Matthew (2013)

Shock and awe! Imagine how Joseph and Mary watched in wonder as all the supernatural events surrounding Jesus' birth unfolded. Listen to this lesson to learn how they obeyed the ritual requirements of the Mosaic Law after His birth. Find out about the two witnesses who for many long years had been eagerly waiting for the Messiah. See what a "prophetess" is and discover how Jesus is our comfort today when we face difficulties just as He was the promised consolation to Israel.

Evil, paranoid King Herod comes face-to-face with his worst fears when Persian king makers, called the Magi, inquire about a newborn king. Listen to this lesson to learn how these wise men may have known about the King of the Jews. Find out about the supernatural star which guided them to the very house where Jesus lived. See how the ghosts of Herod's past sent him into an insane rage and how he ordered the ruthless slaughter of young boys. Gain a thoughtful perspective on the religious leaders' indifference to the birth of the Messiah. Discover how God provided for Jesus' escape to Egypt and how God is still supplying all our needs today.

"Joy to the World! The Lord is come!" Listen to this lesson to learn that the Christmas story is always timely and should be celebrated year-round. Find out more accurate accounts of what happened at Christ's birth and how Luke's narrative is based on eyewitnesses and careful research. Discover who Caesar Augustus was and why God chose this as the ideal time for the Savior to be born. See how the shepherds followed the angels' bidding to spread the good news and how the birth of Christ is just as life-changing today as it was then.

"What's in a name?" Shakespeare wrote. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Listen to this lesson to learn the remarkable significance of the name of Jesus and how it was prophesied over 700 years before His birth. Find out the reason for His miraculous conception by a creative act of the Holy Spirit rather than the result of Mary and Joseph having sex. See how the adoration of Mary is related to pagan practices and how the title, Son of God, indicates that Jesus, although fully human, shares all of the attributes of Deity.

"Ta Da! The king has been born!" In the summer of 2013 the world waited breathlessly for the proclamation of the birth of the future king of England with his ironclad credentials. The Gospel of Matthew heralds the birth of the King of the Jews, Jesus Christ. Listen to this lesson to learn about the genealogies that validate His claims to the throne of David and why there are differences between Matthew and Luke. See how Matthew lists four sin-tainted women in the line of Christ and how they showcase God's grace which has brought salvation to all.

What's your favorite TV courtroom drama? From Perry Mason in the past to modern day real-life court cases, many eagerly relish these shows. Listen to this lesson to learn that the Gospel of Matthew presents a legal argument and courtroom case for the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messianic King. Discover Matthew's three main purposes in the book and find out how Matthew's Gospel is the most Jewish of the four Gospels. See that the underlying message to us today is to become disciples, which means to become serious students of the Word of God.

True stories of the lives of famous people quickly move to the top of the best sellers' charts. Listen to this lesson to get in at the beginning of the engrossing story of the life of Christ as told by a once-hated tax collector, Matthew. See how his emphasis is on Christ as the promised Messianic king. Buckle your seatbelt for a "fly-over" view of the entire book and its six-point outline to get you ready for the not-to-be-missed practical ways this gospel can impact your life.