Here's the focus this week from Matthew.

One way to read Matthew's Gospel is to see it divided into an introduction (1–4), a conclusion (26–28), and five central narrative-discourse blocks that alternate between Jesus's actions and teachings. 

These five sections are often compared to the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), framing Jesus as a new, authoritative Moses.

Introduction: Jesus's Genealogy and Birth

1. Chapters 1-7: Genealogy, Birth, and Baptism, ending with Jesus's Sermon on the Mount 

2. Chapters 8-10: Ministry and Miracles, ending with Jesus's Missionary Discourse 

3. Chapters 11-13: Disputes and Opposition, ending with Jesus's Parables of the Kingdom 

4. Chapters 14-18: Miracles and Ministry, ending with Jesus's Discourse on the Church 

5. Chapters 19-25: Journey to Jerusalem, ending with Jesus's Olivet Discourse.

Conclusion: Chapters 26-28 the events surrounding Jesus's Death, Burial, and Resurrection

We are now entering deep into the opposition Jesus faced from those who received the best of his teaching and miracles. Jesus compared them to what, for a thousand years, Hebrews had considered the worst of the worst--Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom. Yes, Jesus said, those cities will fare better than those who stood before him now on the day of judgment.

Is this simply historical data, stored in the Gospel, or can there be something for us today? Let's find out.

Joanne Hagemeyer

If you have struggled with doubts about your faith, you are in good company! Even John the Baptist, who knew better than anyone that Jesus was the Messiah, needed reassurance when things went sour. This week, Julie Coleman will take us through Matthew 11:1-15, and examine Jesus' reaction to John's doubts. Was it sin for John to doubt? Or did Jesus take it in stride? What implications does all this have for us, when our faith wavers? Don't miss this one...be set free from guilt and regret when you fluctuate in your belief. 'Lord, I believe...help my unbelief!

Steve Coleman says, "This Easter, we’re zooming out to see the whole story of the Bible — from the first creation to the new heaven and new earth. At the center is one question: Why do Jesus’ death and resurrection matter so much? Because they are the turning point where life, sacrifice, and the presence of God — threads that begin in Genesis — are brought to their fulfillment in Revelation."

Steve refers to this clip in the message:

https://www.facebook.com/TheDomesticCurator/posts/mr-blandings-builds-his-dream-house-is-a-great-old-movie-i-love-this-scene-you-h/985407357033455//

Have you ever grieved the fact that you will never measure up to Christ's standard for believers? In Matthew 10: 37-42, Jesus concludes His instructions to His disciples, sending them out to prepare people for His arrival and the message that God's kingdom is at hand. How would they do in fulfilling their commission? How will we do when faced with the kind of obstacles that Jesus described? Join Julie Coleman to discover the secret to following God's will for your life. It is actually a lot simpler than you may think!

Two of Jesus's most famous sayings are "Love each other as I have loved you" and "Peace I give to you." Well, that's in the Gospel of John. The Gospel of Matthew seems to be saying another thing altogether! “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." What? "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Is this the same Jesus? Let's unravel this mystery together."

Joanne Hagemeyer

In the Gospel of Matthew 10:24–31 Jesus prepares His followers for opposition—and then tells them three times not to fear. Why? Because the God who notices every sparrow also knows and values every one of His children. 

Steve Coleman

Jesus warned His disciples they would be 'sheep among wolves.' In Matthew 10:16–23 we’ll consider what it means to follow Christ with wisdom, innocence, and courage in a world that may resist Him." 

Steve Coleman

Have you ever wondered what your spiritual gifts are? There are all kinds of workbooks, seminars, retreats, and Bible studies designed to help us recognize how God has empowered us to do kingdom work. Some people really seem to know their calling, and have thrown themselves into their ministry with gusto. Some of us still aren't too sure. How did Jesus's twelve disciples feel when Jesus gathered them together, in Matthew 10, and told them he thought they were ready to cast out demons, heal people, and spread the news about Jesus? How do you and I feel about that same calling?

As we continue studying the book of Matthew, specifically chapter 9, we are in the middle of a series of healings to include: leprosy, paralysis, a fever, raising a girl from death, and many demon possessed, not to mention calming a storm. 

I wonder if Matthew included the calming of the storm story right in the middle of all of these healing stories to make a point. When we are sick it can be similar to having a storm in the body. 

This week Dr. Bill Smith looks at two more healings, restoring sight to the blind, and restoring speech to a man demon-possessed. While there are some differences among these healings, there are also some commonalities that can be important to us when we pray for people to be healed. There are some important criteria that need to be met for healing to take place and Jesus was demonstrating this for us. Listen to find out! 

A synagogue leader falls at Jesus’ feet. 

A woman reaches out in secret.

In Matthew 9:18–26, two stories collide, revealing the heart of Jesus for the broken, the overlooked, and the hopeless. Listen as Steve Coleman invites to consider where we need to trust Him for healing and new life.