Week 1 • February 22-28
This week we will be reading the Gospel of Matthew and 3 of Paul’s Epistles. As with the other Gospels, Matthew focuses upon answering the question, “Who is Jesus?” Matthew declares, “He is the Messiah!” Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and Philippians highlights how Christians are to live in light of their salvation and Colossians focuses upon the reality that Jesus is Lord over all.
DAY 1 • February 22
Matthew 1:1-8:34
Key Verse: Matthew 3:16-17
As you read today, ask yourself the question, “Who is Jesus?” The ultimate purpose of Scripture is to reveal the character of God and His redemptive plan. It’s only by understanding this question that we can begin to consider the difference Jesus makes in our lives.
DAY 2 • February 23
Matthew 9:1 - Matthew 17:27
Key Verse: Matthew 12:33
How do you know for certain that a tree is healthy and life-producing? Outward appearances can be misleading or even deceptive. There may be rottenness or decay inside! But if a tree continues to bear good fruit year after year, then you know it is sound and healthy. Jesus uses this analogy as a mirror image of the true condition of our heart and character. What’s inside our inner being- the place of choice or will, desire and passion, attitude and disposition- will either produce good or bad fruit. It will be obvious to those around us what kind of fruit we are bearing.
DAY 3 • February 24
Matthew 18:1 - Matthew 26:75
Key Verse: Matthew 18:35
Questions to Ponder: Do we forgive as Jesus forgives us? Are we willing no matter the sin against us to forgive, over and over, as necessary? In spite of pain and bitterness? What will be the consequences for us if we are unwilling to forgive?
DAY 4 • February 25
Matthew 27:1-28:20 & Ephesians 1:1-6:24
Key Verses: Matthew 27:54 and Matthew 28: 18-20
In these passages we find that Jesus is formally presented to the nation of Israel, but was rejected time after time --- from Judas, to Pilate --- from the crowds of people to the soldiers around the cross, and even seemingly his Heavenly Father. How strange for the king to be arrested, and crucified. But Jesus demonstrated his power even over death through his resurrection, and gained access for us into his kingdom. Finally, even as the Roman soldier at the foot of the cross agreed, with all the evidence that Jesus is God’s Son, we, too, should accept him as our Savior and follow him as Lord of our lives.
DAY 5 • February 26
Philippians 1:1-Philippians 4:23; Colossians 1:1-Colossians 4:18
Key Verse: Philippians 2:1-4; Colossians 3:12-14
‘Joy’ and ‘rejoice’ are mentioned multiple times through out Philippians. Some theologians consider it to be the happiest book in the Bible. The great thing is that Paul is writing this letter in the worst situation possible - a prison cell! In both Philippians and Colossians not only does Paul encourage believers to rejoice but to put others first. As you read today, ask yourself if you have the attitude of Christ during easy and hard times.
DAY 6 • February 27
GRACE DAY
DAY 7 • February 28
GRACE DAY