Monday, January 9, 2012

Bible Reading Challenge - Week 2 Day 1 Matthew 26-28, Genesis 1-2

Our reading challenge for the day is Matthew chapters 26-28 and Genesis 1-2. I'll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?

Matthew 26:1-25 Even as people are plotting to kill Jesus he shows himself as the Lord who does not worry about his death. The sorrow belongs to the one who betrays him.

Matthew 26:26-29 See the covenant language in the institution of the Lord's Supper. Jesus gives himself as the one who is purchasing forgiveness in communion. He presents this as a supernatural meal.

Matthew 26:30-56 Jesus prays, is betrayed, and arrested. We continue to notice Jesus' perfect trust in the Father's providence.

Matthew 26:57-27:26 The arrest and trial of Jesus doesn't go as the people who arrested him expect. The whole situation is more charged with emotion than Herod or Pilate could imagine. We see how Jesus comes to bring division. How does the true Gospel divide our families, friends, and nation?

Matthew 27:27-66 Compare Psalm 22.

Matthew 28:1-20 Jesus in his resurrection appears to his disciples. The authorities try to cover up what happened. See Jesus' promise to be with his people always. See also the way they are to disciple all nations - the spread of the Gospel happens through the very simple means of baptizing and teaching.

Genesis 1:1-2:3 See the step-by-step order of creation. God first creates the heavens and the earth then he fills them. Even in perfection the creation has duties - multiply and fill the earth, and the people are to care for and exercise wise dominion. Think of ways we can care for and exercise dominion over our surroundings.

Genesis 2:4-25 Here we have an account of the creation more from the point of view of God's interactions with the people. See the roles that husband and wife are to have.

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