Rise of the Messiah

What is the meaning of the word “gospel”? To better understand this word, step back in time to imagine the world as it first encountered Matthew’s Gospel.

From eyewitnesses to the fourfold Gospel in our Bibles, trace the development of these books to learn about the unity and diversity of the gospel accounts.

Study the design of Matthew’s Gospel to learn about its message and themes.

Who wrote the book of Matthew? Examine the internal references, early traditions, and historical clues about the authorship of Matthew.

What can we learn by studying a genealogy? Discover how biblical authors use genealogies to introduce themes and build anticipation for the story to come.

Jesus is born in miraculous circumstances fraught with potential scandal. Learn how God fulfills the expectations of his promises in unexpected ways.

Isn’t his name Jesus? Who’s Immanuel? Examine the rich tapestry of Hebrew Bible references Matthew calls upon to unpack the birth of Jesus.

Matthew introduces readers to King Herod, a ruler who epitomizes the key conflict in his story. Learn how new hope in Jesus disrupts the status quo.

Matthew continues to tell Jesus’ story in echoes of the Hebrew Bible. Discover how Matthew presents Jesus as a new Moses.

Matthew continues to tie events in Jesus’ life to Hebrew Bible prophecy. Examine these quotations to see how multilayered each reference is.

Jesus’ ministry is heralded by a prophet right out of Israel’s past. Contemplate the meaning of fire and water imagery in John the Baptist’s call to repentance.

Matthew's introduction crescendos in Jesus' baptism. Explore how God's words affirm Jesus as the beloved Son and ultimate fulfillment of promises.

Jesus' ministry begins when he is led into the wilderness. Dive into the biblical pattern of the test to learn how Jesus triumphs where others faltered.

Explore the slanderer’s final two temptations and witness Jesus’ powerful responses and divine triumph.

Jesus continues John's message, "The Kingdom of the skies is at hand." Explore how this central theme shapes Jesus' mission as he launches his ministry.

What are your key takeaways from this class? Listen in as the students discuss what they learned.