Matthew: Bible Study Introduction

Matthew: The Son reveals the Father in words and lessons

Welcome to our study of Matthew in which we seek to understand the Father by knowing the Son. Hebrews 1:3a says the Son ‘is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.’ This exact representation is the focus of this study, so that we may know the Father through the Son. Malachi 3:6 says ‘I the Lord do not change.’ Even this is hard to fully grasp. Do you struggle with understanding how God in the Old Testament is the same, the exact representation (Hebrews 1:3), as Jesus in the New Testament, like I do? We know in our head that the God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament, but our hearts have trouble understanding the apparent differences.

This study looks at the Gospel of Matthew, paying particular attention to the words and lessons. Each study has a personal link opener before reading, then considers the reading and what it reveals of the Father, looking at Old Testament links in the text and the character of God the Father as seen in the reading.

The study is designed for individual or small group study, with 10-12 sessions (still under development!). There will generally be two weekly postings of the study sessions and an accompanying article or free material as related to those sessions. Your questions and comments are welcome as we go through the study!

Introduction Questions

Before reading the text, take a moment to consider the character of the Father and jot down or share five or six main characteristics that come to mind that describe Him.

Now list characteristics of the Son.

What do you want to know or see about God the Father in this study?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this last question, please post in the comments or send me an email!