Gospels Through the Perspective of Grace - Gospel of Matthew
Bible Study Recap – Matthew 3 & 4
On August 20th, our group gathered for another Bible study, this time focusing on chapters 3 and 4 of the Gospel of Matthew. The study was led by Rev. Marvel Souza, who began with a short introduction about why Matthew is placed first in the New Testament. He explained that Matthew’s message and purpose show how Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament, making clear the connection between God’s covenant with Israel and the new covenant in Christ.
Rev. Marvel also highlighted how some chapters of Matthew mirror the first five books of the Bible (the Torah). For example:
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Matthew chapter 1 reflects Genesis, since it tells the story of Jesus’ origins.
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Matthew chapter 2 connects with Exodus, showing Jesus’ time in Egypt, the flight from danger, and the persecution of newborns—reminding us of Moses’ story.
These connections help us see that Jesus’ story is not random or isolated, but part of God’s bigger plan unfolding through history.
Icebreaker Questions
Before diving into the text, Rev. Marvel invited everyone to reflect with two warm-up questions:
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Think of a time in your life when you felt you were preparing for something new. How did you feel?
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When you hear the word “desert,” what comes to your mind?
These questions helped open the group to personal sharing and deeper connection, linking our own experiences with the biblical themes of preparation and challenge.
Guided Study
Each participant received a handout with questions to guide the group discussion on Matthew 3 and 4. The handout made space for everyone to engage with the Scripture and share insights together.
For homework, participants were asked to identify expressions of grace found in these two chapters—specifically in the areas of inclusion, equality, equity, love, and grace. This exercise reminds us that Scripture is not only to be studied but also to shape the way we live and interact with others.
A Question on Genealogy
During the discussion, one participant asked if Matthew is the only Gospel that includes a genealogy. Rev. Marvel explained that Luke also has a genealogy, but with a different purpose:
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Matthew presents the legal genealogy through Joseph (following Jewish custom, even though Joseph was Jesus’ adoptive father). His purpose was to show:
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The continuity between Israel and Jesus, the Messiah.
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Jesus’ royal lineage as the son of David and his connection to Abraham, the father of faith.
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Luke, however, traces the family line all the way back to Adam. This shows Jesus’ universal connection with all humanity, not only Israel.
In short, Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the rightful King of Israel, while Luke highlights Jesus as the Savior for the whole world.
Life Application
Matthew 3 and 4 invite us to reflect on the seasons of preparation God brings into our lives. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, and just as Jesus faced the testing of the desert, we too experience times when God shapes and strengthens us for what’s ahead.
The desert may feel dry and challenging, but it can also be the very place where God works most deeply in us.
And the genealogies remind us that our faith is rooted in something bigger than ourselves. Jesus’ life is not a disconnected event—it is the fulfillment of a long story that ties together the past, present, and future of God’s people.
Join Us Next Time
Our next Bible study will be on August 27th at 6:00 PM. We’d love to have you join us as we continue to learn and grow together in God’s Word!
Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church - 168 S University Ave, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221
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