Outline of Matthew’s Gospel:
- The Birth of Jesus and Introduction to His Ministry (ch. 1-4)
- The Public Ministry of Jesus (ch. 5–16)
- The Road to the Cross and the Resurrection (ch. 17-28)
Are you stirred?
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
– Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
“You can know the lyric of the gospel but not hear the music.”
– Scotty Smith, Searching for Grace
“Today we want the Kingdom without the King.”
– Mark Sayers, Disappearing Church
I went out walking
Through streets paved with gold
Lifted some stones, saw the skin and bones
Of a city without a soul…I stopped outside a church house
– U2 with Johnny Cash, “The Wanderer”
Where the citizens like to sit
They say they want the kingdom
But they don’t want God in it
Responses to Jesus in Jerusalem:
- The indignant religious leaders
- The wavering crowds
- The worshiping children
“Jesus came the first time, and He is coming again, as the king over all kings. King of Israel, king of all the nations, king of nature and the universe. Until He comes again, there is a day of amnesty and forgiveness and patience. He still rides a donkey and not yet a white war-horse with a rod of iron. He is ready to save all who receive Him as Savior and Treasure and King. Come to Him. Know Him. Receive Him. Live your life in allegiance to Him.”
– John Piper