PER #1: Matthew 1 to 3

Matthew 1
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

A. Overview of Matthew
     - placed first among the gospel books bec. it shows transition form Old to New T. (Jewish flavor)
     - THEME: Jesus as King and Messiah (fulfilling prophecy was mentioned 16 times)

B. The Genealogy
a. Son of David: Jesus is the kingly Messiah promised from David’s royal line (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
b. Son of Abraham: Jesus is the Seed of Abraham in Whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
    - provides Jesus' lineage through Joseph (Luke, lineage through Mary)
    - Women were mentioned (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, wife of Uriah)
                   - to show that God uses unlikely people in great ways
                   - that there is a place for women in the New covenant
                   - that Jesus identifies with sinners and did not come from a pure aristocratic background

C. The Birth of Jesus Christ
     - Miraculous conception, by the Holy Spirit 
     - Joseph as a good and just man (he didn't want to shame Mary, 'divorce" for engaged people)
        *see how commitment was before o.O
     - JESUS means the salvation of Yahweh (common name before, Acts 4:12)
     - His purpose was to SAVE us from:
                         (1) the penalty of sin
                         (2) the power of sin
                         (3) the presence of sin

D. Fulfillment of the Prophecy
    - IMMANUEL means "God with us", refers to his deity and his identification with men
    - Wrong: Catholic's belief of Mary's Perpetual Virginity (Joseph did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to Jesus, verse 25)

Matthew 2
Escape to Egypt

A. Wise Men from the East
     - misconception: they were not kings, Magi rather. (wise men, KJV)
     - not sure if they were really three of them, but the number was based from the number of gifts
     - *legends say that these were ancient scientist from Persia sent by Daniel
     - they thought the Jews are excited to meet their king
     - looking for a star that serves as a guide

B. Herod Panics
    - he is known for his building projects and his ruthlessness (he killed his wife, mother-in-law and his 3 sons)
    - "and all Jerusalem with him" - not that they sympathize with Herod, but that they fear of what he might do, consequences, new laws
    - bible scholars, priests can be compared to some people today who have the knowledge but do not really have a personal relationship with God (Micah 5:2)

C. Presentation of Gifts
     - Gold for loyalty, Frankincense for priesthood, Myrrh for death
     - More important than these was when they WORSHIPED Him
     - displayed Obedience to the heavenly dream when they didn't tell Herod where Jesus was

D. Flight to Egypt
     - Herod's cruelty by ordering children 2 years and below to be killed (Jer. 31:15). Rachel was a picture of Bethlehem mothers
     - Joseph quickly got up and took Mary and Jesus away (note his Obedience here)
     - Hosea 11:1 - "Out of Egypt I call my Son" - fulfillment of prophecy
     - Jesus was to be called a Nazarene. Though Nazareth dis nothave a good reputation (John 1:46)

Matthew 3
The Ministry of John the Baptist

A. Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
     - Repentance is not just a feeling of guilt, but an action (to turn from sin)
        - change of direction, not a sorrow in the heart
        - not something we must do but what coming to Christ is like
     - note the sense of urgency, repent now

B. John the Baptist
    - forerunner of the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3). His purpose was to prepare people's heart for the Messiah
    - like building a road: both are expensive, problems may be encountered, an expert engineer is needed
    - he worked to prepare the way of the Lord
    - success: people recognized their sinfulness and were willing to do something about it

C. Baptism
     - recognize poverty of the spirit (Matthew 5:3) to experience awakening
     - means to immerse or overwhelm
     - today's baptism: being called to repentance and baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ
     - before: conversion of Gentiles to Jew

D. John's confrontation with Pharisees
    - living repentance, not talking repentance
    - there ar eno merits for being in Abraham's lineage
    - ¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
   - refers to people who could be deceived of their stand with the Lord (relationship)
     - can be connected to the older brother in the Prodigal Son parable
     *note: see what happens in most churches today undergoing the G12 transformation
     - humility to Jesus, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Ezekiel 37:14, promised out-pouring of the Holy Spirit)

E. The Baptism of Jesus
     - John hesitated due to the irony of the situation
     - To fulfill all righteousness --> Jesus wants to identify himself with sinful man, standing in his place
     - the heavens opened and God was pleased
     - Holy Spirit descended like a dove, the Trinity manifested