Be. Become. Do. - Day 03
Day 03 - Wednesday, September 13th
Read Matthew 5
Highlight
The Sermon on the Mount is the first of five great teachings of Jesus recorded for us by Matthew. This is yet another example of the way that Matthew is intentionally connecting Jesus to the Old Testament. This time, it’s a connection between Jesus and the great teacher of Israel’s history: Moses. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and bring them to the Promised Land. Moses was the intermediary between Israel and God, speaking to them about God’s law and how they were to be distinct from the world around them. Moses’ teachings were recorded in five great books, the Torah, which make up the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Matthew builds his account of Jesus’ life around five teachings to draw a connection between Jesus and Moses.
But, just like the connection between Israel and Jesus in the temptation story, the purpose is not to only say that Jesus is like Moses. Instead, it is to say that Jesus is a better Moses. Moses ultimately failed to obey his own teachings and because of that sin, he was not allowed to personally enter the Promised Land. Moses was a flawed leader. But Jesus is the better teacher and leader because he both brings better teachings and can actually live the life he is preaching that others should live.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 5
Highlight
The Sermon on the Mount is the first of five great teachings of Jesus recorded for us by Matthew. This is yet another example of the way that Matthew is intentionally connecting Jesus to the Old Testament. This time, it’s a connection between Jesus and the great teacher of Israel’s history: Moses. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and bring them to the Promised Land. Moses was the intermediary between Israel and God, speaking to them about God’s law and how they were to be distinct from the world around them. Moses’ teachings were recorded in five great books, the Torah, which make up the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Matthew builds his account of Jesus’ life around five teachings to draw a connection between Jesus and Moses.
But, just like the connection between Israel and Jesus in the temptation story, the purpose is not to only say that Jesus is like Moses. Instead, it is to say that Jesus is a better Moses. Moses ultimately failed to obey his own teachings and because of that sin, he was not allowed to personally enter the Promised Land. Moses was a flawed leader. But Jesus is the better teacher and leader because he both brings better teachings and can actually live the life he is preaching that others should live.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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