27 | July | 2020 | Duomo Sant'Andrea – "I Knew You'd Be A Girl!

AS the procession slowly winds through the city, thousands pack the pavements hoping to catch a glimpse. Marching bands with great fanfare announce the arrival, and bodyguards scan the crowd and run alongside the limousine. Pomp, ceremony, protocol – modern symbols of position and evidences of importance – herald the arrival of royalty. We honour and respect them.

The Jews waited for a leader who had been promised centuries before by prophets. They believed that this leader – the Messiah (“anointed one”) – would rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom. As their king, he would rule the world with justice. However, many Jews overlooked prophecies that also spoke of this king as a suffering servant who would be rejected and killed. It is no wonder, then, that few recognised Jesus as the Messiah. How could this humble carpenter’s son from Nazareth be their king? But Jesus was and is the king of all the earth!

Matthew (Levi) was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Once he was a despised tax collector, but his life was changed by this man from Galilee. Matthew wrote this Gospel to his fellow Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah and to explain God’s kingdom.

Matthew begins his account by giving Jesus’ genealogy. He then tells of Jesus’ birth and early years, including the family’s escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth. Following Jesus’ baptism by John (3.17) and his defeat of Satan in the desert, Jesus begins his public ministry by calling his first disciples and giving the Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7). Matthew shows Christ’s authority by reporting his miracles of healing the sick and the demon-possessed, and even raising the dead.

Despite opposition from the Pharisees and others in the religious establishments (chapters 12-15), Jesus continued to teach concerning the kingdom of heaven (Chapters 16-20). During this time, Jesus spoke with his disciples about his imminent death and resurrection (16.21), and revealed his true identity to Peter, James, and John (17.1-5). Near the end of his ministry, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a triumphant procession (21.1-11). But soon opposition mounted and Jesus knew that his death was near. So he taught his disciples about the future – what they could expect before his return (Chapter 24) and how to live until then (Chapter 25).

In Matthew’s finale (Chapter 26-28), he focuses on Jesus’ final days on earth – the Last Supper, his prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the flight of the disciples, Peter’s denial, the trials before Caiaphas and Pilate, Jesus’ final words on the cross, and his burial in a borrowed tomb. But the story does not end there, for the Messiah rose from the dead – conquering death and then telling his followers to continue his work by making disciples in all nations.

As you read this Gospel, listen to Matthew’s clear message: Jesus is the Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King

AUTHOR: Matthew (Levi)

TO WHOM WRITTEN: Matthew wrote especially to the Jews

DATE WRITTEN: Probably between A.D. 60-65

SETTING: Matthew was a Jewish tax collector who became one of Jesus’ disciples. This Gospel forms the connecting link between the Old and New Testaments because of its emphasis on the fulfilment of prophecy.

KEY VERSE: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them” (5.17).

KEY PEOPLE: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the disciples, the religious leaders, Caiaphas, Pilate, Mary Magdalene

KEY PLACES: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Capernaum, Galilee, Judea

SPECIAL FEATURES: Matthew is filled with messianic language (“Son of David” is used throughout) and Old Testament references (53 quotes and 76 other references). This Gospel was not written as a chronological account; its purpose was to present the clear evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour

THE BLUEPRINT

Birth And Preparation Of Jesus, The King (1.1-4.11) The people of Israel were waiting for the Messiah, their king. Matthew begins this book by showing how Jesus Christ was a descendant of David. But Matthew goes on to show that God [Wall] did not send Jesus to be an earthly king, but a heavenly king. His kingdom would be much greater than David’s because it would never end. Even at Jesus’ birth, many recognised him as a king. Herod, the ruler, as well as Satan, was afraid of Jesus’ kinship and tried to stop him, but others worshipped him and brought royal gifts. We must be willing to recognise Jesus for who he really is and worship him as king of our lives.

Message And Ministry Of Jesus, The King (4.12-25.46) Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, directions for living in his kingdom. He also told many parables about the difference between his kingdom and the kingdom of earth. Forgiveness, peace, and putting others first are some of the characteristics that make one great in the future kingdom of God. And to be great in God’s kingdom, we must live by God’s standards right now. Jesus came to show us how to live as faithful subjects in his kingdom.

