Dysfunction Family to Divine Fulfillment

OUTLINE:

I. Importance of Matthew

II. Author of Matthew

III. Date of Matthew

IV. Structure of Matthew

The five discourses of Matthew are to the followers of Jesus what the five books of Moses were to the Jews.

V. Purpose and Themes of Matthew

MAIN POINT: Jesus came to be the Messianic King of Israel and the rescuer of nations, establishing His Kingdom for His obedient followers.

VI. Genealogy of Matthew

A. Hyperlinks

B. Viruses

C. Corrupted Files

D. Patches

Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)

Weekly Reading:

Day 1: The Tapestry of Fulfillment

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:1

Complementary Old Testament Text:

Genesis 12:1-3 (Abrahamic Covenant)

2 Samuel 7:12-16 (Davidic Covenant)

Questions:

-When you consider the vast sweep of God's plan culminating in Jesus, how does recognizing His deliberate purpose for our lives influence your trust in His unfolding story, even when you don't see the whole picture?

-In what areas of your life do you long for more credibility or assurance? How might understanding the robust historical and theological foundations Matthew presents for Jesus' identity strengthen your faith?

-How does the idea of Jesus being both deeply rooted in a specific heritage ("Son of David") and universally relevant ("Son of Abraham") invite you to embrace both your unique personal story and your place within the larger human family?

Day 2: Unexpected Paths and Divine Purpose

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:2-6

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

Genesis 38:6-30 (Tamar's story)

Joshua 2:8-14 (Rahab's story)

Ruth 4:13-17 (Ruth's story)

2 Samuel 11:1-5 (Bathsheba's introduction)

Questions:

-Thinking about the unconventional stories of the women in Jesus' genealogy, what "unconventional" or challenging aspects of your own life story or past might God be redeeming and using for His purposes?

-What does the inclusion of these women, who represent various forms of "baggage" or outsider status, teach you about God's willingness to embrace and empower those who might feel overlooked or disqualified?

Day 3: A King for All Nations

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:7-11

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

Genesis 17:4-5 (Abraham as father of many nations)

Questions:

-If Jesus' role as a "rescuer for nations" implies a global reach, what specific action can you take this week to participate in or support the spreading of His message around you?

-The message of Jesus' kingship transcends all human boundaries. How can you actively demonstrate God's inclusive love for "everyone," regardless of their background, in your interactions and attitudes this week?

Day 4: The Legal Claim and the Divine Exemption

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:12-16

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

Jeremiah 22:24-30 (Curse on Jeconiah)

Isaiah 7:14 (Prophecy of the virgin birth)

Daniel 7:13-14 (Son of Man receiving dominion)

Questions:

-The virgin birth of Jesus highlights a divine intervention that overcame a human impossibility (the curse on Jeconiah's line). Where in your life are you facing a seemingly impossible situation, and how might this truth encourage you to trust in God's unique ways of working?

-If Jesus gained legal rights through Joseph but was divinely conceived, how does this dual reality comfort you that God works within and beyond established systems for His greater purposes?

Day 5: The Culmination of Promise and a Call to Discipleship

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:17

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

Isaiah 11:1-5 (The Branch from Jesse)

Zechariah 9:9-10 (King coming to Zion)

Genesis 49:10 (Scepter not departing from Judah)

Questions:

-Matthew's structured genealogy emphasizes the deliberate, purposeful nature of God's plan. How does recognizing this divine intentionality in Jesus' arrival invite you to look for and appreciate God's purposeful hand in the details of your own life?

-If Jesus' arrival signifies an "ultimate transition" and the establishment of God's kingdom, what specific, tangible step can you take this week to align your daily life more fully with the values and commands of His kingdom?