Matthew 1-13

The New Testament is not a separate story. It’s a continuation of the story introduced in the Old Testament and a fulfillment of God’s covenant promises introduced in the first part of the Bible. Explore the literary design of the entire New Testament, from the arrival of Jesus to the fulfillment of God’s restoration of his creation.

Matthew begins with a genealogy that shows Jesus as a descendant from the line of David, a king and a fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to David and all of Israel. Matthew’s gospel account shows readers how the promises and prophecies God made to his people in the Old Testament came to pass through Jesus.

Matthew’s gospel opens with Jesus’ genealogy, showing him as David’s descendant and fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. Throughout the narrative, Matthew weaves together Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and ministry to show readers how the promises and prophecies God made to his people in the Old Testament came to pass through Jesus.

The Gospel of Mark gives a thorough account of Jesus’ life and ministry without making a clear statement about Jesus’ identity, and this is intentional. Mark shows how people, including Jesus’ disciples, questioned if he was who he said he was. The second half of the book then provides strong evidence that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

John's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God. Because of this divine identity, Jesus is able to give eternal life to everyone who believes in him. We see this reality through the signs and miracles he performs. And seven times, he answers "I Am" when people question his identity, echoing God's personal name revealed in Exodus 3. John's Gospel also shows Jesus using his time on earth to introduce people to the new birth. By believing that he is the Messiah and God's son, they have eternal life and freedom from sin and are empowered to perform radical acts of kindness, generosity, and selfless love as they live their lives in devotion to Jesus and his Kingdom.

John's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God. Because of this divine identity, Jesus is able to give eternal life to everyone who believes in him. We see this reality through the signs and miracles he performs. And seven times, he answers "I Am" when people question his identity, echoing God's personal name revealed in Exodus 3. John's Gospel also shows Jesus using his time on earth to introduce people to the new birth. By believing that he is the Messiah and God's son, they have eternal life and freedom from sin and are empowered to perform radical acts of kindness, generosity, and selfless love as they live their lives in devotion to Jesus and his Kingdom.

Luke documents how Jesus expands God's Kingdom and covenant by creating a new Israel that includes the poor, outcasts, and others to whom Jesus brings restoration and reverses their life circumstances as he gives them freedom and release from the tyranny of evil and sin. Throughout the book, we see that Jesus is indeed the messianic King, but he will reign over Israel by suffering. His actions usher in an upside-down Kingdom marked by self-giving love, and he challenges his disciples to follow his example and share in his ministry.

Luke documents how Jesus expands God’s Kingdom and covenant by creating a new Israel that includes the poor and outcasts. Throughout the book, we see that Jesus is indeed the messianic King, but he will reign over Israel by suffering. His actions usher in an upside-down Kingdom marked by self-giving love.

Jesus' followers received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and became filled and equipped to spread the good news that would restore God's kingdom over the world. Through persecution, the believers were scattered. They continued to preach, and the church at Antioch was born. It grew into the first multiethnic, international church from which missionaries were sent throughout the world to preach about Jesus, the messianic Messiah and risen king of all nations. Paul even continued to preach despite imprisonment and wrote important letters to the churches.

Jesus’ followers received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and were equipped to spread the good news that would restore God’s Kingdom on Earth. Through persecution, followers of Jesus were scattered, so missionaries went out to preach about Jesus, the Messiah and risen King of all nations.