As Matthew turns to the first major block of Jesus’ teaching we encounter a two-verse preface. Easy to overlook, this preface nevertheless orients us to what follows with important reminders and observations. As we consider it this morning we are reminded that Jesus teaches for the world, Jesus teaches his disciples, and Jesus teaches with authority. Join us as we consider both the encouragement and the challenge that these observations bring!

How does the beginning of Jesus’ ministry provide us with a foretaste of the new creation? Join us as we see Jesus call his first disciples, preach and teach, and heal every disease and affliction among the people in Galilee and reflect on what it means for us in the midst of our suffering as we anticipate the new heavens and the new earth.

After three and a half chapters of preparation Matthew brings us to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, only for us to find Jesus withdrawing back into Galilee. Yet this move is in fulfillment of prophecy, and shines the light of the gospel into a dark and forgotten corner of the world. As Jesus the king begins to preach, the first word of the gospel is “Repent!” And yet this announcement is gracious. Join us as we consider the beginning of Jesus’ preaching.

The voice from heaven at Jesus’s baptism joined together the David Messiah and the Suffering Servant. Now as the Spirit leads Jesus out into the wilderness to be tested the Devil sees it as an opportunity to tempt the Son of God. But more is at stake than a model for us! As Jesus succeeds where Israel failed we begin to see the depth of the stakes: will the Son of God turn aside from the Father’s plan?

Who is this Jesus who appears and wants to be baptized by John? Why would he want such a thing? And what does Matthew tell us about his identity? Join us as we consider Jesus as the one who follows John, as King and Christ, and as God himself.

John the Baptist prepares the way by preaching repentance, proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is near, and facing off with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Anticipation builds: if this is Elijah, who is to follow? Join us as we consider John’s challenge and its connections to Jesus’ later preaching.

Who is Herod, really, and what is at stake in his struggle to put the Christ child to death? And how do we make sense of Matthew’s use of the Old Testament to explain who Jesus is? Join us as we unmask Herod and peer over Matthew’s shoulder into the depths of salvation history.

Led by a star, Gentile sages arrive in Jerusalem seeking a newborn king of the Jews. In a chapter filled with wonder and consternation in which prophecies of the Messiah come to pass, Matthew focuses our attention on responses to Jesus. What will we do with the news of his arrival? Will his birth elicit anxiety, hostility, apathy, or joyful submission?

Having brought of his treasure something old, Matthew now draws out something new as he presents to us the unexpected manner of the Messiah’s birth, shrouded in scandal and mystery, rooted in promise, bringing salvation, and for as much as for the people of Judah. How will we respond to the news that Matthew brings?