The Gospel of Matthew From a First Century Jewish Perspective

Stephanie dives into the question asked by Jesus, "Have you not read the Scriptures?" and how it emphasizes the importance of looking for Jesus in every passage of the Old Testament. She invites you to take an in-depth look at all five instances where Jesus asks this question in the Gospel of Matthew and encourages you to find Jesus in the Old Testament. The episode highlights how Jesus used the Old Testament to point to himself as the answer to all things, with specific examples of his interactions with the Pharisees, chief priests, and the Sadducees. 

Look for Jesus in every passage and discover how even the Pharisees, who were highly familiar with the Scriptures, failed to see the significance of Jesus' statement. Tune in for a quiet and centered experience with in-depth biblical flavors, along with a touch of French culture.

COMING UP SOON!

Stephanie mentions our two upcoming series: Starting soon, we will dive deep into the meaning and practice of REST. Then, in October, we will enter the Gospel of Matthew through the lens of the first century Jewish culture. You will be invited to experience fresh flavors for a spiritual explosion of delight in Christ! Stay tuned and make sure to follow and subscribe to access every new episode.

GO DEEPER AND STUDY ON YOUR OWN | ADDRESSES AND REFERENCES STEPHANIE USES IN THIS EPISODE

Matthew 12:3 and 5 - referencing 1 Samuel 21:1-6 - also described in luke 6:3

Matthew 19:4 - quoting Genesis 2:24

Matthew 21:16 - quoting Psalm 8:2

Matthew 21:42 - quoting Psalm 118:22-23 - also described in Mark 12:10

Matthew 22:31 - quoting Exodus 6, 15-16 - also described in Mark 12:26

NEW BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND

1. How can we train ourselves to see Jesus in every passage of the Old Testament?

2. What was the significance of Jesus asking the Pharisees "Have you not read the Scriptures?" What did it reveal about them and their understanding of Scripture?

3. How does understanding the Old Testament better help us understand and appreciate the New Testament?

4. How can we use Scripture to point to Jesus like he did in his interactions with the Pharisees, chief priests, and the Sadducees?

5. How does understanding marriage as a human analogy help us understand our relationship with God?

6. Are there other human analogies we can use to help us understand our relationship with God?

7. How can we make sure we are reading Scripture through the lens of Jesus' teachings and example?

8. Can you share a personal experience of when reading the Old Testament helped you better understand the teachings of Jesus?

9. What is the significance of the question "Have you not read the Scriptures?" in Matthew's Gospel as a whole?

10. How can we continue to deepen our understanding of Scripture and our relationship with God beyond the fall series focused on the Gospel of Matthew?

This series is an invitation to immerse yourself in the various ways God communicates to us, and us to Him. So pay attention, He is here and willing to whisper in your ear.

A word of caution: don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Right now we are going to take Scripture in. Like breathing, like eating, like smelling a flower. Don’t come to Scripture with the agenda of finding yourself there. Come with the firm intention of discovering God instead. And then Scripture will never disappoint. God promises to be found in the places where He dwells – His Word especially. And in the process, you will undoubtedly find yourself as you find Him. So as we enter the hallowed pages of Scripture together, through a humble doorway and a very simple story, ask yourself: what is this telling me about Jesus?

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