Matthew the Stories of Jesus' Ministry - Chapters 1 to 13

By Dennis Herman

This book is a collection of short stories on Jesus' ministry according to the Gospel of Matthew. A look at the lives, trials, and faith of the people Jesus met and ministered to. Each story stretches the imagination while helping the reader reach a closer walk with God by learning how to look deep into His Word. Although the stories center around the characters in Matthew at the time Jesus ministered, each brings lessons to light which still apply today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781300418894

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Matthew the Stories of Jesus' Ministry - Chapters 1 to 13

Matthew the Stories of Jesus’ Ministry

Matthew Chapters 1 to 13

Written by Dennis Herman

Copyright © 2012 Dennis Herman

All rights reserved

ISBN 978-1-300-41889-4

Content ID:13398926

Published by: Lulu.com

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareALike 3.0 Uported License.

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Bibles:

KJV King James Version

MKJV Modern King James Version Sovereign Grace Publishers

GNB Good News Bible Thomas Nelson Publisher

Chapter 1

Matthew 1:18 The Conception of Jesus

Matthew 1:18 KJV  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

With God everything is in perfect order.  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2 KJV)  In the beginning the earth was covered with the Holy Spirit.  This remains true today.

The conception of Jesus was the perfect bond between Mary and the Holy Spirit,  a mystery for us to contemplate.  Every woman receives a measure of the Spirit at conception.  Only God can give life.  Every life begins with the breath of His Spirit.  Every life is a union between man, woman, and God through His Holy Spirit. 

A love and trust between Joseph, Mary, and God had already been established.  This was the loving bond between two people, provided by God, so strong and deep it could withstand any test.

Matthew 1:19 KJV  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

God had planned the union and marriage between Joseph and Mary, and the birth o f Jesus before the creation of Adam.  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)

God also knows every temptation and trial a man, woman, and marriage will face.  All of this is known by God, and part of His plan.  God has an answer to every trial before they occur.

Matthew 1:20 KJV  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Before any action was taken, before Joseph spoke any word, before he had a chance to cause any harm, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to Him, and gave Him divine guidance. 

Joseph trusted in God, followed the instructions of the Spirit, and made the right decision.  This resulted in the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.  If every man and woman would listen to the guidance of the same Sprit from God, they would see and understand the need for the Spirit in their lives, and in their marriage.  Only Jesus can take away the sins of the world, but God is calling every man and woman to raise up their children in the respect and knowledge of the plan of salvation, and to share this knowledge.  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,  (Revelation 14:6  KJV)

The Lord offers the same help in every marriage.  The power of the Spirit is present, and is working to change the hearts of every man, woman, and child.  He offers the love of Jesus that surpasses all understanding.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 KJV)

Matthew 1:21 Call His Name Jesus

Matthew 1:21 KJV  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

This was a major event in the plan of salvation.  God took His Son, Jesus from His throne in Heaven, changed Him into a few cells, placed Him inside of Mary, and just like everyone else on this planet breathed the breath of life into Him.  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  (Genesis 2:7 KJV)

What did Heaven think when they learned this was God’s plan to save this fallen world from sin?  They had already seen Satan deceive Adam and Eve in the garden.  Both of them, created in the image of God, and they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.  (Genesis 3:8 KJV)  Both were perfectly equipped to resist temptation, but still fell.  So God placed His son, as a defenseless collection of growing cells, in a world Satan had dominated for four thousand years, perfecting his deceptions through, pain, sorrow, disease, greed, fear, torture, and death.  "The huge dragon was thrown out---that ancient serpent, named the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him.  (Revelation 12:9 KJV)

It is difficult to imagine anyone exchanging a throne for a world of poverty, pain, suffering, and death on the cross.  Picture in your mind all the splendors of Heaven.  Perfect peace, endless love, joy, and comfort.  Imagine having such an intense desire to serve, and the willingness to give up everything Heaven offers.  In exchange for a new life in a world so different, primitive, and caught up in sin, which was once destroyed. 

When God, creator of the universe, who all Heaven and earth owed their lives to placed Jesus inside Mary, it was the crowning achievement of His creative abilities.  One would think the tallest mountain, endless sky, largest sun, continuous expanse of the universe, the almost endless varieties of fish, birds, insects, animals, or man and his wife may have been God’s supreme moment, but they could not compare to God’s utmost act of creation when He transformed His Son into a minute collection of living, growing cells.  This is something only God could have accomplished.  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.  (Colossians 1:16 KJV)  Placing His son in this vulnerable state is not only the supreme illustration of God’s power, it also shows the trust we need to have in Him.  Against all odds, God trusted His plan of redemption.  This was the only way for God to show the universe, it could be done.  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world.  (1 Peter 1:20 KJV)

Satan’s claim was that one could follow the law.  He worked day and night ensuring every being on the planet fell to sin as often as he could tempt them.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (1 Peter 5:8 KJV KJV).  Satan wanted to show the universe, choosing sin was a freedom man desired.  This is why God sent His Son Jesus as a harmless baby to face Satan, the dragon which stood before the woman and was ready to devour her child as soon as it was born.  (Revelation 12:4 KJV)  One tiny innocent baby against the one third of Heaven cast down to earth, and all the temptations they could hurl at Him.  God’s plan, the perfect example of His power, mercy, judgment and sacrifice.  Jesus was the perfect example of His, and God’s love for this fallen world.  The only way to deliver His people from this world of sin was to offer the perfect sacrifice.  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  (John 3:15-17 KVJ) 

Matthew 1:22-23 Jesus Learns

Matthew 1:22-23 KJV  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  (23)  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

God spoke His word, and in the proper time it was fulfilled, Behold, a virgin shall be with child.  For the first time in earth’s history a virgin was found bearing a child.  What must have gone through Joseph’s mind when an angel appeared, telling him to accept his wife in her pregnant state?  This was a test of faith.  If Joseph had questioned the word delivered by the angle of God, consulted with others, and accepted the traditions of the world, Satan would have found a foot hold in his doubt.  Joseph may have placed the customs of the world before the word of God, and would have lost the opportunity to be an earthly father to God’s child.  I can see two miracles here.  Mary’s conception by the Holy Ghost, and Joseph’s faith.  Did the Spirit bring God’s word to his mind when He appeared to Joseph?

