A.D.

B.C.

CHRONOLOGICAL

Volume 7

TH

E G

OS

PE

L PR

OJE

CT

Pe

rson

al S

tud

y Gu

ide

CS

BS

PR

ING

20

17

SPRING 2017: Personal Study Guide CSBEd Stetzer Gener a l Editor

Trevin Wax M a naging Editor

God’s Word to You A Summary of the Bible

In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe. This God created human beings in His image to live joyfully in His presence, in humble submission to His gracious authority. But all of us have rebelled against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.

Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with His choosing the nation of Israel to display His glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how God acted mightily on Israel’s behalf, rescuing His people from slavery and then giving them His holy law. But God’s people—like all of us—failed to rightly reflect the glory of God.

Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and to restore His people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law given to Israel. Though innocent, He suffered the consequences of human rebellion by His death on a cross. But three days later, God raised Him from the dead.

Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the news of Christ’s work to the world. Empowered by God’s Spirit, the church calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and results in a life of ongoing transformation.

The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will escape God’s judgment and live joyfully in God’s presence for all eternity. God’s message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.

EDITORS

A Word from the Editors

Ed StetzerGeneral Editor—The Gospel Project Professor, Billy Graham Distinguished Chair, Wheaton College

In The Gospel Project, we have been tracing the chronological storyline of the Bible. Through 6 volumes, over the span of 18 months, we have already seen so much. God created all things. God placed our first parents in the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve sinned, and the fallout of their sin affected both their immediate family and all of their descendants, including us. But this consequence was not without a promise of restoration (Gen. 3:15). And God continued making promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants, to David and his descendants, to those exiled from their homeland and their descendants. Through all of these promises, God was promising fulfillment and restoration; specifically, He was promising a Descendant, the Messiah, His Son.

So, our lengthy look at the storyline of the Bible through the Old Testament has been paving the way and preparing the path for God’s Promise to enter into this world and into our hearts.

Jesus Christ—the Son of God—has come, and all the Scriptures testify to Him. He came to call not the “righteous” but sinners to repentance; He came to seek and to save that which is lost. And those of us who have been found by Him now have the joy and the calling to follow in His steps of obedience and mission that even more may be found to the glory and praise of His name.

Trevin WaxManaging Editor—The Gospel Project Author of multiple books, including Gospel-Centered Teaching, Counterfeit Gospels, and Clear Winter Nights: A Young Man’s Journey into Truth, Doubt, and What Comes After

The Rescue Begins! I love the title of this volume of The Gospel Project because of the way it reminds us of the great story of redemption and the new and decisive chapter that opens up with the birth and ministry of Jesus. In this volume, we trace the line of Jesus back to Abraham, we see how His early life and ministry fulfilled some of the prophecies made about Him, and we witness the way He interacted with the people around Him.

Some of these stories will be familiar to you and the rest of your group—the Christmas story, for example, or the story of Jesus’ temptation. In the familiar stories, we want to help you see aspects of the Gospel accounts that you may have overlooked. In the less familiar stories, we want to help you see the beauty of Jesus’

interaction with all kinds of people, with all kinds of needs, and with all kinds of backgrounds. Even here, early in the Gospels, we see Jesus as the Savior and Lord who is able to withstand

temptation, command His disciples, challenge religious leaders, and love the unlovable. May your study lead you to a deeper love for Jesus and a stronger passion to see His name and fame extended in your church, your community, and the world!

WRITERS

The Gospel Project®Adult Personal Study Guide CSBVolume 5, Number 3 Spring 2017

Eric GeigerVice President, LifeWay Resources

Ed StetzerGeneral Editor

Trevin WaxManaging Editor

Daniel DavisContent Editor

Josh HayesContent and Production Editor

Ken BraddyManager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies

Michael KelleyDirector, Groups Ministry

Send questions/comments to: Managing Editor, The Gospel Project: Adult Personal Study Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com.

Printed in the United States of America

The Gospel Project®: Adult Personal Study Guide CSB (ISSN pending; Item 005461524) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources.

For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, email subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address.

We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2016 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Unit 1: Michael Card has recorded over 37 albums, authored over 25 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. He has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai,” “Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel.” He has sold more than 4 million albums and written over 19 #1 hits, but the popularity of his work seems a stark contrast to his goal in life—to simply and quietly teach the Bible.

