101 Matthew Outline

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

101 Matthew Outline AGAPE BIBLE COLLEGE 321 North Penelope, Belton, TX 76513 THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW Curriculum Provided by: Harvestime International Network http://harvestime.org 1 THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW THE LEGACY BIBLE OUTLINE SERIES 8 Harvestime International Institute 2 THE LEGACY BIBLE OUTLINE SERIES The Legacy Bible Outline Series is a study of the Bible using the text of the Bible itself. The series outlines books of the Bible in simple format, providing commentary only as needed to enhance understanding. Text-based questions are also included for every chapter. We suggest you create a notebook for each book of the Bible. Insert the outlines in your notebooks and add your own study notes. Each time you study a book, you can easily append the outlines to continuously expand the materials. The Legacy Bible Outline Series is designed so you can easily personalize it. The files for the series are in MS Word format to enable you to revise, input your own notes, change page numbers, and alter the layout as needed. You can also create your own outlines for other books of the Bible using this format The text of the King James Version is included in The Legacy Bible Outline Series to enable you to underline and make notes in the actual text as part of your study. Unlike a Bible which will eventually wear out, you can photocopy worn pages if they need to be replaced--which means you won’t lose your notes and underlining. Be sure to read the text in other versions of the Bible also, as different translations will greatly enhance your study. You can print copies of the outlines for your students or--a more cost-effective method--copy the files to a CD ROM or a flash drive and let each student print out their own outlines. If you want students to have only the study questions and not the outlines, then copy the questions to a separate file and print them out for distribution. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line… (Isaiah 28:10, KJV) ...His word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones!... (Jeremiah 20:9, NLT) TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Page Number Introduction To The Book Of Matthew 4 Outline Of The Book Of Matthew Matthew 1 6 Matthew 2 11 Matthew 3 15 Matthew 4 19 Matthew 5 24 Matthew 6 37 Matthew 7 43 Matthew 8 49 Matthew 9 55 Matthew 10 62 Matthew 11 69 Matthew 12 74 Matthew 13 82 Matthew 14 92 Matthew 15 98 Matthew 16 104 Matthew 17 109 Matthew 18 114 Matthew 19 120 Matthew 20 126 Matthew 21 131 Matthew 22 139 Matthew 23 145 Matthew 24 151 Matthew 25 158 Matthew 26 165 Matthew 27 176 Matthew 28 187 Supplemental Study One: Miscellaneous Studies 191 Supplemental Study Two: Walking In The Supernatural 194 Supplemental Study Three: Consider The Colt 197 INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 4 AUTHOR: Matthew, the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14). The only information shared on him in the Bible is that he was a publican tax collector (Matthew 5:3). He became a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:27-28). He held a feast to introduce Jesus to his friends (Luke 5:29). He was later appointed an apostle (Matthew l0:3); was in the upper room at Pentecost (Acts 1:13); and wrote this Gospel which bears His name. TO WHOM: To all believers, although the first intended audience was the Jews to whom Matthew presented Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David. PURPOSE: To present the ministry of Jesus, emphasizing His role as King of the Jews. The book opens with the question, AWhere is He born King of the Jews?@ It closes with the challenge: AGo and tell all nations.@ KEY VERSES: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:l9-20) LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Believers are to go to all nations with the Gospel. MAIN CHARACTERS: Jesus, John the Baptist, the disciples. A BRIEF OUTLINE: I. The Genealogy Of The King: 1:1-17 II. The Birth Of The King: 1:18-2:23 III. Preparation For Ministry: 3:1-4:11 IV. Ministry In Galilee: 4:12-13:58 V. Ministry In Regions Near Galilee: 14:1-l8:35 VI. Ministry In Perea: 19:1-20:34 VII. The King's Last Week: 21:1-27:31 VIII. The King's Death And Resurrection: 27:27-28:20 QUESTIONS ON THE INTRODUCTION: 1. Who wrote the book? 2. To whom is the book written? 3. What is the purpose of the book? 4. What is the key verse? 