Readings: September 26 - October 2
Epiphany (1988), John August Swanson
We’ve arrived in the New Testament, and our introduction is through Matthew’s genealogy. Not clearly apparent is the numerology behind this opening. The deliberate sectioning of fourteen generations into three groups sums up to spell out D-V-D or David. Matthew prepares us to meet the fulfillment of so many promises.
With the prophets so fresh on our minds, consider whether Jesus answers the longing of so many generations. What might trouble Jewish believers who had been waiting in silence for hundreds of years after the last prophets spoke? How does Jesus both subvert and fulfill the messianic expectations of the people?
As we’ll be reading four gospels - one after the other - pay attention to the portrait of Jesus in each gospel. How would you describe him?
Day One: Matthew 1-4
Day Two: Matthew 5-7
Day Three: Matthew 8-10
Day Four: Matthew 11-13
Day Five: Matthew 14-16
Day Six: Matthew 17-19