Beginners Comments On The Book Of Matthew!
Hi everyone,
This is my first real post in the bible study section as I have finally finished reading the book of Matthew which is my 1st book!!! I did use to restrict myself to the newbies section and the moderators have told me to branch out of my comfort zone so here I am.
First of all I would like to say that I tried to start reading the bible about a year ago but I just got frustrated and my mindset was not ready for it and thus I ended up more confused and with more questions than when I started.
A year later I feel that I have really grown spiritually and that God has eased himself into my life at my pace. I have been praying and have started to attend church and I just feel that everything is falling into place for me to start my quest of reading the bible. When I started reading Matthew I noticed that I had a calmness about me and that I was able to absorb information. The difference this time round is that I have noticed how much my FAITH has grown. FAITH is everything! I did not realise how much my FAITH had grown until I started reading the bible again. It is truly an amazing feeling!
So know I thought I would love to write about my thoughts as a beginner on the book of Matthew. There are 2 reasons behind this. The first is to help other new christians (hopefully) and to share my thoughts and get some great discussion happening! Yes I would love feedback from everyone and anyone but please remember I am completely new to bible study so take it easy on me!
What I will do is share the passages that I highlighted which were relevant to me (I will put them in bold) and then I will post my personal comments under each one. Here goes (wish me luck)!
Matthew 4:16 (New International Version)
16the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."[a]
This is exactly what I feel God has been working on with me and the light for me is that LEAP OF FAITH! This passage is just so true and the directness of it just really hit me!
Matthew 5:14-16 (New International Version)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
I really connected with this because the majority of my family are not Christian or religious at all. My wife is not religious and I just felt that this passage gave me hope. What I mean is that if I try to convert my wife it will just not work but if I can be the shining light then I can lead by example for my wife and 3 boys. I have faith that if I can do that God will take care of the rest!
Matthew 5:19-20 (New International Version)
19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
This passage hit me because through reading Matthew I have learnt a lot about the Pharisees and how they operate and I can really connect it the world these days where certain people claim to be great Christians and know the bible backwards but they miss the true meaning and the essence of it! This passage gives me inspiration to know that I do not have to be a bible expert but if I can get the essence of it then I am on my way!
Matthew 6:1 (New International Version)
Matthew 6
Giving to the Needy
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
I really like this as I am a quiet achiever and it just makes me see that I do not have to turn into a super hero. I just need to do what is right and not blow my own trumpet (well maybe a little but I will do that in private)
Matthew 6:6 (New International Version)
6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Once again this a very private thing for me so to read that God likes this is fantastic!
Matthew 6:9-14 (New International Version)
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
I found this of vital importance as it is not just me asking God for forgiveness but for me to be able to be strong enough to forgive others as well.
Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)
24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
I just love how pure and direct this passage is. To me it is about the spiritual world and the material world. Yes it is nice to have a nice house and so forth but at the end of your human life it will not count for anything. I would rather be poor with an eternal soul than rich with a dead soul!
Matthew 6:33-34 (New International Version)
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I really love this passage as to me it means dont worry! Just take each day as it comes and do your best!
Matthew 7:1-2 (New International Version)
Matthew 7
Judging Others
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
This passage is great as I am a person who trys not to judge and I always am willing to respect others opinions and choices in life.
Matthew 7:7 (New International Version)
Ask, Seek, Knock
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
This passage demonstrates how easy God has made it for us to gain eternal life if we are willing to walk with him!
Matthew 7:12 (New International Version)
12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
As it says treat others the way you want to be treated!
Matthew 7:13-14 (New International Version)
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
This just makes me realise and appreciate how lucky I am that I am going through the narrow gate when so many people dont! This saddens me but I also thank the Lord for leading me to the narrow path and I just hope through my own learning and life that I can lead others down that narrow road as well!
Matthew 8:2-3 (New International Version)
2A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." 3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured[b] of his leprosy.
This just really showed me the power of Jesus and God. It truly amazes me at how many people were against Jesus when they had witnessed this first hand!
