Bible Survey: Part ThreeSample

Today we transition into the New Testament. The Old Testament was written before Jesus’ birth, and the New Testament was written after His birth. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are called the Gospels. They tell the story of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Matthew is written with a Jewish audience in mind. He quotes frequently from the Old Testament, which is the Bible with which the Jews are familiar. Matthew was one of Jesus’ disciples so much of the book is relating events he actually witnessed. Matthew begins with a genealogy of Jesus. The Jews would have known that their Savior (Messiah) had to be a descendant of David. Matthew proves that He was. He continues to give details of Jesus’ birth that prove God’s involvement and that His birth was a fulfillment of prophecy.

The story of Jesus’ birth is surrounded by miracles, but also ordinary people. Mary and Joseph had to do what God wanted in order for God’s plan to come through. What plan does God have about which you know nothing, but in which God wants you to be involved? All we can do is obey and let God take care of the plan.