to someone who will come before the Messiah, this is John the Baptist.  In all of God’s plan he recognizes that the people might reject John the Baptist as well as Jesus the Messiah and proclaims in the very last sentence that if this is to be the case then he will strike the land with a curse and we see this explained more by Jesus and eventually happening when Jerusalem falls again in 70 A.D.

3.       Application questions

 

 

·         Personal application:

The opening page of Malachi in the Source view bible explains that God loves and cares for us passionately and that love-not religious duty-is to be the foundation of our intimacy with him. This is true and although it is something easily said and believed I have realized that there are some areas in my life where my actions are from duty not love. If my motives are not right then there is no point to my actions even if they are good.

I loved seeing God’s hatred of divorce (2:16) and being reminded of the seriousness of covenant and marriage which often gets watered down in the world.

More than all the things I learnt simply from reading the book I have really taken to heart something our speaker said. In talking about the way the priests allowed unacceptable sacrifices so that they may still have food and the way the church now lowers expectations on Christians for their own benefit he explained how we’ve changed the gospel. You do not become a Christian by accepting Jesus. You are blessed that Jesus accepts you! It is in surrendering instead of rebelling against his lordship, acknowledging our own shortcomings; repenting of our sins and giving up everything to follow God, that we are saved. It’s not just acknowledging and accepting God but by following and obeying him accepting his grace that we are true Christians.

Why I mention all this is because I have often felt as though I might not understand in which way I am removing the power of the gospel but it is in taking away the difficulty and responsibility we have when we accept Christ as our Lord. I am really challenged to change this in the way I speak to everyone!

 

·         Point of Passion: 

The question- and – answer format of Malachi led me to see the questions God was asking. Often I found him repeating the people’s questions saying “but you ask/say…?” This made me think of the way God is dealing with his people. Often times when we teach the people we are teaching don’t even know what they don’t know and in order to get across the message we need to patiently highlight every area, explaining our opinions and theirs as we share the truth. This is hard and God does it perfectly in Malachi. No matter what we teach, truth should prevail and therefore it is vital that we share opinions but keep to the truth exposing whatever may be wrong even if it comes across hard. God is honest, he says “ I hate divorce!” Honesty is important in teaching as it carries across your heart for what you are doing which can often have such a big impact.

Zechariah

1.       First Impressions

Zechariah is used by God to call the returned exiles back to him, to continue the rebuilding of the temple and to give messages of hope for their future. The name Zechariah means Yahweh remembers and God most certainly does! He remembers his people and the promises he made them. Zechariah was a Levite and from a priestly family. He was a contemporary of the older prophet Haggai during the time of Zerubbabel and high priest Joshua. The first 8 chapters occur between 520 and 518 B.C. however chapters 9 to 14 aren’t dated yet move from a perspective of uncleanness and judgment to holiness and peace as they look forward to the coming of the messiah. The book has 8 visions, four messages and 2 enacted symbols.

2.       Theme Tracing

 

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

The way Zechariah is written we can see God’s nature and character in the storyline as well as the text. Zechariah reveals God’s desire for the restoration of the Temple and his plan for Israel and the entire world in the coming of the messiah. The text also speaks of His anger (1:2), mercy (1:16), faithfulness & justice (8:8). He is our redeemer (10:8) and he cleanses us, forgiving our sins (3:4). God is God of truth (8:17) who loves with strength and passion (8:2). He has all power and authority (10:12) yet we see God’s humility in the prediction of Jesus humbly entering Jerusalem on a donkey.

 

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

Zechariah has so much about God’s redemptive plan. We see God speaking to Zechariah about the future the returned exiles, the coming of the messiah and fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. This book shows God’s plan in bringing all people together with himself, step by step and then with the coming of the messiah. These are examples of some of the scriptures in which we can clearly see God’s redemptive plan:

 Zechariah 6:12-13 says, “… Here is the man called the Branch. He will branch out from where he is and build the Temple of the Lord. Yes, He will build the Temple of the Lord. Then he will receive royal honor and he will rule as king from his throne. He will also serve as priest from his throne and there will be perfect harmony between his two roles.” then in 3:8-9 it also speaks of God bringing His servant The Branch.

Zechariah 9:9 is the prophecy of Jesus humbly entering Jerusalem on a donkey.

The passage in 11:12-13 speaks of the little value of 30 silver coins Zechariah is valued at in which parallels can be drawn to the price paid for Jesus’ betrayal.

Zec 12:10 speaks of the mourning that will come from the death of Jesus who will be ‘pierced’ and 13:7 is also a messianic passage about the shepherd being struck down.

This book is filled with God’s plan ranging from the current time when written a long way into the future.

 

Haggai

1.       First Impressions

Haggai is one of the few prophets through whom God spoke that actually had people listen and take action on what he said. The book of Haggai is about God calling and encouraging His people to finish rebuilding the temple. The book is quite short and may possibly be only a summary of the messages throughout the life of the prophet Haggai, son of Zerubbabel. His messages were delivered in 520 B.C, about 18 years after the decree allowing the return of exiles to Judah at which time the foundation of the temple was laid but further building stopped due to opposition.

Haggai calls the people to build God’s house rather than their own.

2.       Theme Tracing

 

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

God is sovereign. We see this in the way he speaks of giving and taking from the Israelites (1:11). God wants to be acknowledged among his people and is worthy of being placed first in everyone’s life. God tells His people that he is with them (1`:13). I was also just reminded of God being above all and out of our time, He knows what is to come and yet patiently prepares the way for it.

 

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

The discussion between Haggai and the priests in chapter 2:10-20 is about defilement and how when something that is unclean comes in contact with something clean, the thing which was clean is now unclean. This whole passage points to a time when because of God that which is clean will be able to make the unclean clean. In chapter 2:21-23 Zerubbabel represents the seed of David and is a type for the coming messiah.

God is rebuilding his temple and people and has a bigger redemptive plan for all people revealed in these small sections.