- Matthew’s Gospel: Daily Devotional and Study Guide.

By Sybrand Van Kwawegen

- Matthew’s Gospel -
Daily Devotional and Study Guide.
Includes complete KJV text and Brief comparison with traditional Jewish Wedding
New Testament Series - Book 1
This “daily devotion” is not intended a theological exegesis of the Gospel of Matthew. I believe that there are already too many of those in circulation and they are causing sufficient confusion without me adding to that. This book is a daily walk with Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew in a way that makes its meaning and purpose available to the average believer and born again disciple of Jesus.
It is my fervent hope that those who choose to do this walk will grow in the grace and understanding of the Word of God as it affects our own personal lives and relationship with Jesus, our Saviour. I pray that it will inspire all to a deeper personal commitment to and involvement in the Church of Jesus Christ, the Great Commission and the Gospel of salvation of spirit, soul and body. Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Day 4, Week 1.
Matthew 3:13 - 17
The Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?...

Why would John, the prophesied baptiser, say that he needed to be baptised by Jesus. Certainly not because it would add any more validity to his own ministry. This is where we see the first mention of a second baptism that many today deny and attempt to lump together with the baptism of the faith in water. John here is referring to the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which it is clearly revealed here is a baptism that comes from God only toward mankind. John could baptise Jesus with water by full immersion in the Jordan, but the baptism in the Holy Spirit was given to Jesus by the Father from above.. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit the Father acknowledges Jesus as the Son which is interesting in that as new born believers we become joint heirs with Jesus, ...
Water Baptism & Holy Spirit:
Zechariah 13:1 Speaks of the fountain Jesus was to open...
Note too that Jesus’ own baptism in the Holy Spirit was a separate event that followed on the water baptism by the decree of the Father(the dove descending on Jesus). To the reborn believer the baptism in the Holy Spirit is also a separate event ...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sybrand Van Kwawegen
• Release date: Jul 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005151904

Sybrand Van Kwawegen

I was born 21 August 1950 and grew up in a home best described as atheist. I knew nothing about Christianity until my high school years. After school I qualified in the trade of bricklaying before doing a BSc degree in Building Science at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). I worked in construction progressing to Construction manager and managing contract in what is currently known as the provinces of Gauteng, North-west, Limpopo, Mpumalanga Free State and Kwa Zulu Natal. I moved on into full time ministry in the Methodist Church of South Africa and studied for a B.Th. through the University Of South Africa (UNISA). During this time I also served as vice chair and chair of the West Rand Local Peace Committee as well as serving on the Regional Peace committee before and during the first democratic elections in South Africa and served as chair of Hospice in the West. I left full time ministry after 12 years and returned to construction and allied industries until my retirement two years ago. I the started acrylic painting as a hobby and doing further Bible studies that led to this publication.

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Matthew.1:1-25

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; 9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; 10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthew; and Matthew begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

In a way the choice of Joseph as the husband of Mary, being 26 generations down the direct line of David, is obvious as it fulfils the prophecy that Jesus would come from that line. Yet there must be a more important reason for Matthew tracing the lineage all the way back to Abraham. I believe the relevance of that is due to the importance attached to the promises and laws of God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It shows that Jesus entered this world amid controversy. Traditionally and in the law Joseph could have withdrawn from his pledge to Mary and have had her stoned! Yet the Father overturned that tradition. That is an important lesson for us to this day.

It spells out that women, life and babies are more important to Jesus than traditions. So much so that Joseph and Mary's marriage was only consumed after Jesus was born. That makes it clear that intimacy in marriage is not the primary purpose. Rather obedience of husband and wife to God, and maturity sufficient for real companionship and nurturing of children is the first priority. How are we preparing ourselves, or our biological children, or our children in the Church of Jesus Christ for taking on responsibility in this day and age?

Today take time to talk to Jesus about the role Joseph and Mary played in nurturing Him so well that at the age of 12 He could take responsibility for His own spiritual relationship with the Father. How do we respond to that in our own lives? Are our children that well educated in the Word of God by the age of twelve and if not why not?

Day 2, Week 1.