Jesus begins his ministry
Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus performs many miracles
Jesus teaches about the kingdom
Jesus encounters differing reactions to his ministry
Jesus faces conflict with the religious leaders
Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives

Death And Resurrection Of Jesus, The King (26.1-28.20) Jesus was formally presented to the nation of Israel, but rejected. How strange for the king to be accused, arrested, and crucified. But Jesus demonstrated his power even over death through resurrection, and gained access for us into his kingdom. With all this evidence that Jesus is God’s Son, we too should accept him as our Lord.

MEGATHEMES

Jesus Christ, the King

EXPLANATION: Jesus is revealed as the King of kings. His miraculous birth, his life and teaching, his miracles, and his triumph over death show his true identity.

IMPORTANCE: Jesus cannot be equated with any person or power. He is the supreme ruler of time and eternity, heaven and earth, humans and angels. We should give him his rightful place as king of our lives.

The Messiah

EXPLANATION: Jesus was the Messiah, the One for whom the Jews had waited to deliver them from Roman oppression. Yet tragically, they didn’t recognise him when he came because his kingship was not what they expected. The true purpose of God’s anointed deliverer was to die for all people to free them from sin’s oppression.

IMPORTANCE: Because Jesus was sent by God [Wall], we can trust him with our lives. It is worth everything we have to acknowledge him and give ourselves to him, because he came to be our Messiah, our Saviour.

Kingdom of God

EXPLANATION: Jesus came to earth to begin his kingdom. His full kingdom will be realised at his return and will be made up of anyone who has faithfully followed him.

IMPORTANCE: The way to enter God’s kingdom is by faith – believing in Christ to save us from sin and change our lives. We must do the work of his kingdom now to be prepared for his return.

Teachings

EXPLANATION: Jesus taught the people through sermons, illustrations, and parables. Through his teachings, he showed the true ingredients of faith and how to guard against a fruitless and hypocritical life.

IMPORTANCE: Jesus’ teachings show us how to prepare for life in his eternal kingdom by living properly right now. He lived what he taught, and we too must practise what we preach.

Resurrection

EXPLANATION: When Jesus rose from the dead, he rose in power as the true king. In his victory over death, he established his credentials as king and his power and authority over evil.

IMPORTANCE: The resurrection shows Jesus’ all-powerful life for us – not even death could stop his plan of offering eternal life. Those who believe in Jesus can hope for a resurrection like his. Our role is to tell his story to all the earth so that everyone may share in his victory.

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WITHOUT trying, we model our values. Parents in particular demonstrate to their children what they consider important and valuable. “Like father, like son” is not just a well-worn cliché’ it is a truth repeated in our homes. And experience proves that children often follow the lifestyles of their parents, repeating their successes and mistakes.

Timothy is a prime example of one who was influenced by godly relatives. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jewish believers who helped shape his life and promote his spiritual growth (2 Timothy 1.5; 3.15). The first “second generation” Christian mentioned in the New Testament, Timothy became Paul’s protégé and pastor of the Church at Ephesus. As a young minister, Timothy faced all sorts of pressures, conflicts, and challenges from the Church and his surrounding culture. To counsel and encourage Timothy , Paul sent this very personal letter.

Paul wrote 1 Timothy in about A.D. 64, probably just prior to his final Roman imprisonment. Because he had appealed to Caesar, Paul was sent as a prisoner to Rome (see Acts 25-28). Most scholars believe that Paul was released in about A.D. 62 (possible because the “statute of limitations” had expired), and that during the next few years he was able to travel. During this time, he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. Soon, however, Emperor Nero began his campaign to eliminate Christianity. It is believed that during this time Paul was imprisoned again and eventually executed. During this second Roman imprisonment, Paul wrote 2 Timothy. Titus and the two letters to Timothy comprise what are called the “Pastoral Letters”.

