If you want to make a case for or against the person and work of Jesus you need to at least familiarize yourself with the book of Matthew.  If you truly want to know “what would Jesus do” (best corny Christian phrase ever…) then you need to have read the book of Matthew multiple times.  Even if you’re not a Christian, reading through the 28 short chapters of Matthew is undeniably worth your while if you’re wanting to get a glimpse of the most influential man in human history.  The benefits of reading the book of Matthew are many.

We’re about to start a year long study over this well known book of the Bible and I couldn’t be more excited.  Think for just a moment about how influential the material in this book has been over the centuries, it’s hard to even describe.  This sacred text has without a doubt radically changed the entire world forever.  Time as we know it is literally measured by the events described in the gospels.  The story that unfolds in Matthew has changed the lives of peoples from virtually any and every cultural context over the past 2000 years.  We’ll be holding this same world-renowned story in our hands every Sunday morning.

I often wonder how many people in all places and times mentioned above have sat alone at the end of their rope and for whatever reason picked up Matthew and found hope.  How many wayward children of God have been refined, rebuked or corrected by it’s message?  Matthew’s book has delivered purpose to an endless list of individuals, it gives life to the spiritually dead and provides direction to the lost.  This life-altering message is what we’ll be studying at The Journey.  What could be more worth our time?

On the flip-side what book has been more misquoted or misused than Matthew under the banner of Christianity?  How many people have used and abused this influential material to manipulate the masses into serving their own sinful gain?  Or how many non-Christian people, while holding Matthew in their hands have said untrue things about God and His kingdom in order to confuse/mislead those who wish to seek truth about Jesus?  How many unbelievers and believers alike snatch soundbites out of Matthew to make a point about Jesus that simply isn’t true?  Knowing Matthew well would serve anyone in light of all the people who endlessly abuse others with its content.

Despite man’s wicked schemes, opposing views and the endless debates that surround this synopsis of Christ’s life and ministry I believe that time spent in Matthew will inevitably continue to change people, all to the glory of God.  My simple prayer is that by the end of this study there are more Christians in the world.  I pray that there would be more people who truly understand the message of the gospel.  I pray that people will be given ears to hear the significance of who Jesus is, what He came to do, what He is doing and what He will do.

Now is a great time reach out and share this story with those who live around you.  Go ahead and awkwardly invite that friend or family member to study along with us, work at discipling someone for the sake of His kingdom.  May this also simply become a great season of sharpening what you know about King Jesus.

I can’t wait to get started this Sunday!

Cody Parman