The New Testament is arguably the most important and famous document of all, and it opens with Matthew. It’s his account of arguably the most important person of all. And in 2023 Crossroads is kicking off with a deep dive into the first few chapters of Matthew to find out why.
Why is it that Jesus matters so much?
Why is it that 2000 years after Christmas, Jesus has more followers than ever before? Jesus enters into history and, as Matthew explains, changes its course the world over. It’s as if reality itself has made way for him…making way for a king like no other.
Title: Those in darkness can see a great light...
Introduction: When we see dark things…
a) We ignore it
b) We dress things up
c) We act brave and scared
1. The women went to see the dark tomb (28:1)
And behold… (28:2-4)
2. The angel said 'Come and see' (28:5-8)
And behold… (28:9-10)
3. Two ways to see (28:11-20)
Behold... (28:11-15)
Behold... (28:16-20)
Conclusion: The people in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16)
Intro: green means go.
The Angel
The women
The disciples.
Conclusion: resurrection means go
Title: A Miscarriage of Justice
Mistaken Identity
Innocent or Guilty?
An Unjust Substitute
Title: Wiping the past
Accused King (v11-14)
Alternative King (v15-23)
Guilty King (v24-26)
Wide and narrow
Healthy and diseased
Known and unknown
Rock and sand
How will you respond?
Intro - "Why not both?"
- choose your path
- choose who you listen to
- choose who to depend on
- choose your foundation
Admiration or Action?
A Choice of Life & Death
INTRO: WHAT WE TREASURE THE MOST?
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
TRUST ISSUES
INVESTING IN THE KINGDOM
Introduction: The future brought forward.
a. The present state is exposed.
b. The perfect vision outlined.
c. The solution given
d. The new reality dawns
Context: The Sermon on the mount and the future brought forward…
a. The present state is exposed.
b. The perfect vision outlined.
c. The solution given
d. The new reality dawns
Example 1: Giving to the needy (Matthew 6:1-4)
Example 2: Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)
Example 3: Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
Conclusion: Your kingdom come
Introduction: The Sermon on the Mount and it’s perfect vision for life
The purposes of the Sermon on the Mount
a. To reveal the misuse of God’s law
b. To reveal sin
c. To reveal God the Father, the giver of the law
d. To reveal Christ the fulfiller of the law
e. To reveal a revolution for people of God (then and now)
1. Oaths (Matthew 5:33-37)
2. Justice and mercy (Matthew 5:38-42)
3. Love of Neighbour (Matthew 5:43-48)
Conclusion: The Sermon on the Mount and it’s perfect vision for life
The Rainmaker
THE Law-maker
Pharisaic Law-makers
God’s righteous Laws
a. Murder
b. Adultery
c. Divorce
Fulfilling God’s righteous laws
Distinctive sin-killing
Introduction: Picturing the dream disciple.
Context: Picture this!? > Matthew 4:23-25
The beatitude picture:
1. Picturing > the ideal Israelite (Matthew 5:1-12)
2. Picturing >> the King of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:1-12)
3. Picturing >>> the disciple destitute and distinct (Matthew 5:1-12)
Conclusion: The dream disciple
The Dawning of the Kingdom
Comfortable...
The Light of the Kingdom
A Taste of the Kingdom
The Disruptive Call of the Kingdom
Title: Jesus the Son of God
This is my Son.. (3:13-4:1)
If you are the Son...(4:2-4:11)
INTRO: PREPARATIONS
GET READY FOR THE KING
THE REBELLIOUS
THE RELIGIOUS
THE KING PREPARES
PREPARE TO MEET YOUR KING
Perfect timing
•In sending Jesus
•His sovereign care of the chosen one
The kernel and the seed
•Rejection of the Christ = the incoming of the gentiles
•Fleshed out in Matthew's unfolding account
Implications
•Thankfulness that the God who knows our needs meets them perfectly
•Don't resist but worship the son
•God is sovereign over the chaotic & troubling events of this world
Introduction: Where are you from?
Where is Jesus’ from & what does it say about him?
1. From Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12)
Implications:
2. From Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18)
Implications:
3. From Nazareth (Matthew 3:19-23)
Implications:
Conclusion: Our place in the world is found in a person
This Jesus is the Christ - God's anointed kingThe king of Jews and Gentiles everywhereThe wonder of this kingHe is worthy of our worship