Matthew

Matthew 3: Preparing The Way Collin Leong. Jan 30, 2025 v1-12 : John The Baptist   (Isaiah 40:1-5; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:19-28) (v1-6)   John "The Baptist" was born by Elizabeth, a relative to Jesus' mother, Mary. (Luke 1:36, 62-63). Most people think that Elizabeth and Mary were cousins. If so, Jesus was also a cousin to John as well.  John who is six months older than Jesus, was preaching in the wilderness beside Jordan river. He asked the people to repent, for the kingdom or heaven was coming near.  Matthew identified John as the person prophesied by Isaiah 40:3 , "A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God."" John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People from Judea and Jordan confessed their sins, and were baptized at the Jordan river.  (v7-10) When John saw some Pharisees and Sadd...

Matthew 2: The Search For The King Collin Leong, Jan 29 2025 v1-12: Visit of the Magi (v1-2)   Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time of King Herod . He is also known as Herod the Great, was the Roman-appointed king of Judea from 37 BCE to 4 BCE. He was known for his ambitious building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, but also for his cruelty and paranoia, often eliminating potential threats to his throne, including members of his own family.   Herod the Great was of Idumean descent, which means he was an Edomite. His family had converted to Judaism, so he was considered a practicing Jew . The  Roman Senate declared him "King of the Jews," and with Roman military support, he secured his rule over the region, Perhaps that is why the Pharisees accused Jesus for calling himself the King of the Jews, for that would have offended both Herod and his sons, as well as the Roman Senate.  (John 19:12, 19) The Magi from the eas...

Matthew 1: The Birth Of Jesus Collin Leong.  Jan 25, 2025 Introduction It was 400 years ago when God spoke to man through the prophet Malachi, until He announce the birth of Jesus Christ. There are four gospels of Jesus Christ. One of them is Matthew. Matthew was a tax collector who turned to become a believer of Christ.   Matthew 9:9 says:  "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. 'Follow me,' he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him."  Matthew was also known as Levi. Mark used Levi instead of Matthew in the same event, in Mark 2:14.  The four gospels presented Jesus in four perspective:  Matthew: Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah and King . He emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His role as the promised Savior of the Jewish people. Matthew's Gospel includes the Sermon on the Mount and many parables, showcasing Jesus' teachings and authority. Mark: Mark portra...