5. What is the life and ministry principle of this book? 6. Who are the main characters? 7. Give a brief outline of the book. THE SYNCHRONIZED GOSPELS 5 In this outline, you will note the repeated use of the code TSG in a special font followed by a number. Here is an example: II. The ministry of John the Baptist. TSG 18 The code TSG refers to The Synchronized Gospels, a study guide that is part of the Legacy Bible Outlines for the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The TSG study guide lists events in the life and ministry of Jesus. The events are in chronological order and each event has a number that is synchronized to similar references in the other Gospels. The number after the TSG code directs you to a numbered line in the study guide. There, you will find additional accounts of the event about which you are studying. For example, when you look up TSG 18 on the ministry of John the Baptist, you will find additional references to his ministry as recorded in the other books: Matthew Mark Luke John 18 The ministry of John the Baptist 3:1-12 1:1-8 3:1-20 1:6-8 Every number does not appear in every outline, because some events are not mentioned in every book. Here is an example: Matthew Mark Luke John 12 Wise men visit Jesus 2:1-12 In this example, TSG 12 appears only in the outline for the book of Matthew, as the other gospels do not record the visit of the wise men. The purpose of The Synchronized Gospels study guide is to enable you to review all that is written on each event about which you are studying. OUTLINE OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 6 Matthew 1 1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begot Isaac; and Isaac begot Jacob; and Jacob begot Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begot Esrom; and Esrom begot Aram; 4 And Aram begot Aminadab; and Aminadab begot Naasson; and Naasson begot Salmon; 5 And Salmon begot Booz of Rachab; and Booz begot Obed of Ruth; and Obed begot Jesse; 6 And Jesse begot David the king; and David the king begot Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7 And Solomon begot Roboam; and Roboam begot Abia; and Abia begot Asa; 8 And Asa begot Josaphat; and Josaphat begot Joram; and Joram begot Ozias; 9 And Ozias begot Joatham; and Joatham begot Achaz; and Achaz begot Ezekias; 10 And Ezekias begot Manasses; and Manasses begot Amon; and Amon begot Josias; 11 And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel; and Salathiel begot Zorobabel; 13 And Zorobabel begot Abiud; and Abiud begot Eliakim; and Eliakim begot Azor; 14 And Azor begot Sadoc; and Sadoc begot Achim; and Achim begot Eliud; 15 And Eliud begot Eleazar; and Eleazar begot Matthan; and Matthan begot Jacob; 16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name 7 JESUS.
Recommended publications
  • Gospel of Mark Study Guide
    Gospel of Mark Study Guide Biblical scholars mostly believe that the Gospel of Mark to be the first of the four Gospels written and is the shortest of the four Gospels, however the precise date of when it was written is not definitely known, but thought to be around 60-75 CE. Scholars generally agree that it was written for a Roman (Latin) audience as evidenced by his use of Latin terms such as centurio, quadrans, flagellare, speculator, census, sextarius, and praetorium. This idea of writing to a Roman reader is based on the thinking that to the hard working and accomplishment-oriented Romans, Mark emphasizes Jesus as God’s servant as a Roman reader would relate better to the pedigree of a servant. While Mark was not one of the twelve original disciples, Church tradition has that much of the Gospel of Mark is taken from his time as a disciple and scribe of the Apostle Peter. This is based on several things: 1. His narrative is direct and simple with many vivid touches which have the feel of an eyewitness. 2. In the letters of Peter he refers to Mark as, “Mark, my son.” (1 Peter 5:13) and indicates that Mark was with him. 3. Peter spoke Aramaic and Mark uses quite a few Aramaic phrases like, Boanerges, Talitha Cumi, Korban and Ephphatha. 4. St Clement of Alexandria in his letter to Theodore (circa 175-215 CE) writes as much; As for Mark, then, during Peter's stay in Rome he wrote an account of the Lord's doings, not, however, declaring all of them, nor yet hinting at the secret ones, but selecting what he thought most useful for increasing the faith of those who were being instructed.