Unit 2: D. A. Horton currently serves as a pastor at Reach Fellowship, a church plant in Los Angeles, California, and as the Chief Evangelist for UYWI. He is also working toward his PhD in Applied Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Elicia, have three children, Izabelle, Lola, and Damon Jr (aka Duce).

Special Session—Easter: Richard R. Melick Jr. serves as a Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Affiliated Faculty, at Gateway Seminary. He is a consulting editor for The New American Commentary, for which he also contributed the volume Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. He and his wife, Shera, coauthored Teaching That Transforms. They have three children and eight grandchildren.

About the Writers

Table of Contents

Suggested for the week of

Unit 1: God the Son

March 5 10 Session 1 From Abraham to Jesus

March 12 19 Session 2 Mary Praises the Covenant-Keeping God

March 19 28 Session 3 God Becomes a Baby

March 26 37 Session 4 Jesus in His Father’s House

April 2 46 Session 5 The Son of God Is Baptized

April 9 55 Session 6 The Son of God Is Tempted

April 16 64 Special Session Dying and Rising with the Messiah

Unit 2: God Among Us

April 23 74 Session 7 Jesus Calls the First Disciples

April 30 83 Session 8 Nicodemus and the New Birth

May 7 92 Session 9 Jesus and John the Baptist

May 14 101 Session 10 Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

May 21 110 Session 11 Jesus Rejected in Nazareth

May 28 119 Session 12 Jesus and Zacchaeus

Editor’s Note: The Special Session suggested for the week of April 16 is a session with an Easter focus. This session can be considered optional based on the circumstances of your group. Check with your group leader to see whether or not your group will use this session so you can prepare for the correct sessions for your group meetings.

6

Spring 2016 The Promised Land God the Savior (Numbers, Joshua) God the Judge (Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel)

Summer 2016 A Kingdom Established God the King (1–2 Samuel) God All Wise (1 Kings, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)

Fall 2016 Prophets and Kings God the Revealer (1–2 Kings, Isaiah) God the Pursuer (Prophets, 2 Chronicles)

THE GOSPEL PROJECT CHRONOLOGICAL A Journey Through the Storyline of Scripture

Fall 2015 The Story Begins God the Creator (Genesis 1–11) God the Covenant-Maker (Genesis 12–50)

Winter 2015-16 God Delivers God the Redeemer (Exodus) God the Lawgiver (Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy)

7

Winter 2016-17 Exile and ReturnGod the Sustainer (Daniel, Ezra)God the Provider (Esther, Nehemiah, Malachi)

Winter 2017-18 The Church on Mission The Spirit Who Empowers (Acts) The God Who Sends (Acts)

Spring 2018 Letters to God’s People The God Who Directs His People (Epistles) The God Who Changes Us (Epistles)

Fall 2017 Jesus Saves Jesus the Savior (Gospels) Jesus the Risen King (Gospels, Acts)

Summer 2018 Come, Lord Jesus God’s Prisoner (Acts, Epistles) The God Who Makes All Things New (Epistles, Revelation)

Summer 2017 Stories and Signs Jesus the Storyteller (Synoptic Gospels) Jesus the Miracle-Worker (Gospels)

Spring 2017 The Rescue BeginsGod the Son (Gospels)God Among Us (Gospels)

11Session 110 Date of My Bible Study: ______________________________

Session 1

Session

1 In this session, we trace the lineage of Jesus back to Abraham. Jesus’ identity is rooted in the fulfillment of the promise that through Abraham God would bless all the nations, in the promise made to David of an eternal kingdom, and in the promise made to God’s people that one day they would return from their long exile, back to the land that was promised. As Christians, grafted into the family of God, Jesus’ genealogy is also ours, for we trace our heritage back to Abraham, our forefather in the faith. In this historical line, we discover our truest identity in Christ, the One through whom God has kept all His promises.

1. Jesus is the Son of Abraham who brings blessing to the world (Matt. 1:1-5).

1 An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:2 Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his

brothers, 3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram, 4 Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse,

Jesus’ connection to the promises of God are a flesh and blood link to His genetic ancestors. This is not “a roll call of great men”; these are members of Jesus’ family! Invariably He bore some distant resemblance—the shape of His face or perhaps the inflection of His voice. These ancestors were the unique recipients of unique promises from God. Jesus will be the One through whom each and every promise will be perfectly and completely fulfilled.