Matthew 11:6 (New International Version)
6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
To me this is about staying on the narrow path and being faithful to the Lord no matter what temptations the devil puts on our journey!
Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version)
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Coming to God is just so relieving it is truly a miracle in itself. God is good!
Matthew 12:36-37 (New International Version)
36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
This really made me take notice as it is a warning about being fake. You will have to give account of your actions and words so think really hard before you act or say something!
Matthew 13:18-23 (New International Version)
18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
I do not want to comment much here as the parable speaks for itself and as a new Christian I just found it so meaningful!
Matthew 13:49-50 (New International Version)
49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Once again this passage demonstrates what the reality is for people who do not follow Gods rules. Very scary but this passage did make me sit up and take notice!
Matthew 14:29-31 (New International Version)
29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
I really relate to this as at times I struggle with Faith but it gives me great comfort that even Peter didnt have faith attimes and he knew Jesus directly!!!
Matthew 16:25-26 (New International Version)
25For whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Just more evidence of how important the soul is compared to our lives here as humans on Earth!
Matthew 17:5 (New International Version)
5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
I read that with a smile on my face just imagining what it would be like to hear a message from God like that. Truly a blessing!
Matthew 18:19-20 (New International Version)
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
This just demonstrates to me that I cant do all this alone! That is why you guys at CFS are just so special to me and all the influences I have had in my life!
Matthew 18:35 (New International Version)
35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Just reiterates how important it is to learn to forgive from your heart!
Matthew 21:31-32 (New International Version)
31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Just really love this parable as it demonstrates that God does not expect us to be perfect and realises that we will make mistakes! (Thank God for that!)
Matthew 28:18-20 (New International Version)
18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
This really sums it up and is a wonderful passage to end the book. Jesus has 100% faith in us and it is time for me to give back to the man who gave his life for us!
Ok everyone so there it is. Thank you to everyone who actually read it all and I really hope that I am getting good understanding from the bible! :groupray:
Hi everyone,
This is my first real post in the bible study section as I have finally finished reading the book of Matthew which is my 1st book!!! I did use to restrict myself to the newbies section and the moderators have told me to branch out of my comfort zone so here I am.
First of all I would like to say that I tried to start reading the bible about a year ago but I just got frustrated and my mindset was not ready for it and thus I ended up more confused and with more questions than when I started.
A year later I feel that I have really grown spiritually and that God has eased himself into my life at my pace. I have been praying and have started to attend church and I just feel that everything is falling into place for me to start my quest of reading the bible. When I started reading Matthew I noticed that I had a calmness about me and that I was able to absorb information. The difference this time round is that I have noticed how much my FAITH has grown. FAITH is everything! I did not realise how much my FAITH had grown until I started reading the bible again. It is truly an amazing feeling!
So know I thought I would love to write about my thoughts as a beginner on the book of Matthew. There are 2 reasons behind this. The first is to help other new christians (hopefully) and to share my thoughts and get some great discussion happening! Yes I would love feedback from everyone and anyone but please remember I am completely new to bible study so take it easy on me!
What I will do is share the passages that I highlighted which were relevant to me (I will put them in bold) and then I will post my personal comments under each one. Here goes (wish me luck)!
Matthew 4:16 (New International Version)
16the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."[a]
This is exactly what I feel God has been working on with me and the light for me is that LEAP OF FAITH! This passage is just so true and the directness of it just really hit me!
Matthew 5:14-16 (New International Version)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
I really connected with this because the majority of my family are not Christian or religious at all. My wife is not religious and I just felt that this passage gave me hope. What I mean is that if I try to convert my wife it will just not work but if I can be the shining light then I can lead by example for my wife and 3 boys. I have faith that if I can do that God will take care of the rest!
