Thrive: Deeper

This part of the Gospel of Matthew focus on some of the pivotal moments in Jesus’ mission. Jesus gathered His disciples and asked them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Peter boldly declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blessed Peter for this revelation, which was divinely inspired, and foretold the establishment of His church.

These chapters of Matthew encompass a series of parables and teachings by Jesus, illustrating the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rich with parables such as the Sower, the Weeds, the Mustard Seed, and the Pearl of Great Value, each one reveals different aspects of the Kingdom and the responses of people to God's word. We see the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus walking on water, showcasing His miracles and compassion, including the story of Jesus healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman, highlighting His ministry's expansion beyond Israel.

Chapters 8-12 of the Book of Matthew focus on Jesus' miracles, teachings, and interactions with both followers and skeptics. Chapter 8 details a series of miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing a leper, a centurion's servant, and calming a storm, emphasizing His divine authority and the centrality of faith. Chapters 9 and 10 continue with more miracles and the commissioning of the twelve apostles, highlighting the challenges of discipleship. Chapter 11 presents John the Baptist's questions and Jesus' lament over unrepentant cities, while Chapter 12 describes various confrontations with the Pharisees, including discussions about the Sabbath and Jesus' teachings through parables, further illustrating the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time. These chapters collectively underscore the themes of faith, authority, and commitment in the face of opposition.

Jesus shares with His disciples the profound principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, encapsulated in the Sermon on the Mount. He begins with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that overturn conventional wisdom, promising divine comfort and reward to those who embody spiritual humility and righteousness. As the narrative unfolds, Jesus delves deeper, challenging His followers to be the salt and light of the earth, preserving goodness and illuminating truth. He then reinterprets the Law, not to abolish it but to fulfill it, urging a righteousness that stems from the heart. The sermon culminates with a call to love and pray for one's enemies, setting a divine standard of perfection that reflects the nature of God Himself.

We learn about Jesus’ genealogy, establishing His royal and Abrahamic lineage. The miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is revealed, and Joseph is instructed to name Him Jesus, meaning “He will save His people from their sins.”

Bible Project Introduction to Matthew

The Book of Proverbs offers profound insights into the nature of anger and how we should manage it. Proverbs emphasizes the value of patience and self-control, highlighting that a person who is slow to anger is wiser and more powerful than one who is quick-tempered

The Book of Proverbs provides timeless wisdom on how to navigate various relationships with wisdom, discipline, and a deep trust in the Lord. It encourages virtues of righteousness, justice, loyalty, respect, and mutual edification in all relationships.

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Why? Because he is wise enough to understand that he does not know it all.

Proverbs: Wealth Poverty Diligence Sloth

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …” Proverbs 18:21a

Whether we are speaking face-to-face, talking on the phone or even using our digital tongues in a comment thread or text message, remember this: Our words are powerful, and they have consequences.