Isaiah 7:14-16 KJV  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  (15)  Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.  (16)  For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Through faith Joseph believed his son was the Son of God.  The little baby growing inside of Mary had already made an impact on the world.  Joseph and Mary knew, God was with them.  God had provided three forms of guidance and evidence.  The Spirit appeared to Mary, appeared to Joseph in a dream, and God’s written word through His prophet.  Joseph and Mary were also witnesses to one another.  God will often answer prayers in the same manner, through His word, and the witness of others lead by His Holy Spirit. 

Jesus had just entered this world, and His influence was already evident, showing how important love and trust is at the very beginning of life. 

In Isaiah we find an important aspect of Jesus' life, His education was centered on God’s word.  As a young boy, He would accept the simple truth of the milk of the word.  Whom shall he teach knowledge and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.  (Isaiah 28:9 KJV). 

As Jesus grew in knowledge He could see connections between one text and another.  As a child, Jesus would study God’s word by comparing scripture with scripture to gain a better, fuller understanding of its meaning, and how it applies to life, and relationships.  Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.  Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter.  (Isaiah 7:15, Proverbs 30:33 KJV)

Not only the destiny of the world relied fully on Jesus’ understanding of the scriptures, but the eternal life of countless individuals He met throughout His life.  Jesus’ major interest centered on individual relationships.  The gospels are filled with examples of how Jesus reached people in a way they had never experienced before.  Jesus often spoke only a few words to a person.  His words were always the encouragement they needed at that particular moment.  Just a few words from Jesus were often times a life changing experience. 

Jesus also had to know how to make all the right decisions all of the time.  One sin, one slip, one wrong word would place the fate of this world in Satan’s control forever.  Everything Jesus needed to know was contained in God’s letter to His son.  As Jesus studied the words sent from Heaven, they opened His eyes, and focused His heart on His Father.  To Jesus the scriptures were much more than a manual for eternal life, they were a love letter from His Dad.  It was God’s way of being with His Son.  Jesus’ diligent study of His Father’s word allowed Him to show His Father to the world. 

Jesus was the Son of God and the son of man.  Jesus was, and is God with us.  Every aspect of Jesus’ life was an illustration of God.  As He washed the feet of His servants, He showed how He will  serve in Heaven.  As He healed the sick, He showed God’s passionate concern.  As He forgave sin, He showed God’s eternal judgment.  As He died on the cross, He showed God’s love, forgiveness, and His role in Heaven as our mediator.  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  (Luke 23:34 KJV)  God is with us. 

Chapter 2

Matthew 2:13-15 Jesus Sent to Egypt

Matthew 2:13-15 KJV  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.  (14)  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:  (15)  And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son

Once again Joseph was warned by an angel appearing to him in a dream.   Having learned from previous experience, Joseph does not hesitate, but immediately follows instructions.  This time it was a matter of life and death. 

Imagine what must have been going through Joseph’s mind when he was told Herod was seeking the life of his son.  Did Joseph have total faith in God, and His protection?  After all, this was the second time an angel appeared to him.  As priest of the family Joseph had the responsibility of taking the concerns of his family and lifting them up in prayer to the Lord.  His role was much like the high priest, placed in the role as mediator.  The priest could not forgive sins, but could only transfer transgressions from the sinner to the sacrifice.  Joseph’s role as priest of the family was not to offer solutions to the problem they were facing, but to lift them up in prayer to God, the supreme protector, and provider.  Joseph did not know Herod’s plans, but God did. 

Upon receiving information concerning the birth of the new King of the Jews, king Herod sought information for his own gain from the priests.  This showed his heart was set on his own desires and personal gain.  He thought he had a flawless plan, which included what he did best, using others to carry out his devious plans.  His plan included using the wise men to bring him information about the new born King.  Herod had plans to kill the promised one.  Herod specifically asked, and was told, it is written by the prophet,  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.  Matthew 2:5-6 KJV. 

Instead of accepting this prophecy as a sign pointing to the Redeemer, as many people understood, Herod viewed this prophecy as a personal threat to his position.  Worldly gain had blinded his eyes, and harden his heart.  No matter how clearly truth would manifest itself, Herod had little hope of accepting any message from God.  What was the difference between Joseph’s vision from an angel, and the message Herod was shown from God’s word?  Both were the truth.  Both were from God. 

After king Herod finally figured out the wise men from the east were not returning with the news he was waiting for, he was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.  Matthew 2:16 KJV. 

Joseph as the head of the family was warned of the coming danger.  An illustration showing the important role of the father.  The father who seeks God will be warned of impeding danger, and take the appropriate actions.  In this case it was a matter of life or death because, the dragon which stood before the woman and was ready to devour her child as soon as it was born.  (Revelation 12:4 KVJ)

It seems ironic, first God delivers His people from Egypt, then sends His Son into Egypt.  There must have been a very good reason for God to send His Son into Egypt.  Although Herod had risen against Jesus with an armed force, God did not need the military protection Egypt offered.   Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!  Isaiah 31:1 KJV. 

Sending His