What are some physical traits or personality quirks that are common to your family? How do these traits impact your sense of belonging?

Voices from Church History“It is far beyond all thought to hear that God the Unspeakable, the Unutterable, the Incomprehensible, and He that is equal to the Father, hath passed through a virgin’s womb, and hath vouchsafed to be born of a woman, and to have Abraham and David for forefathers.” 1

–John Chrysostom (circa 347-407)

From Abraham to Jesus

THEOLOGICAL THEME: The Son of God will fulfill God’s ancient promises to His people.

Have you ever struggled with the question “Who am I?” It is one of those basic questions that need asking again and again if we are to grow and mature as the world changes around us and as the world inside us changes. It is the question of identity. This is the struggle that fuels websites like Ancestry.com and television shows that reacquaint celebrities with their roots.

What are some ways people in our society today show they long to know who they are and where they come from?

Why do questions about our roots matter so much for human beings?

Transitioning from the Old Testament to the New, we come to the Gospel of Matthew, a book written to a community of Jews who believed in Jesus of Nazareth as the long-awaited Savior for a world undergoing radical—sometimes violent—changes. Many of these Jews were wrestling with questions of identity and distinction.

These persecuted followers of Jesus were on the verge of the powerful realization that it was no longer the temple or the synagogue that defined them and no longer their dedication to ritual obedience. Their new identity was to be found solely in the person of Jesus. Matthew would tell them who they were by revealing to them who Jesus is.

17Session 116 Personal Study Guide

Conclusion

Some rabbis have said that you have not really walked alongside someone until you realize that their story is also your story. When we come to the life situation of the first readers of Matthew’s Gospel, the truth of that statement comes to life.

In the years to come, those of us who follow Jesus of Nazareth will inevitably experience separation and exclusion, perhaps even exile. It is already the experience of our brothers and sisters all over the world. The promises made to Matthew’s first readers almost two thousand years ago are just as alive and relevant to us today as they were to the frightened followers of Jesus in the first centuries of the church.

Despite societal pressure and persecution, they went on to change the world. They resisted the idolatrous influence of the greatest earthly power the world had ever known, the Roman Empire. Their victory of faith was motivated by one simple fact—they believed in and trusted the promises made to them, promises that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. When those around them were defining them as the “refuse of the world,” they found a new answer to the question of their identity. It was, in fact, an ancient answer. They were citizens of a kingdom of which Jesus is King. He is seated on the throne of his father David, and from that throne He will bless all the nations.

CHRIST CONNECTION: In the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel, we see how God’s plan of redemption is traced from Abraham to David and now to the birth of Jesus—the One who fulfills God’s promises to Abraham and David. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus incorporates us into Abraham’s family of faith.

99 Essential Christian Doctrines47. Jesus’ Humanity

In addition to being fully divine, the Bible also affirms that Jesus is fully human. Not only does the Old Testament affirm that the Promised One (Messiah) would be a man (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Mic. 5:3), but the New Testament also affirms that Jesus’ earthly life bore all the marks of being a human. He experienced the circumstances common to living as a human being, such as hunger (Matt. 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), weariness (Matt. 8:24), sorrow (John 11:35), and pain (the crucifixion).

In 539 b.c., the Babylonians were destroyed by the Medo-Persians, led by Cyrus, who allowed the Jews to return and miraculously was inspired by God to help rebuild the temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians (2 Chron. 36:22; Ezra 1:1).

It was a disaster that turned into a miraculous provision. Just when God’s people seemed to have been dispersed and defeated, a people separated from their promised land because of stubborn disbelief and refusal to trust in God’s promise, He led them home.

If these circumstances sound familiar, they are supposed to. They resemble the situation of Matthew’s first readers. They also point to our own situation of being in the world but not of the world. We are exiled from the garden of Eden because of our sin, and we now live outside the place God originally intended for us. We wait for Christ’s return and the full establishment of His kingdom. We trust and follow Him, believing He will lead us home.

In Jesus we find the fulfillment of the promise first made to Abraham to bless the nations. It will occur in the context of the kingdom, when we gather around the eternal throne first promised to David. The One sitting upon that throne is no less than the offspring of David (Rev. 22:16).

