Life Lessons from Matthew: The Carpenter King

By Max Lucado

Matthew accepted Christ's invitation to follow him and never turned back. He spent the rest of his life convincing folks that this carpenter was the King.

Jesus gave the call and never took it back. The relationship Jesus had with Matthew can serve to convince us that if Jesus had a place for Matthew, a tax collector, he just might have a place for us, too.

Join beloved author Max Lucado as he enters Matthew's Gospel to find out what it looks like to be chosen by the Carpenter King—and what it looks like to accept his invitation. As you read, study, journal, and discuss the book of Matthew, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book:

• God kept his promise of a deliverer for his people.
• God's ideas about his kingdom are often different from his people's ideas of the same kingdom.
• Jesus lived fully as a human and as God.
• Jesus' ministry and sacrifice changed the world forever.

The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes:

• An opening reflection on the Bible book you're studying.
• Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting.
• An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV).
• Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes.
• Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection.

The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Feb 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9780310086314

Max Lucado

Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print. Visit his website at MaxLucado.com Facebook.com/MaxLucado Instagram.com/MaxLucado Twitter.com/MaxLucado Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast

Book preview

LESSON ONE

GOD WITH SKIN ON

She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.

MATTHEW 1:21 NKJV

REFLECTION

Each December, Christians look back on the mind-boggling events of that first Christmas—angel armies appearing to awestruck shepherds, the star of Bethlehem guiding the wise men, and, of course, the baby in the manger. What do you do each holiday season to remember and savor the stunning claim of the gospel: that God took on flesh and made his dwelling among us?

[Your Response Here]

SITUATION

Writing to his fellow Jews, Matthew begins his Gospel by demonstrating how Jesus descended (humanly speaking) from both Abraham and King David. He then discusses some of the circumstances surrounding Christ’s virgin birth and stormy infancy. Matthew’s Gospel is unique in that it provides the only account of the wise men’s visit and King Herod’s murderous plot to kill all male children under the age of two in the region of Bethlehem.

OBSERVATION

Read Matthew 1:18–2:12 from the New International Version or the New King James Version.

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

¹:¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her