Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 21
Day 21 - Monday, July 22
Read Matthew 1:18-25
Highlight
Out of the four Gospels, Matthew and Luke are the only two to give accounts of the birth of Jesus. Mark and John jump right into the action of Jesus’ ministry. But Matthew and Luke take the time to set the stage for their audiences. Matthew focuses on Joseph and Luke focuses on Mary, because they were writing to two different audiences.
Matthew was a Jewish tax collector, who was writing to the Jewish people. He is constantly tying Old Testament and Messianic prophecies together, because his audience of first century Jew would have recognized the connections. Right away, he uses Joseph’s genealogy to connect Jesus to the line of David. It was custom for the head of the family to be the father, therefore he takes Joseph’s perspective throughout the whole narrative. It allows the audience to recognize the role Joseph carried and the righteous character of Joseph.
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? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. 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 1:18-25
Highlight
Out of the four Gospels, Matthew and Luke are the only two to give accounts of the birth of Jesus. Mark and John jump right into the action of Jesus’ ministry. But Matthew and Luke take the time to set the stage for their audiences. Matthew focuses on Joseph and Luke focuses on Mary, because they were writing to two different audiences.
Matthew was a Jewish tax collector, who was writing to the Jewish people. He is constantly tying Old Testament and Messianic prophecies together, because his audience of first century Jew would have recognized the connections. Right away, he uses Joseph’s genealogy to connect Jesus to the line of David. It was custom for the head of the family to be the father, therefore he takes Joseph’s perspective throughout the whole narrative. It allows the audience to recognize the role Joseph carried and the righteous character of Joseph.
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? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. 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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