In what ways is the Christian life today like being “in exile”?

How has Jesus ended our exile to sin and death?

Voices from the Church“The King is coming back. At His first coming, Jesus came as a crying baby. At His second coming, Jesus will come as the crowned King.” 4

–David Platt

1918 Personal Study Guide Date of My Bible Study: ______________________________

Session 2

Session

2

1. What are some ways we as a group/church—those who are part of Jesus’ family tree by faith—can bless the community around us in Jesus’ name?

2. List some traits and characteristics that show we belong to Jesus’ family.

3. How would you share with an unbeliever that Jesus has saved you from the “exile” of sin and death?

HIS MISSION, YOUR MISSION

MISSIONAL APPLICATION: God calls us to proclaim Jesus as the central figure of history and the only One in whom salvation is found. Mary Praises the

Covenant-Keeping God

THEOLOGICAL THEME: Jesus was conceived by the Spirit’s power and was born of a virgin.

Luke addressed his Gospel to Theophilus, though the reason and context are uncertain, but we do know something of this writer as a person. We know Luke was a faithful companion of the apostle Paul. At the end of Paul’s life, as he was facing the prospect of death under the Roman emperor Nero, only Luke had the courage to remain beside him (2 Tim. 4:11). This simple fact tells us an enormous amount about the character of the writer of this Gospel. We also know that Luke was a doctor, since Paul referred to him as one in Colossians 4:14. As a doctor, then, he was almost certainly a slave as well, since most doctors—indeed most professional people—in the first century were slaves.

Luke gave us more information about the circumstances leading up to Jesus’ birth than any other Gospel writer. His Gospel introduces us to Jesus’ mother, Mary, and the character of this bold young woman of faith. In Mary we see a picture of faithfulness and a willingness to be “the servant of the Lord.”

What facts do you and your group already know about Mary, the mother of Jesus?

What picture do these facts give you about the character of Mary as a servant of God?

8 Personal Study Guide

How to Use The Gospel Project

1Read the session in preparation for group discussion. Record any insights or questions you may want to discuss during the group experience.

2Gather with your group to discuss and learn together what God has to say. Contribute to the conversation and activities.

3Apply the truths of the session by working through “His Mission, Your Mission” with your group or by yourself.

Visit GospelProject.com/Blog for additional content related to the study. Visit GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources for links to podcasts, articles, and blog posts related to each session.

9

Memory Verses

When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”

–Matthew 3:16-17

Unit 1

God the Son Gospels

Writers

Michael Card is a popular singer, songwriter, and author, but his goal in life is to simply and quietly teach the Bible.Richard R. Melick Jr. (Easter) serves as a Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Affiliated Faculty, at Gateway Seminary.

10 Date of My Bible Study: ______________________________

Session 1

Session

1From Abraham to Jesus

THEOLOGICAL THEME: The Son of God will fulfill God’s ancient promises to His people.

Have you ever struggled with the question “Who am I?” It is one of those basic questions that need asking again and again if we are to grow and mature as the world changes around us and as the world inside us changes. It is the question of identity. This is the struggle that fuels websites like Ancestry.com and television shows that reacquaint celebrities with their roots.

What are some ways people in our society today show they long to know who they are and where they come from?

Why do questions about our roots matter so much for human beings?

Transitioning from the Old Testament to the New, we come to the Gospel of Matthew, a book written to a community of Jews who believed in Jesus of Nazareth as the long-awaited Savior for a world undergoing radical—sometimes violent—changes. Many of these Jews were wrestling with questions of identity and distinction.

These persecuted followers of Jesus were on the verge of the powerful realization that it was no longer the temple or the synagogue that defined them and no longer their dedication to ritual obedience. Their new identity was to be found solely in the person of Jesus. Matthew would tell them who they were by revealing to them who Jesus is.

© 2017 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute within the license agreement with purchaser.

11Session 1

In this session, we trace the lineage of Jesus back to Abraham. Jesus’ identity is rooted in the fulfillment of the promise that through Abraham God would bless all the nations, in the promise made to David of an eternal kingdom, and in the promise made to God’s people that one day they would return from their long exile, back to the land that was promised. As Christians, grafted into the family of God, Jesus’ genealogy is also ours, for we trace our heritage back to Abraham, our forefather in the faith. In this historical line, we discover our truest identity in Christ, the One through whom God has kept all His promises.

