Study Guide: Understanding “The King” Series
Introduction
- Objective: To understand the kingship of Jesus Christ through the Book of Matthew, building on foundational lessons from Paul’s epistles.
- Duration: This study guide covers one week of study but can be adjusted based on group or personal pace.
Day 1: Overview of the New Testament
- Scripture: Overview of the New Testament, focusing on the Gospel of Matthew.
- Key Points:
- Introduction to Jesus through the New Testament.
- Emphasis on Matthew’s approach to introducing Jesus’ ministry and final work.
- Discussion Questions:
- How does the New Testament as a whole introduce Jesus?
- Why might Matthew have been chosen as the primary text for this series?
Day 2: Analysis of Matthew Chapter 1
- Scripture: Matthew 1:1 – “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
- Key Points:
- Importance of genealogies in the Jewish context.
- Establishing Jesus’ rightful place as the promised Messiah.
- Discussion Questions:
- Why is Jesus’ genealogy significant for Matthew’s audience?
- What does the inclusion of David and Abraham signify?
Day 3: Purpose and Audience of Matthew’s Gospel
- Scripture: Review how Matthew addresses Jewish traditions and customs.
- Key Points:
- Matthew’s targeted Jewish Christian audience.
- Use of untranslated Aramaic words and unelaborated Jewish customs.
- Discussion Questions:
- How does knowing the audience help in understanding the message of Matthew?
- What significance do Aramaic words and Jewish customs add to the text?
Day 4: Key Figures in Jesus’ Genealogy
- Scripture: Matthew 1:2-6
- Key Points:
- Focus on notable figures, especially the inclusion of four women.
- Discussion of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.
- Activity:
- Research and summarize the stories of Tamar (Genesis 38), Rahab (Joshua 6:22-23), Ruth (Book of Ruth), and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 7:12, 12:24).
- Discussion Questions:
- What do these women’s stories contribute to Jesus’ genealogy?
- How does their inclusion reflect God’s grace and plan?
Day 5: The Kings in Jesus’ Genealogy
- Scripture: Matthew 1:6-11
- Key Points:
- Good and bad kings in Jesus’ lineage.
- Lessons from both righteous and wicked reigns.
- Activity:
- Compare the reigns of Asa, Jehoshaphat, Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah.
- Reflect on the bad kings Rehoboam, Ahaz, and Manasseh.
- Discussion Questions:
- What do the reigns of these kings teach us about leadership and faithfulness?
- How does God’s sovereignty manifest through these varied reigns?
Day 6: The Virgin Birth
- Scripture: Matthew 1:18-24
- Key Points:
- Joseph’s reaction and the angel’s message.
- The theological significance of the virgin birth.
- Discussion Questions:
- What does Joseph’s response teach us about obedience and faith?
- How does the virgin birth emphasize Jesus’ dual nature as divine and human?
Day 7: Marriage as an Illustration of God’s Relationship with the Church
- Scripture References: Isaiah 62:5, Ephesians 5:25-27
- Key Points:
- Marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church.
- The roles of love, commitment, and intimacy in marriage.
- Activity:
- Reflect on how marriages can mirror the relationship between Christ and the Church.
- Discussion Questions:
- How can we apply the metaphor of marriage to our daily walk with Christ?
- What lessons can we draw for married couples from the relationship between Christ and the Church?
Reflection and Conclusion
- Summary Activity:
- Summarize key lessons learned from each day’s study.
- Reflect on how these lessons can be applied in personal life and community.
- Discussion Questions:
- How does this study enhance your understanding of Jesus’ kingship?
- What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus based on these teachings?
Note: This study guide can be adapted for either group study or individual reflection. Encourage discussions, questions, and personal application for a deeper understanding and transformation.
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