Matthew 2:1-23

The Visit of the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

The only thing I want to mention about this passage is to draw attention to the timing of this incident. Most people have been so mesmerised be the typical Nativity Scenes and the fables around that scene, the typical Sunday school Christmas concerts, that in most people’s minds the wise men’s visit occurred on the night of the birth of Jesus in the stable. The fact is that the wise men did not visit then but much nearer to two years after the birth. Just as one example that dispels the old Nativity lie remember that Joseph and Mary offered two doves at the Presentation of Jesus to the Father at the temple (Luke 2:24). That was typically a poor man’s offering and certainly not the offering that would have been presented had the wise men been there at the birth. the heart sore part of this is what we are, in the majority of cases, teaching the children!

The Flight to Egypt

Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

This flight to Egypt would, even as in our day, not have been without cost. That aspect is not even mentioned but to me in my personal capacity it does beg the question whether the timing of the wise man was not a deliberate event that the Father ordained to provide the necessary financing for the sojourn in Egypt? I think that is exactly why this happened but that is a personal opinion that i cannot enforce.

Herod Kills the Children

Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

It seems from this that masses of two year old boy children had to suffer the wrath of Herod (or is it the fear of Herod) because of the escape of Jesus and the failure of the wise men to return to Herod. Again i will speculate a little because of all the false tales that have arisen from this. I think the father’s probable involvement in the timing of the visit of the Wise men shows that Herod would have resorted to this measure in any event. That kind of action by the Romans was certainly not unusual at the time and their whole regime was based on inspiring fear in their subjects. Let us remember here that Theophilus would probably have known this Roman behaviour in the first instance and that Luke was writing to him about Jesus and not about Herod or the Roman oppression.

The Return to Nazareth

Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. 21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Even the rumours that Herod heard of Jesus made him fear the child and so Joseph was led to flee to Egypt for the safety of Jesus. Many hundreds of years before that it was prophesied that Jesus would come to the Israelites out of Egypt and so this prophecy too was fulfilled. This fact, that this was prophesied, makes me think even more so that the timing of the wise men was orchestrated specifically for that time as I stated before.

Let us never lose sight of the fact that the first outreach of the New Covenant was to Israel and only when they rejected Jesus did Jesus tell the Disciples to go into all the world. That means that the Jews are still to this day under the Old Covenant and that some of the prophesies concerning Israel still need to be fulfilled. We, i.e. the reborn believers, because of our confession of faith and water baptism, because of what Jesus did for us, are now under the New Covenant.

We also have an Egypt that we came from and an Israel that we look forward to. We were in our Egypt when we were dead in our sin and disobedience. In the New Birth we are set free spiritually so that we can be set free from the diseases of Egypt (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Our Israel awaits us when Jesus calls His Bride to the heavenly banquet, the Rapture.

In the meantime we are on this earth for a short while, like Jesus in Israel, and like He endured trials so must we. We also endure, with the Love of Jesus in us, in rejection of our present trials to the glory of Jesus and knowing our place is prepared. We will have our own Herod and wise men but we have a Comforter and Protector we know as the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead us to safety and lead us forward with the same perfect timing as the leading Joseph received to keep Jesus safe.

Day 3, Week 1.

Matthew 3:1- 4:11

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

This part again at first glance seems to be little more than a history lesson with little to guide the modern born again believer. There are however a number of important issues here to note for us as believers. The first point here is that it is in this passage that we see the fulfilment of a host of prophecies from the books of Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel and Malachi and others. As believers it is vital that we both know and understand that every prophecy that came from God to mankind either has already been fulfilled exactly as prophesied. The reason for this is that it helps us to understand the will of God. That means it helps us to know what God expects us to do in response to the Love and mercy, grace and faith that God freely gives to us. It helps us towards a better understanding of how things work in particular that our lives are essentially lived as a response to rather than initiation of. That means that God acts and we react. That is how it should be in the case of born again believers that we should no longer live to ourselves but live in the acknowledgement of our salvation by responding to bring joy to the Father.

