Who Is Jesus
WHO IS JESUS?
Sunday (1/15), gather with your church family as we begin a new series in the gospel according to Matthew (1:1-25). It is the first of four gospels that chronicle the birth, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The author, Matthew, was a tax collector based in Capernaum, located on the sea of Galilee. He was born into the tribe of Levi, and it is quite possible that at some time in his young life, he had entered into training to become a priest. But, for some reason, he left that life and went to work for the Roman Empire. It was an occupation that exploited his people and therefore made him an object of scorn and ridicule.
His life changed forever from the moment that he encountered Jesus. It was a day like any other, except the crowds were at a premium. A Rabbi who had a reputation for performing miracles had come to town. He was residing in the home of Peter and Andrew. Matthew’s tax booth was in the middle of the city and within a short walk of the house.
That day Matthew had sat at his booth and watched as dozens and hundreds of people surrounded Peter’s house. The miracle-working Rabbi, known as Jesus of Nazareth, was inside. One has to wonder what Matthew thought when he saw four men carrying another on a bed. When they could not enter the house due to the size of the crowd, they climbed onto the roof, removed it, and lowered the man into the middle of the room where Jesus was teaching. Then to the amazement of everyone, the man on the bed got up, picked up his bed, and began walking.
The commotion was thunderous as the multitude began shouting and praising the God of Heaven who had sent this miracle worker. As word spread, people ran from every direction to get as close as possible, thinking they may be the next recipient of a miracle.
Amid the mayhem, Jesus exited Peter’s house and began walking directly toward Matthew. He didn’t know what to do; everything was in slow motion. Then, as he sat there, frozen and unable to move, Jesus spoke the two words that changed his life forever, “Follow Me” (Matt 9:9). And for some inexplicable reason, he rose from his seat and followed Jesus, leaving everything behind.
The first thing Matthew did was host a dinner party for all of his friends so that they could meet the man who had changed his life. And that dinner may have inspired him to write a gospel account explaining who Jesus is so that everyone he knew and beyond could learn of the One who fulfilled the prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, the Savior of Israel.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook, YouTube: Calvary Inverness); (website: calvaryinv.com).
In His Strong Love,
Pastor
Sunday (1/15), gather with your church family as we begin a new series in the gospel according to Matthew (1:1-25). It is the first of four gospels that chronicle the birth, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The author, Matthew, was a tax collector based in Capernaum, located on the sea of Galilee. He was born into the tribe of Levi, and it is quite possible that at some time in his young life, he had entered into training to become a priest. But, for some reason, he left that life and went to work for the Roman Empire. It was an occupation that exploited his people and therefore made him an object of scorn and ridicule.
His life changed forever from the moment that he encountered Jesus. It was a day like any other, except the crowds were at a premium. A Rabbi who had a reputation for performing miracles had come to town. He was residing in the home of Peter and Andrew. Matthew’s tax booth was in the middle of the city and within a short walk of the house.
That day Matthew had sat at his booth and watched as dozens and hundreds of people surrounded Peter’s house. The miracle-working Rabbi, known as Jesus of Nazareth, was inside. One has to wonder what Matthew thought when he saw four men carrying another on a bed. When they could not enter the house due to the size of the crowd, they climbed onto the roof, removed it, and lowered the man into the middle of the room where Jesus was teaching. Then to the amazement of everyone, the man on the bed got up, picked up his bed, and began walking.
The commotion was thunderous as the multitude began shouting and praising the God of Heaven who had sent this miracle worker. As word spread, people ran from every direction to get as close as possible, thinking they may be the next recipient of a miracle.
Amid the mayhem, Jesus exited Peter’s house and began walking directly toward Matthew. He didn’t know what to do; everything was in slow motion. Then, as he sat there, frozen and unable to move, Jesus spoke the two words that changed his life forever, “Follow Me” (Matt 9:9). And for some inexplicable reason, he rose from his seat and followed Jesus, leaving everything behind.
The first thing Matthew did was host a dinner party for all of his friends so that they could meet the man who had changed his life. And that dinner may have inspired him to write a gospel account explaining who Jesus is so that everyone he knew and beyond could learn of the One who fulfilled the prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, the Savior of Israel.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook, YouTube: Calvary Inverness); (website: calvaryinv.com).
In His Strong Love,
Pastor
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