1. Jesus is the Son of Abraham who brings blessing to the world (Matt. 1:1-5).

1 An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:2 Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his

brothers, 3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram, 4 Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse,

Jesus’ connection to the promises of God are a flesh and blood link to His genetic ancestors. This is not “a roll call of great men”; these are members of Jesus’ family! Invariably He bore some distant resemblance—the shape of His face or perhaps the inflection of His voice. These ancestors were the unique recipients of unique promises from God. Jesus will be the One through whom each and every promise will be perfectly and completely fulfilled.

What are some physical traits or personality quirks that are common to your family? How do these traits impact your sense of belonging?

Voices from Church History“It is far beyond all thought to hear that God the Unspeakable, the Unutterable, the Incomprehensible, and He that is equal to the Father, hath passed through a virgin’s womb, and hath vouchsafed to be born of a woman, and to have Abraham and David for forefathers.” 1

–John Chrysostom (circa 347-407)

12 Personal Study Guide

The first of three generational blocks begins with Abraham (vv. 2-6), the one who first received the promise that through his “offspring” (or “seed,” singular) God would bless the nations: “And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring because you have obeyed my command” (Gen. 22:18; cf. 18:18; 26:4; Isa. 61:9; Gal. 3:8,16).

This is Jesus’ identity, written over thousands of years in the flesh and blood and hopes of His ancestors. Matthew wanted his readers to understand that even as Jesus had ancestors, so He will also have descendants, citizens of the kingdom of which Jesus is King. That is the new and yet ancient identity that belonged to the first Jewish followers of Jesus and that belongs to us who follow Him today.

Women in Jesus’ GenealogyContained in this genealogy are the names of five women, three of whom are included in this first block. Matthew didn’t include these women because they were “loose” or “shady” in some way. No, what these women have in common was that they were non-Jewish women linked to Jewish men. Tamar was a Canaanite, Rahab was a citizen of Jericho in Canaan, “Uriah’s wife” (Bathsheba) was a Hittite, and Ruth was from Moab. Their presence in the genealogy shines a spotlight on the promise that through Jesus all nations would be blessed.

The fact that these women are listed tells us that women had a place in Jesus’ past even as they will occupy a special place in His future. His coming brought about a dramatic shift in the world for women who would follow Him. (One more woman is mentioned in the genealogy, but we will have to wait until verse 16 to hear her name. She will receive greater attention in the next session.)

What does the inclusion of these women tell you about God’s desire to bless the whole world?

Voices from the Church“Now is the moment, Matthew is saying, for [salvation] to happen. The child who comes at the end of this line is God’s anointed, the long-awaited Messiah, to fulfill all the layers and levels of the prophecies of old.” 2

–N. T. Wright

13Session 1

2. Jesus is the Son of David who will reign forever (Matt. 1:6-11).

6 and Jesse fathered King David.David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife, 7 Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam

fathered Abijah, Abijah fathered Asa, 8 Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, Joram fathered Uzziah, 9 Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, Ahaz fathered Hezekiah, 10 Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, Amon fathered Josiah, 11 and Josiah fathered Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

The second genealogical block begins with David, who was unique in his relationship with the Lord. No one ever rose so high (cf. Ps. 89) or fell so far (2 Sam. 11). In the “Historical Record of Judah’s Kings” (1 Kings 14:29), David is the standard against whom all other kings are measured. Throughout the Old Testament, the adage “your father David” was not a phrase addressed only to Solomon but also to many of the later kings.

The promise that David’s throne would endure forever may be the most often repeated promise in the Bible: “If your sons guard their way to walk faithfully before me with all their heart and all their soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 2:4; cf. 1 Kings 2:5; 8:25; 9:5; 2 Chron. 6:16; 7:18; Isa. 9:7; Jer. 33:17; Luke 1:32). It was a promise the Lord seemed to be especially preoccupied to keep. But the requirement to walk faithfully was not kept completely by David nor any of his descendants listed in Matthew’s genealogy—save one.

What does the parade of evil kings in Jesus’ genealogy tell us about God’s faithfulness to His covenant?