    [Show full text]
  • Oral Learner Story Collectionsuploaded
    A story may speak more strongly than a sermon about God’s view on cultural issues. Look at the following list of stories which illustrate the concept of matching a story to a Biblical, cultural or worldview issue: God’s Promise to Abraham Genesis 12:1-9, Gen. 17:1-8 (Illustrates the concept of God’s relationship with man. God is not distant and unknowable.) The Ten Commandments Exodus 19:16-20:17 ( Illustrates that God is Holy) Saul at Endor I Samuel 28 (Illustrates the evil of witchcraft and consulting mediums and God’s view of these things) Abraham is Tested Genesis 22:1-19 (Illustrates Blood sacrifice) Elijah is fed by the Ravens I Kings 17:1-6 (Illustrates that God is our Provider) Solomon’s Dream I Kings 3:1-15 (Illustrates the significance of dreams) The Book of the Law is Found 2 Kings 22 and 23 ( Illustrates idolatry and God’s view of idols made my man) Naaman Healed of Leprosy 2 Kings 4 (Illustrates Healing and the Power of God) The Golden Calf Exodus 32 (Illustrates Idolatry and God’s Hatred of Idolatry) The Lost Son (Illustrates Forgiveness) Story of Lazarus John 11:1-43 (Illustrates the Power of God) Paul in Athens Acts 17:16-34 (Illustrates the religious nature of certain cultures) Bricks without Straw Exodus 5:-6:18 (Illustrates oppression and social caste, God’s view of equality) Peter’s Vision on Food Acts 11:1-18 (Illustrates God’s view on Food Taboos) See the Lesson Plan for ideas on how to assist your audience to understand these concepts with an Activity.
    [Show full text]
  • GFA Spreadsheet.Html
    AA-Title AA-Company or Series AA-Date AA-length AA- AA-Subject AA-Comments Color/Bw Nativity Anson Bond 1947 14 b/w Nativity Excellent depiction of the Nativity from Annunciation to the 3 Kings. Chevy That Wanted to Bart Sloane Films 1965 18 color Fantasy Creative allegory on being born again as a Be Cadillac 1939 Chevy wants to become 1965 Cadillac. Obberamergau British Foundation 15 b/w Documentary Travelog of Obberamergau, Germany where Pictures famous Passion Play is staged yearly. Split Level Family Broadcasting & Film 1957 29 b/w Modern Story Family problems as the father seeks a new Commission job. Africa and Schweitzer Cathedral Films 1961 27 b/w Missions Doc. About Schweitzer's missionary work in Africa. Beyond a Doubt Cathedral Films 1961 28 b/w Bible story The story of disciple Doubting Thomas in the days following the Crucifixion. Calling of Matthew Cathedral Films 1946 24 b/w/tinted Bible story Jesus calls Matthew into service as one of his disciples. Child of Bethlehem Cathedral Films 1941 20 b/w Nativity. Same film as “Boyhood of Jesus” re-released by Loyola in 1947. Children of the World Cathedral Films 1967 27 color Missionary The church cares for orphaned children in foreign lands. Needs color correction. Day of Triumph Cathedral Films 1954 100 color Bible story James Friedrich's epic story about the life of Jesus Christ. Great Challenge Cathedral Films 1960 32 color Modern problems. Man recaps ethics in business to become Sunday School teacher. Needs color help. Missionary on an Indian Reservation Indian American Cathedral Films 1955 40 b/w Modern Story encounters slick real estate swindler.
    [Show full text]
  • Bible Verses
    Excerpts from Life-study of Matthew, Message 27 THE CONTINUATION OF THE KING’S MINISTRY (3) Bible Verses: Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with the tax collectors and sinners? 9:12 Now when He heard this, He said, Those who are strong have no need of a physician, but those who are ill. 9:13 But go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice,” for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. 9:14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but Your disciples do not fast? 9:15 And Jesus said to them, The sons of the bridechamber cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. [THE LORD AS THE PHYSICIAN] In 9:9-17 we come to a very fine, sweet, and intimate portion of the Gospel of Matthew. After the King decreed the constitution of the kingdom of the heavens and after He manifested His authority as the King in many situations, in 9:9-13 we see Him feasting with sinners. In 9:9 we have the calling of Matthew. This verse says, “And as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the customs office, and says to him, Follow Me. And he rose and followed Him.” Matthew was also called Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27).
