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He see's WHO you will BE!
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Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Matthew the first book of the Bible…
The Book: One of the most important books of the New Testament, widely read and influential throughout Christian history.
* Provides a comprehensive account of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection
IT WAS WRITTEN BY LEVI (MATTHEW)
* Matthew was a beautifully crafted book written to the Jews. It is foundational to the other gospels.
* He quotes the old Testament over 100 times and eludes to it another 50.
*- He mentions the Kingdom 55 times
* - He mentions Kingdom of heaven 32 times
- - - Matthew was never mentioned after Acts 2?
History records that he was martyred in Ethiopia by sword.
His Social Standing:
- Wealthy due to his profession, but socially ostracized.
- Likely literate and skilled in record-keeping, essential for his work.
*and this is a good thing. He gives us the clearest historical picture of who Jesus is - which is what the Jews needed.
But he was a tax collector… they were hated by the jews. Many times you see in scripture where it says Jesus was with sinners and publicans which is a tax collector. This the scriptures way of telling us how the jews saw tax collectors…it would be like saying “this guy is bad, he is a sinner… but this guy… he is a tax collector… NOW THATS A SINNER!
But here is the twist…
- * History points to the belief that Matthew was the cousin of Jesus. Matthews father “Alphaeus Cephus” was the brother of Joseph- Jesus stepfather.
How hard is it for us to forgive people… pretty hard. But how hard is it for us to forgive family? EVEN HARDER…
Matthew obviously knew who Jesus was and now who he claimed to be. Jesus of course knew who Matthew was…
Jesus nicknames Levi “Matthew” which means gift from God. No one at that time looked at Levi and thought “gift of god” but rather curse from man or the roman government…. But Jesus saw who he could be….
Matthew was a tax collector - which meant
He was a copius note taker
Extremely educated and literate
Gifted in negotiation
Gift in debate and defense
Handling disputes
Detailed record keeping
ALL OF THIS REFLECTS HIS WRITING IN THE BOOK OF MATTHEW!
See when you come to Christ- he uses your past to be the framework for your future in faith.
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