11/06/2026
A journey together through the Gospel of Matthew.
1.
Having started this a few times and abandoned those early attempts as they were simply taking too much of my time, I think I have found a happy compromise. Many thanks to the Wednesday evening online Bible Study Group who through their patience have helped me clarify the way forward on this.
Because each chapter of Matthew could detain us for so long, I intend to keep momentum alive by simply moving steadily and quickly through the Gospel and I will refer back at times to points which time restraints did not allow us to delve into adequately beforehand. Also, we will look at other Biblical passages too. Some days we may remain for a couple of days at one place.
The First Reading is Genesis 1:26-28 and Matthew 1:1 - 2:23.
Note the Genesis reading and try to keep it always at the forefront of your thinking. The Bible will not make sense without that primary context in mind. Matthew’s Gospel has these verses in Genesis clearly in view all the way through. Written to Jews, Matthew would have presumed such reader awareness and the priority of the the Genesis One mandate/commission in their thinking.
In chapter 1 Matthew collates a redemptive ancestry of Jesus the Messiah into three eras, each with fourteen generations. Most Jews would have been instantly aware of certain anomalies in Matthew’s list. What is Matthew's purpose in this?
Matthew reveals that the physical, natural, temporal timeline is subordinate to a greater spiritual reality behind them.
Indeed, the natural reality which can be seen will certainly be conformed to the overarching will and purposes of God:
Like iron filings are powerless against the influence of a magnet and will adjust according to the will of the magnet, so will human affairs be outworked by God's sovereign hand, in accordance with the purpose and plan of the Almighty.
To the the Jews in the first century Middle East, Mathew chapter 1 says God’s will will be done - regardless of your assent or denial. Therefore, you should abandon resistance and surrender now! The Saviour we follow is none less than the Messiah we – and you - have all waited for. He is God with us, the One Whom Isaiah spoke of – Jesus is His Name – and He has saved us from our sins!
Behind the text.
The readers will see in Mathew’s gospel three main groups around Jesus. The crowd, the authorities, the disciples. References are made also to important figures (Abraham, David et cetera) and we also see early indicators of an invisible realm. Jesus the Messiah is arriving in person. The heavenly is invading the visible realm. What would that look like? And of course in that invisible realm there are forces of light – and those are darkness. Those are faithful ( righteous) guided inspired and empowered by the forces of light; Though they are also besieged and tempted by the armies of darkness.
Jesus is the Son of David and this will become evident and is vitally important throughout this gospel. He is the one whose kingdom will never end. We – the readers – know, of course, how this story will end, but the scene is set, the various forces are taking up their positions, and the plot begins. Can anything stop the Messiah? Can anything defeat the prevailing darkness? Can anything save Israel? Is there still any hope for the original, universal, and heavenly plan of YHWH? (There are no vowels in Hebrew). See Genesis 1:26-28. Can the plans of God be thwarted?
We shall see – read on!
And God bless you as you dig into the things of the Lord 🙏