What do we learn from the good kings mentioned here?

14 Personal Study Guide

In spite of all the broken promises of so many kings, God would remain faithful to His promise concerning the eternal throne of David. In the end, the promise that was made to David was not about him. Matthew wanted us to know it is Jesus, David’s direct descendant, who will perfectly keep the promise to walk in the Lord’s ways. It is Jesus who will forever occupy David’s eternal throne.

Gabriel sang the promise to Mary in Luke 1:32: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.”

“Son of David” was clearly recognized as a messianic term by the people (Matt. 12:23; 21:9,15; 22:42; Mark 12:35), and people often called out to Jesus by that title (Matt. 9:27; 15:22; 20:30; Luke 18:38). He would bless all nations, according to the promise made to Abraham. He would establish an eternal kingdom, taking His seat on David’s throne. Jesus would be the focus and fulfillment of every promise, every dream, and every hope. The promise of His coming was woven into the lives of His ancestors, and it becomes the source of identity to all His descendants by faith.

How does Jesus, through His life and ministry, demonstrate different facets of God’s faithful love?

Voices from Church History“Hail to the Lord’s anointed, great David’s greater Son! Hail in time appointed, His reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free; to take away transgression, and rule in equity.” 3

–James Montgomery (1771-1854)

15Session 1

3. Jesus is the Messiah who ends our exile to sin and death (Matt. 1:12-17).

Matthew began the final generational block of his genealogy not with a person like Abraham or David but with an event. This exception is supposed to catch our attention and force us to ask why. Whenever a biblical author does not give us what we are expecting, it is an occasion to focus in and really listen. This exceptional event is the Babylonian exile of God’s people.

12 After the exile to Babylon Jechoniah fathered Shealtiel, Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel fathered Abiud, Abiud fathered Eliakim, Eliakim fathered Azor, 14 Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, Achim fathered Eliud, 15 Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, Matthan fathered Jacob, 16 and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Christ, fourteen generations.

In three successive waves the people of Judah were exiled to Babylon. In 586 b.c., as a result of King Zedekiah’s refusal to heed the warnings of Jeremiah (Jer. 1:3; 52:10), Jerusalem was taken and finally destroyed. In the ancient world, exile was the most effective way to make a conquered people simply disappear. You’d remove them from their native land and watch their nation disappear as they intermarried with the foreign population. The Jews’ determination to remain separate allowed the nation to survive.

What did the Jewish people do in order to maintain their identity while in exile?

What do we learn from this remnant of faithful people who held on to their faith in trying times?

16 Personal Study Guide

In 539 b.c., the Babylonians were destroyed by the Medo-Persians, led by Cyrus, who allowed the Jews to return and miraculously was inspired by God to help rebuild the temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians (2 Chron. 36:22; Ezra 1:1).

It was a disaster that turned into a miraculous provision. Just when God’s people seemed to have been dispersed and defeated, a people separated from their promised land because of stubborn disbelief and refusal to trust in God’s promise, He led them home.

If these circumstances sound familiar, they are supposed to. They resemble the situation of Matthew’s first readers. They also point to our own situation of being in the world but not of the world. We are exiled from the garden of Eden because of our sin, and we now live outside the place God originally intended for us. We wait for Christ’s return and the full establishment of His kingdom. We trust and follow Him, believing He will lead us home.

In Jesus we find the fulfillment of the promise first made to Abraham to bless the nations. It will occur in the context of the kingdom, when we gather around the eternal throne first promised to David. The One sitting upon that throne is no less than the offspring of David (Rev. 22:16).

In what ways is the Christian life today like being “in exile”?

How has Jesus ended our exile to sin and death?

Voices from the Church“The King is coming back. At His first coming, Jesus came as a crying baby. At His second coming, Jesus will come as the crowned King.” 4

–David Platt

17Session 1

Conclusion

Some rabbis have said that you have not really walked alongside someone until you realize that their story is also your story. When we come to the life situation of the first readers of Matthew’s Gospel, the truth of that statement comes to life.

In the years to come, those of us who follow Jesus of Nazareth will inevitably experience separation and exclusion, perhaps even exile. It is already the experience of our brothers and sisters all over the world. The promises made to Matthew’s first readers almost two thousand years ago are just as alive and relevant to us today as they were to the frightened followers of Jesus in the first centuries of the church.