Paul’s first letter to Timothy affirms their relationship (1.2). Paul begins his fatherly advice, warning Timothy about false teachers (1.3-11) and urging him to hold on to his faith in Christ (1.12-20). Next, Paul considers public worship, emphasising the importance of prayer (2.1-7) and order in church meetings (2.8-15). This leads to a discussion of the qualifications of Church leaders – overseers and deacons. Here Paul lists specific criteria for each office (3.1-16).

Paul speaks again about false teachers, telling Timothy how to recognise them and respond to them (4.1-16). Next, he gives practical advice on pastoral care to the young and old (5.1, 2), widows (5.3-16), elders (5.17-25), and slaves (6.1, 2). Paul concludes by exhorting Timothy to guard his motives (6.3-16), and to minister faithfully (6.17-12).

The letter holds many lessons. If you are a church leader, take note of Paul’s relationship with this young disciple – his careful counsel and guidance. Measure yourself against the qualifications that Paul gives for overseers and deacons. If you are young in the faith, follow the example of godly Christian leaders like Timothy, who imitated Paul’s life. If you are a parent, remind yourself of the profound effect a Christian home can have on family members – a faithful mother and grandmother led Timothy to Christ, and Timothy’s ministry helped change the world.

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VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To give encouragement and instruction to Timothy, a young leader

AUTHOR: Paul

TO WHOM WRITTEN: Timothy, young church leaders, and all believers everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: About A.D. 64, from Rome or Macedonia (possibly Philippi), probably just prior to Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome

SETTING: Timothy was one of Paul’s closest companions. Paul had sent Timothy to the church at Ephesus to counter the false teachings that had arisen there (1 Timothy 1.3, 4). Timothy probably served for a time as a leader in the church at Ephesus. Paul hoped to visit Timothy (3.14, 15: 4.23), but in the meantime, he wrote this letter to give Timothy practical advice about the ministry.

KEY VERSE: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (4.12).

KEY PEOPLE: Paul, Timothy

KEY PLACE: Ephesus

SPECIAL FEATURES: This is a personal letter and a handbook of church administration and discipline.

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THE BLUEPRINT

Paul advised Timothy on such practical topics as qualifications for church leaders, public worship, confronting false teachings, and how to treat various groups of people within the Church. Right belief and right behaviour are critical for anyone who desires to lead or serve effectively in the Church. We should all believe rightly, participate in church actively, and minister to one another lovingly.

Instructions on right belief (1.1-20)
Instructions for the church (2.1-3.16)
Instructions for leaders (4.1-6.21)

MEGATHEMES

Sound Doctrine

EXPLANATION: Paul instructed Timothy to preserve the Christian faith by teaching sound doctrine and modelling right living. Timothy had to oppose false teachers who were leading Church members away from belief in salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

IMPORTANCE: We must know the truth in order to defend it. We must cling to the belief that Christ came to save us. We should stay away from those who twist the words of the Bible for their own purposes.

Public Worship

EXPLANATION: Prayer in public worship must be done with a proper attitude towards God [Wall] and fellow believers.

IMPORTANCE: Christian character must be evident in every aspect of worship. We must rid ourselves of any anger, resentment, or offensive behaviour that might disrupt worship or damage church unity.

Church Leadership

EXPLANATION: Paul give specific instructions concerning the qualifications for Church leaders so that the Church might honour God [Wall] and operate smoothly.

IMPORTANCE: Church leaders must be wholly committed to Christ. If you are a new or young Christian, don’t be anxious to become a leader in the Church. Seek to develop your Christian character first. Be sure to seek God, not your own ambition.

Personal Discipline

EXPLANATION: It takes discipline to be a leader in the Church. Timothy, like all pastors, had to guard his motives, minister faithfully, and live above reproach. Any pastor must keep morally and spiritually fit.

IMPORTANCE: To stay in good spiritual shape, you must discipline yourself to study God’s word and to obey it. Put your spiritual abilities to work!

Caring Church

EXPLANATION: The church has a responsibility to care for the needs of all its members, especially the sick, the poor, and the widowed. Caring must go beyond good intentions.

IMPORTANCE: Caring for the family of believers demonstrates our Christlike attitude and exhibits genuine love to non-believers.