    [Show full text]
  • Jesus' Perspective of the Lost Discussion Questions
    JESUS’ PERSPECTIVE OF THE LOST DISCUSSION QUESTIONS MATTHEW 9:9-13 1 In Matthew 9:9-13, we see Jesus’ perspective on the needs of those around him. What is the greatest need of mankind? What is a sinner? What does the Bible say about those who are lost in their sins? Discuss as a group what you would say if you were explaining who is a sinner and the effects of sin to someone. Interact with Bible verses in your explanation. 2 Think about why Matthew responded to Jesus’ call. Read the passage again through the lens that Matthew is telling his own story. What stands out to you when viewing the story that way? Jesus said, “Follow me.” and Matthew followed. (Matt. 9:9) What did Matthew leave behind? What have you had to leave behind to follow Jesus? How would Matthew’s former life as a tax collector have impacted his days as one of Jesus’ followers? What do you need to remember about how God can use your story as you follow Jesus with others? Read 1 Timothy 1:13-17 3 Read Luke 18:9-14. This parable reinforces Jesus’ point from Matthew 9:9-13. In Luke 18:9 it says that Jesus told this parable “to some who trust- ed in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt.” H Read Matthew 9:13. What can guard us from falling into the same dangerous trap of trusting in ourselves for righteousness and treating others with contempt? H In Matthew 9, Jesus encounters opposition for the first time in His public ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • The Calling of Matthew – This Week's Bible Reading We Know Something
    The Calling of Matthew – this week’s Bible reading 9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” What Jesus did was very unexpected. The people in the story were not people that others would want to get too close to and yet Jesus made a point of spending at least some time with them. It was when the Pharisees were asking his disciples about why he was spending time with tax collectors and sinners, that Jesus made the comment that it was sick people, not healthy people, who needed a doctor. This story begins (v. 9) with the call of a disciple: the account is quite short and follows the pattern from earlier in the Gospel (see Matthew 4.18-22). The scene then moves into a house, where a party seems to be in full swing. The guests are described as ‘reclining’ in the original language, which would usually suggest a special, festive occasion.
    [Show full text]
  • 18 JULY 2021 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST WORSHIP LEADER Grant Gordon SCRIPTURE READER Mary Thomson
    WORSHIP AT HOME – 18 JULY 2021 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST WORSHIP LEADER Grant Gordon SCRIPTURE READER Mary Thomson CALL TO WORSHIP Jesus calls us to praise and prayer, to song and silence; Jesus calls us to worship. Jesus calls us to hearing and healing, to service and solidarity; Jesus calls us to love. Jesus calls us to advocacy and action, to protest and provision; Jesus calls us to justice. Let us heed the call of Christ. Let us worship together with joy. HYMN - Jesus calls us here to meet him CH4 510 (words on page 7) PRAYER of APPROACH, CONFESSION and THANKSGIVING Loving God, we thank you that you come to us now in our lives as we look ahead once more. In worship you speak to us. In our journey through life, you go with us. When we look for a way, we can see it in your son Jesus. For your love which calls us to follow, we praise You God. As we turn to you for guidance and direction Lord, we thank you that you hold firmly to us, even when we try and struggle from your grasp. We thank you that your patience is never exhausted, no matter how many times we let you down. Father, may we learn more deeply to trust you to provide us with all we need; to see the difference between the simple things we need and the many things we want. May we more easily choose to serve rather than being served, to give rather than to take, to contribute rather than consume.
    [Show full text]
  • Matthew Free
    FREE MATTHEW PDF MR Michael J Wilkins PH.D. | 1008 pages | 13 Jun 2004 | ZONDERVAN | 9780310493105 | English | Grand Rapids, United States Matthew 1 NIV - The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah - Bible Gateway Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then Matthew Continue. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. This summary of the Gospel of Matthew provides information about the title, author sdate of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Gospel of Matthew. Although the first Gospel is anonymous, the early church fathers Matthew unanimous in holding that Matthew, one of Matthew 12 apostles, Matthew its author. However, the results of modern critical studies -- in particular those that stress Matthew's alleged dependence on Mark for a Matthew part of his Gospel -- have caused some Biblical scholars Matthew abandon Matthean authorship. Why, they ask, would Matthew, an eyewitness to the events of our Lord's life, depend so heavily on Mark's account? Matthew best answer seems to be that he agreed with it and wanted to show that the apostolic testimony Matthew Christ was not divided. Matthew, whose name means "gift of the Lord," was a tax collector who left his work to follow Jesus In Mark and Matthew he is called by his other name, Levi. Some have argued on the basis of its Jewish characteristics that Matthew's Gospel was written in the early church period, possibly Matthew early part Matthew a. However, those who have concluded that both Matthew Matthew Luke drew extensively from Mark's Gospel date it later -- after the Gospel of Mark had been in circulation for a period of time.