Despite societal pressure and persecution, they went on to change the world. They resisted the idolatrous influence of the greatest earthly power the world had ever known, the Roman Empire. Their victory of faith was motivated by one simple fact—they believed in and trusted the promises made to them, promises that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. When those around them were defining them as the “refuse of the world,” they found a new answer to the question of their identity. It was, in fact, an ancient answer. They were citizens of a kingdom of which Jesus is King. He is seated on the throne of his father David, and from that throne He will bless all the nations.

CHRIST CONNECTION: In the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel, we see how God’s plan of redemption is traced from Abraham to David and now to the birth of Jesus—the One who fulfills God’s promises to Abraham and David. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus incorporates us into Abraham’s family of faith.

99 Essential Christian Doctrines47. Jesus’ Humanity

In addition to being fully divine, the Bible also affirms that Jesus is fully human. Not only does the Old Testament affirm that the Promised One (Messiah) would be a man (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Mic. 5:3), but the New Testament also affirms that Jesus’ earthly life bore all the marks of being a human. He experienced the circumstances common to living as a human being, such as hunger (Matt. 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), weariness (Matt. 8:24), sorrow (John 11:35), and pain (the crucifixion).

18 Personal Study Guide

1. What are some ways we as a group/church—those who are part of Jesus’ family tree by faith—can bless the community around us in Jesus’ name?

2. List some traits and characteristics that show we belong to Jesus’ family.

3. How would you share with an unbeliever that Jesus has saved you from the “exile” of sin and death?

HIS MISSION, YOUR MISSION

MISSIONAL APPLICATION: God calls us to proclaim Jesus as the central figure of history and the only One in whom salvation is found.

128 Personal Study Guide

SESSION 11. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of St.  Matthew, 2, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: First Series, vol. X, ed. Philip Schaff (New York: Cosimo, 2010), 9.

2. N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013) [WORDsearch].

3. James Montgomery, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (1821), Hymnary.org [online; cited 22 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.hymnary.org.

4. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew (Nashville: B&H, 2014) [WORDsearch].

SESSION 21. Scot McKnight, The Real Mary (Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2007), 6.

2. Oswald Chambers, in The Quotable Oswald Chambers, comp. and ed. David McCasland (Grand Rapids: Oswald Chambers Publications Association, 2008) [eBook].

3. N. T. Wright, Luke for Everyone (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004) [eBook].

4. The Talmud of the Land of Israel, Volume  27: Sotah, trans. Jacob Neusner (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1984), 95.

5. Takatemjen, “Luke,” in South Asia Bible Commentary, ed. Brian Wintle (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015) [eBook].

SESSION 31. Jerome, On the Nativity of the Lord, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2003), 39.

2. John R. W. Stott, The Incomparable Christ (Downers Grove: IVP, 2001), 37.

3. Skye Jethani, With (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2011), 97.

4. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew [WORDsearch].

SESSION 41. Paul John Isaak, “Luke,” in Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010) [eBook].

2. Charles Spurgeon, “Christ About His Father’s Business,” in The Complete Works of C.  H. Spurgeon, vol. 3 (United States: Delmarva Publications, 2013) [eBook].

3. Marva J. Dawn, To Walk and Not Faint (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 48.

SESSION 51. Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (Hutto, TX: WORDsearch, 2012), [WORDsearch].

2. Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, 10.3, quoted in Matthew  1–13, ed. Manlio Simonetti, vol. Ia in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2014) [WORDsearch].

3. Tim Stafford, Surprised by Jesus (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 40.

SESSION 61. Oswald Chambers, in The Quotable Oswald Chambers, comp. and ed. David McCasland [eBook].

2. Thomas Watson, “To Think Why You Are Tempted Is a Comfort,” A Puritan Golden Treasury [online], 2016 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: thomaswatsonquotes.com.

3. Adrian Rogers, “How Can I Overcome Temptation?” Love Worth Finding [online], 1 July 2015 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.lwf.org.

4. Matt Chandler, “Luke–Part 11: Temptation 2000 Years Later,” The Village Church [online], 20 January 2008 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.thevillagechurch.net.

SPECIAL SESSION—EASTER1. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew [WORDsearch].