Following that the next thing is about the word repent or repentance that is derived from the Greek word Metanoeite in which I am sure that many will recognise the word metamorphose (better known as the word for a larva changing into a butterfly). So many of us grow up thinking that repentance is a simple process of saying sorry and getting on with life much as when we bump someone accidently and say sorry and move on. That is not and never was the intent of the word repent in the Word of God. repentance is the process of understanding and accepting our disobedience to the will of God and consciously deciding that we are going to turn away from that type of action. In the case of the born again believer this process then goes hand in hand with the acknowledgement that we, with our corrupted nature cannot do so by ourselves and that we can only do so by giving ourselves to Jesus so that by faith in Jesus and what Jesus did for us at Calvary, we may die to the old self and be raised with Jesus as a new creation - metamorphose from the old to the new. That is what John was calling people to do and what is taught by Jesus and all the New Testament writers. It is only that type of repentance that will lead to the New Birth.

We do not hear a great deal more but we do see that John must have elaborated on this theme extensively. the verses especially from nine to twelve indicate that he taught about the future of the Jews, the baptism of faith by water, the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles and even the rapture and judgement at the end of the tribulation. that is what would fulfil the prophesy that one (John) would prepare the way for Jesus. This becomes an important fact when we see that Jesus begins to teach about the kingdom of heaven, i.e. the authority of mankind almost from the beginning of his ministry. Jesus could do that because the way had been prepared for Jesus to introduce this to mankind.

Day 4, Week 1.

Matthew 3:13 - 17

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Why would John, the prophesied baptiser, say that he needed to be baptised by Jesus. Certainly not because it would add any more validity to his own ministry. This is where we see the first mention of a second baptism that many today deny and attempt to lump together with the baptism of the faith in water. John here is referring to the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which it is clearly revealed here is a baptism that comes from God only toward mankind. John could baptise Jesus with water by full emersion in the Jordan, but the baptism in the Holy Spirit was given to Jesus by the Father from above.. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit the Father acknowledges Jesus as the Son which is interesting in that as new born believers we become joint heirs with Jesus, the sons and daughters of the Father and in my opinion we can therefore say that when we are baptised in the holy Spirit that we not only receive ALL the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but that we also receive the confirmation of the Father that we are then full heirs with Jesus. That will again become important when we deal with the authority of mankind.

We see also in this that Jesus at his baptism also clearly received all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. A very well timed gift in view of the events that followed immediately upon the Baptism of Jesus.

Water Baptism & Holy Spirit:

Zechariah 13:1 Speaks of the fountain Jesus was to open for the water baptism, the symbolic washing away of the sin of mankind by the blood of Jesus. Many denominations teach that baptism is merely an outward symbol of what God has already completed in the spirit of a convert. If that were so then Jesus would surely not have insisted on the water baptism by full immersion. Jesus shows that the full immersion baptism of a person who is mentally aware of turning from sin to Jesus and understanding their own inability to achieve righteousness before God, is an absolute essential.

Note too that Jesus’ own baptism in the Holy Spirit was a separate event that followed on the water baptism by the decree of the Father(the dove descending on Jesus). To the reborn believer the baptism in the Holy Spirit is also a separate event (contrary to the practice of a large number of present day denominations) that we can ask for from the Father following immediately on our water baptism or at any time thereafter if it was not done. It is very important that we note that the two are separate events firstly and that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is essential in receiving the authority (kingdom) of heaven. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit received at the water baptism is a partial enabling of the reborn believer to be able to hear and be led by the Holy Spirit but the full power of the Holy Spirit is only received when we are baptised in the Holy Spirit as was demonstrated at the baptism of Jesus.

Humility:

Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

True humility is not only a hallmark of true repentance but also a fundamental requirement of the authority (kingdom) of heaven. Apart from the agape (love) of a reborn believer the two most important behavioural practises of reborn believers is humility and servanthood. It was probably the lack of this that made the Pharisees and sadducees so noticeable to John.

Day 5, Week 1.

Matthew 4:1 - 11

The Temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Repentance:

Repentance is a turning away from the ways of the world and preparing the way in our spirit, soul and body for Jesus to come and dwell in us.(Hebrews 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.) Many came to John but few kept up the profession of faith and just as then, we too can now lose our salvation if we do not walk in the ways of Jesus unfalteringly, accepting Jesus as being our righteousness personified by His indwelling.

Note that Jesus was tempted in the flesh (4:2), in the soul (4:6) and the spirit (4:9). So often we simply hear it said that Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are. Firstly as far as that statement is concerned none of us are tempted to the extreme that Jesus was and nor will we ever be (1 Corinthians 10:13). But the point that is generally not mentioned here is that Jesus was tested