    [Show full text]
  • The Great Commissioning: an Exegesis of Matthew 28:16-20
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Liberty University Digital Commons LIBERTY UNIVERSITY THE GREAT COMMISSIONING: AN EXEGESIS OF MATTHEW 28:16-20 A PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. DAVID CROTEAU IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE THEO 690-005 LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BY RYAN PHELPS LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 2 CONTENTS Chapter 1. PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS ……………………………………………… 4 2. MATTHEW 28:16-20 …………………………………..……………………… 16 3. OTHER KEY PASSAGES ……………………………………………………….. 33 4. SYNTHESIS …….…………….……………………………..…………………. 75 BIBLIOGRAPHY …………………………………………………….……………… 83 3 ABSTRACT Throughout the history of Christianity, evangelism has been an often-discussed topic. At certain times the discussion has revolved around the question of whether or not there is a command to actively seek out unbelievers for the purpose of evangelism in the Bible that applies to Christians in the world they live in. One of the most common verses cited as a command for evangelism is Matthew 28:18-20, commonly called the "Great Commission." However, some Christians argue that this is a command for discipleship and not evangelism. While it is hard to make a distinction based on this verse alone, Matthew has included in this command of Christ to "teach all that I have commanded you." This crucial line of text provides two inferences. First, if the disciples were to teach everything Christ commanded them, then teaching their disciples to create other disciples would be part of this, and the command would be reciprocal. Second, if there is another command for evangelism within Matthew's Gospel that is included as part of "all that I have commanded you," then this would be a command for evangelism.
    [Show full text]
  • The Goal of This Bible Class Is to Give the Students a Working Knowledge of the Whole Book of Luke. It Is Based on an Expositor
    Luke The goal of this Bible Class is to give the students a working knowledge of the whole book of Luke. It is based on an expository approach to teaching the Bible, with an emphasis in preparing the students for the worship of our Savior. The various lessons are to be viewed by the teacher as thematic suggestions to help with preparation. While the lessons are not intended to be read to the class word for word, the main ideas should be the substance of what is taught. The teacher, in preparation for the class, should consider reading through the whole curriculum before beginning the class, as well as the book of Luke several times. This will provide the instructor with a broad and comprehensive understanding of Luke as it is being taught. At the end of the course, the class will be concluded with a Bible Knowledge Evaluation. The instructor should be sure to review the material sufficiently that the students are able to correctly answer the questions on the evaluation at the end of the course. It is important that the instructor be not only knowledgeable about the material, but also able to teach it with enthusiasm and conviction. Students best learn from teachers that are themselves excited about the scriptures. The use of maps, diagrams, white boards etc. is extremely helpful. Some of these have been provided in the curriculum. It is suggested that the class be conducted in an interactive manner. This can be accomplished by having them read short portions of the scripture texts, asking them questions, and wholeheartedly encouraging them to ask questions.
    [Show full text]
  • Disciples in the First Century
    Disciples in the First Century Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Masters in Theology Concordia University Irvine, California Karen Kogler July 1, 2009 Dr. Michael Middendorf, advisor © 2009 Karen Kogler ii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv Abbreviations...................................................................................................................... v Abstract.............................................................................................................................. vi Introduction......................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: Background of First Century Judaism............................................................... 4 Sources.......................................................................................................................... 4 Historical and Political Background ............................................................................. 7 Hellenism ...................................................................................................................... 9 Sociological Background............................................................................................ 13 Chapter 2. First Century Jewish Groups........................................................................... 17 Priests.........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Matthew 9: 35 to 38 Calling of Matthew As Jesus Passed on From
    Matthew 9: 35 to 38 Calling of Matthew (t/b- m:29 March 20) As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. [Matt 9:9] We Scots are great at putting down people who have become a success of have changed their lives for the better. My friend Stan who was here a few weeks ago is a Dundonian, and he told me that people would comment about him: Aye, I knew him when he wis’ naethin. There’s this strange need for us to keep people where they were when they were insignificant or nothing. We don’t like to see people be transformed from sinners to saints! Before we go any further, let me explain the Biblical definition of a saint; saints are Christians like you and I. Some traditions think of saints as those who have died in the love of Christ, but the Gospel’s repeatedly speak of saints on heaven and earth, so saints are those who have given their entire lives to Jesus Christ. Our text is a one-verse biography of a man who God transformed from sinner to saint; the Apostle Matthew. He was a tax collector who was considered a super-sinner because he was a traitor to his country by collecting taxes from the Jews to support the Roman occupying force. Jesus came to him where he was and made him an apostle. Now the world knows him as Saint Matthew.
    [Show full text]