Matthew

I. First impressions

1.1)What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

As the book of Nelson's has summarized (p.283), the book of Matthew was written for the audience of Jews.  
And, we can meet many faithful Jews  like the woman who had touched the Jesus' clothes with the faith that she will be healed from the constant bleeding if she can just touch His robe. And, all of them have been cured by their faith.(1:20-22)
On the contrary, Jesus' hometown people didn't believe in Jesus. And, most all of the Pharisees,Sadducees, the leading priests and the teachers of religious persecuted Jesus and looked for an opportunity to capture Jesus and kill him.(14:1)

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

Nevertheless there is no evidence of the author of this book, according to the book of Nelson's, church tradition has recognized Matthew as its writer.(p.300)

1.3)Main themes, repeated ideas and main idea:

The main theme is Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.(16:16)

1.4)What is the primary reason this book was written?

To make Jews know Jesus is the Messiah and believe in His resurrection.(Ch.28)

II. Theme Tracing

2.1)What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God? & 2.2)What does this book show you about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

In 27:46, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Here we can find Jesus suffered the extreme pain not only physically but also spiritually as a real Human being. He has experienced the most terrible sufferings on the cross. He sacrificed himself like that so that we can be redeemed even though we committed tons of sins. Furthermore, through this sufferings, He equipped with the perfect condition we can call Him our friend and redeemer in a same time.


III. Application

3.1)Personal application:

In 28:16-17, "Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some of them doubted!" What a surprise that even some of 11 disciples doubted about Jesus!  How I am close to those disciples !
But, remind the past time when I just began to believe in Jesus. How many questions I had at that time, which make me doubt Jesus !  Nevertheless I'm still having several questions, how many answers I received from God ! 
So, be careful not to doubt God because of the unsolved questions! Just pray and ask Him to help me understand Him more!

3.2)Point of Passion Assignment

Jesus told his disciples in 28:19-20 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this： I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 
I want to be a witness of Jesus for unbelievers in this world.  I know why they cannot believe in God even though they want to understand and believe in Him. Then, I need to prepare my testimonies how I could believe in God, and have to go and make disciples of all the nations.    -end-