Matthew Study

Embark on a ten-week journey with us through the book of Matthew.

We're delving beyond the surface, immersing ourselves in the context of first-century Judaism.

Have you ever pondered the deeper meaning behind the Kingdom of God, the stories of the Parables, or the true essence of the Greatest Commandment? Together, we'll uncover these hidden layers and better understand the author's intentions.
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Each narrative in Matthew is more than just words; it's a gateway to a deeper world. Beneath each story is a wealth of history and culture that illuminates Jesus' words and actions in a fresh light. Join us in this enlightening exploration.

For further exploration see the list of references below!

Week 1: What is the Kingdom of Heaven?
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​Dive deep with us into the phrase "the Kingdom of Heaven."

What might this have signified to the listeners in first-century Israel?
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Throughout time, the West has often understood this phrase to hint at a future realm we recognize as 'heaven'.

​Yet, to the Jews of the first century, the "Kingdom of Heaven" was less about a place and more about a present experience – it symbolized the very act of God's reigning. It echoes the living presence of God's will being done here, on Earth, as Jesus illuminated in his prayer: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.”
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Week 2: Exploring Jesus' Genealogy  Israel and the Moon!

Dive into the opening of Matthew's Gospel: Was the lunar cycle subtly woven into the fabric of Jesus' genealogy?

The genealogy of Jesus isn't just a list; it sets the stage for the profound narratives that follow in Matthew's Gospel. Notably, Matthew crafts this lineage - the Tapestry of Redemption - into three distinct segments, each with fourteen generations. But what significance does the number 14 hold?

Embark with us on a journey to decipher the intricate design of the genealogy and unravel the profound messages Matthew might have been conveying to Israel.
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Fulfillment Texts handout, click here

Week 3: Did Jesus "Abolish" the Torah? Rabbinic Idiom of Abolish and Fulfill

 Matthew 5:17 often leaves readers puzzled: What was Jesus truly conveying with the terms "abolish" and "fulfill" regarding keeping the commands of the Torah?

In our session, we turn to the illuminating context of Rabbinic writings.

These ancient writings also employ these significant terms when interpreting scripture.

​We draw closer to understanding Jesus' profound message by delving into their usage.



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Week 4: Measure for Measure Understanding Biblical Karma

​In our upcoming video, we delve into the profound concept of "Measure for Measure."

Many in the Christian community might be unfamiliar with the frequent mentions of this principle in the Bible, in contrast to our Jewish counterparts who are quite acquainted with it.

"Measure for Measure" can be envisioned as an intrinsic principle in God's overarching framework of justice – its presence is pervasive when one knows where to discern it.

The deeper our comprehension of this, the more we become introspective regarding our actions. Furthermore, with the assurance that divine justice encompasses all deeds, it becomes our prerogative to extend forgiveness and entrust ultimate justice to the Almighty.

​Join me as we explore this together.
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Week 5: the Kingdom ​Breaks Forth, NOT Suffer Violence

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Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

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The Mystical Transfiguration

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What does it mean to 
Store Up Treasures in Heaven?

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Greatest Commandment? 

Understanding Jesus' Answer
and Gezerah Shavah

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