Not Ashamed

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

The Gospel books of the Bible contain the good news of forgiveness of sin, by the grace of God, through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The books of Matthew, Mark and Luke are written from a common perspective and are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels. The books are not identically composed in all verbiage; these differences are designated the Synoptic Problem. There have been several theories postulated to explain the differences in the accounts, the most commonly accepted theory is the Markan Priority. This postulates that Mark was the first book written and Matthew and Luke were written afterward, including other sources or quelles. This theory explains the verses in Matthew and Luke that are not found in Mark. Regardless of the Synoptic problem or the Markan Priority used to explain it, the Gospels are the inspired Word of God that describes Who Jesus is and what He came to earth to accomplish.

The Book of John begins with the truth of Jesus' true identity as the Logos and His existence before the world was created. This book is written in thematic discourses and includes parables and miracles that the other books do not. The Gospels are not intended to be a historical or chronological account of the entire life of Christ. Each book is written to a specific audience and conveys different aspects of Jesus' identity that would be relevant to that group. The book of Matthew was directed toward the Jews, it begins with Christ's genealogy traced back to Abraham. This information would have been very relevant to the Jewish community, as Abraham is the father of the Jewish faith. The Gospels provide a window through which we may view the purpose of Christ's existence, ministry, death and resurrection. In them we gain insight into God's plan of redemption for mankind.

Lord, I pray that you infuse our reading of Your Gospel Books with understanding. I pray that You quicken their truths to our spirits and allow us to learn more deeply of You. Thank you for Your Son and the opportunity to be in relationship with Him and share that relationship with others. Please cover us and bless us so that we may walk in the light of Your Word. Lord, I pray for salvation and sanctification today. I pray that you sweep over this dry land and water it with Your Spirit. Lord, praise You and thank you. Let Your will be done. Amen.

Patti

Not as the Scribes

The teaching of Jesus Christ is exemplified by His authoritative rendering of the scripture.  Jesus broadened the scope of the Law by proclaiming that we are responsible for each thought, and not only our actions (Matthew 5:28).  Jesus taught compassionately, but resolutely.  His mission was set before His eyes and He did not waver from it.  Matthew 5:17 describes His mission, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:  I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”  Jesus used several teaching techniques in the gospel of Matthew.  Let us look at his methodology and the implications thereof.

Jesus’ use of repetition is illustrated in Matthew 5 as he begins each discourse with, “Blessed are. . .”  the listeners would have had no doubt what the outcome of this proscribed behavior would be.  The use of repetition sinks truth into one’s spirit.  Jesus’ use of logic is displayed in Matthew 6 as He describes the conduct of the Pharisees who wear their piety only to be seen of men.  Matthew 6:1 relates, “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen of them.  If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”  When a behavior and consequence are juxtapositioned logically one is able to make a more informed choice.    Jesus’ use of hyperbole is demonstrated in Matthew 5:29 as he instructs, “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. . .”  The magnitude of losing one’s entire being in hell is not worth allowing its members to rove unchecked.

Jesus uses the device of illustration as He teaches the people to pray the Lord’s Prayer, “After this manner pray ye:  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. . .”  The imagery of a father would have been most poignant to the people of this patriarchal society.  Jesus used the device of parable to teach the wisdom of hearing and of obeying His words, “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it”(Matt. 7:27).   The imprudence of building your life on the shifting sand is made crystal clear.

The effectiveness of Jesus’ teaching ministry is hinged on the authority and candor by which He delivered His instruction.  Jesus masterfully utilized repetition, wove parables, employed illustration, and spoke hyperbole to highlight the truth of His teaching.  Matthew 7:28, 29 speak of His teaching, “And it came to pass, when Jesus ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”