Matthew 5:19-20 (New International Version)
19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
This passage hit me because through reading Matthew I have learnt a lot about the Pharisees and how they operate and I can really connect it the world these days where certain people claim to be great Christians and know the bible backwards but they miss the true meaning and the essence of it! This passage gives me inspiration to know that I do not have to be a bible expert but if I can get the essence of it then I am on my way!
Matthew 6:1 (New International Version)
Matthew 6
Giving to the Needy
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
I really like this as I am a quiet achiever and it just makes me see that I do not have to turn into a super hero. I just need to do what is right and not blow my own trumpet (well maybe a little but I will do that in private)
Matthew 6:6 (New International Version)
6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Once again this a very private thing for me so to read that God likes this is fantastic!
Matthew 6:9-14 (New International Version)
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
I found this of vital importance as it is not just me asking God for forgiveness but for me to be able to be strong enough to forgive others as well.
Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)
24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
I just love how pure and direct this passage is. To me it is about the spiritual world and the material world. Yes it is nice to have a nice house and so forth but at the end of your human life it will not count for anything. I would rather be poor with an eternal soul than rich with a dead soul!
Matthew 6:33-34 (New International Version)
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I really love this passage as to me it means dont worry! Just take each day as it comes and do your best!
Matthew 7:1-2 (New International Version)
Matthew 7
Judging Others
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
This passage is great as I am a person who trys not to judge and I always am willing to respect others opinions and choices in life.
Matthew 7:7 (New International Version)
Ask, Seek, Knock
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
This passage demonstrates how easy God has made it for us to gain eternal life if we are willing to walk with him!
Matthew 7:12 (New International Version)
12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
As it says treat others the way you want to be treated!
Matthew 7:13-14 (New International Version)
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
This just makes me realise and appreciate how lucky I am that I am going through the narrow gate when so many people dont! This saddens me but I also thank the Lord for leading me to the narrow path and I just hope through my own learning and life that I can lead others down that narrow road as well!
Matthew 8:2-3 (New International Version)
2A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." 3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured[b] of his leprosy.
This just really showed me the power of Jesus and God. It truly amazes me at how many people were against Jesus when they had witnessed this first hand!
Matthew 11:6 (New International Version)
6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
To me this is about staying on the narrow path and being faithful to the Lord no matter what temptations the devil puts on our journey!
Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version)
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Coming to God is just so relieving it is truly a miracle in itself. God is good!
Matthew 12:36-37 (New International Version)
36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
This really made me take notice as it is a warning about being fake. You will have to give account of your actions and words so think really hard before you act or say something!
Matthew 13:18-23 (New International Version)
18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
I do not want to comment much here as the parable speaks for itself and as a new Christian I just found it so meaningful!
Matthew 13:49-50 (New International Version)
49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Once again this passage demonstrates what the reality is for people who do not follow Gods rules. Very scary but this passage did make me sit up and take notice!
Matthew 14:29-31 (New International Version)
29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
I really relate to this as at times I struggle with Faith but it gives me great comfort that even Peter didnt have faith attimes and he knew Jesus directly!!!
Matthew 16:25-26 (New International Version)
25For whoever wants to save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Just more evidence of how important the soul is compared to our lives here as humans on Earth!
Matthew 17:5 (New International Version)
5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
I read that with a smile on my face just imagining what it would be like to hear a message from God like that. Truly a blessing!
Matthew 18:19-20 (New International Version)
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
This just demonstrates to me that I cant do all this alone! That is why you guys at CFS are just so special to me and all the influences I have had in my life!
Matthew 18:35 (New International Version)
35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Just reiterates how important it is to learn to forgive from your heart!
Matthew 21:31-32 (New International Version)
31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Just really love this parable as it demonstrates that God does not expect us to be perfect and realises that we will make mistakes! (Thank God for that!)
Matthew 28:18-20 (New International Version)
18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
This really sums it up and is a wonderful passage to end the book. Jesus has 100% faith in us and it is time for me to give back to the man who gave his life for us!
Ok everyone so there it is. Thank you to everyone who actually read it all and I really hope that I am getting good understanding from the bible! :groupray: