Welcome to Our Matthew Bible Study: Who Is Jesus?

Explore the Gospel of Matthew with us as we dive into the life and teachings of Jesus. Each week, we’ll uncover new insights about who Jesus is and what His message means for us today. Below, you’ll find all the materials from each session, including videos, handouts, and other resources to help you follow along.

While these materials are designed to be helpful whether you attend in person or not, we encourage you to join us for the live sessions if you can. The in-person class offers the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, ask questions, and connect with others on this journey of discovery.

If you’re unable to attend, don’t worry! All the key materials are available here for you to access anytime. Feel free to drop by for a session when your schedule allows—we’d love to see you.

Session 1: The Genealogy of Jesus

In this session, we’ll explore the genealogy of Jesus at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew. To understand its significance, we’ll take a look at the broader context of human history, the cultural and historical background of Jesus’ time, and the structure of the genealogy itself.

Part 1: The Holy Spirit Throughout History
To fully appreciate Matthew’s genealogy, we must understand that the Holy Spirit has been at work not only through the Jewish people but also through the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, shaping human history and guiding humanity toward God’s plan.

Handout: Overview of Mesopotamian History and the Role of the Holy Spirit (click here for PDF download)
Video: Ancient Civilizations and the Holy Spirit’s Role (Ancient Secrets: Sumerians’ Role in Biblical History)

Part 2: Life in Israel at the Time of Jesus’ Birth
Understanding the world Jesus was born into provides essential context for interpreting the Gospel of Matthew. What was daily life like in Israel? What political, cultural, and social factors influenced the Jewish people at this time?

Handout: Daily Life in Israel During Jesus’ Time (click here for PDF download link)
Video: The Political and Social Milieu of Jesus’ Birth (The Culture At the Time of Jesus’ Birth)

Part 3: The Genealogy in Matthew
Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy that connects Jesus to Abraham and David, grounding Jesus firmly in Jewish history and prophecy. In this section, we’ll examine the structure and meaning of this genealogy.

Text: USCCB Link to the Gospel of Matthew 1:1-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/1
Handout: Understanding Matthew’s Genealogy (click here for PDF download link)