2. John Stott, Christ in Conflict, rev. (Downers Grove: IVP, 2013), 56.

3. Hans Hut, “On the Mystery of Baptism (1526),” in Early Anabaptist Spirituality: Selected Writings, ed. Daniel Liechty (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1994), 75.

4. Jim Elliot, quoted in Shadow of the Almighty, by Elisabeth Elliot (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1989), 11.

SESSION 71. Ted Traylor, The Eight Callings of God (Bradenton, FL: Outcome Publishing, 2009), 118.

2. Roy B. Zuck, in The Speaker’s Quote Book, by Roy B. Zuck (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2009), 424.

3. Gregory the Great, Forty Gospel Homilies, 5.2, quoted in Matthew 1–13, ed. Manlio Simonetti, vol. Ia in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 73.

SESSION 81. Basil, On the Holy Spirit, 15.35-36, quoted in We Believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, ed. Angelo Di Berardino, vol. 5 in Ancient Christian Doctrine (Downers Grove: IVP, 2010), 104.

2. Charles Spurgeon, in The Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon, ed. Daniel Partner (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour, 2009) [eBook].

3. Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby, Experiencing God Day By Day: Devotional (Nashville: B&H, 2006), 212.

4. Kenneth Keathley, “The Doctrine of Salvation,” in A Theology for the Church, ed. Daniel L. Akin (Nashville: B&H, 2014), 583.

SESSION 91. John Piper, “The Father Has Given All Things into Jesus’ Hands,” Desiring God [online], 31 May 2009 [cited 11 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.desiringgod.org.

2. John Wesley, John and Charles Wesley: Selected Writings and Hymns, ed. Frank Whaling (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1981), 139.

3. Augustine, Sermon, 288.2, quoted in John  1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky, vol. IVa in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 134.

4. Christopher J. H. Wright, The Mission of God (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 66-67.

SESSION 101. A. W. Tozer, in Tozer on Worship and Entertainment, comp. James L. Snyder (Camp Hill, PA: Wing Spread Publishers, 2006) [eBook].

2. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of John, 2.4, quoted in John  1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky, vol. IVa in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 150.

3. Scotty Smith, in Gospel Transformation Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), 1414, n. 4:39-43.

SESSION 111. Paul John Isaak, “John,” in Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo [eBook].

2. Keith Whitfield, “Jesus’ Teaching,” The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide (Spring 2013): 25.

3. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperOne, 1980), 52.

4. Frank Viola and Leonard Sweet, Jesus: A Theography (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2012), 155-56.

SESSION 121. Augustine, Sermon, 174.3, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 290.

2. W. A. Criswell, “Zacchaeus Come Down,” Criswell Sermon Library [online], 27 July 1969 [cited 15 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: dev.wacriswell.com.

3. Cyprian, Works and Almsgiving, 8, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 292.

Notes

129

To download this quarter’s recommended playlist of songs, go to LifeWayWorship.com/GospelProject.Get the following collection of great songs and artists:

“Your Love Awakens Me”—Phil Wickham

“Jesus”—Chris Tomlin

‘May the Peoples Praise You”—Keith and Kristyn Getty

“Your Promises”—Elevation Worship

“Adore”—Chris Tomlin

“Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery”—Matt Papa

“More Than Conquerors”—Rend Collective

“Exalted Over All”—Vertical Church Band

“Not Our Home”—Jonathan and Emily Martin

“Living Waters”—Keith and Kristyn Getty

“Emmanuel (God with Us Forever)”—Bryan and Katie Torwalt

“Raised to Life”—Elevation Worship

PLAYLIST

130 Personal Study Guide

1. PROMOTE GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION, NOT BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

Every session points participants to the gospel of Jesus Christ as the source of life-transformation and the foundation for spiritual growth.

2. SEE HOW THE WHOLE BIBLE FITS TOGETHER

From Genesis to Revelation, understand how the entire Bible reveals God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

3. UNITE EVERY AGE IN CHRIST-CENTERED STUDY

For churches that wish to align all ages, The Gospel Project provides Christ-centered study for babies through adults.

4. COMPEL MEN AND WOMEN TO LIVE ON MISSION

Every session challenges participants to consider how the gospel compels them to live on mission every day.

5. UNDERSTAND THE KEY THEMES OF CHRISTIANITY

Helps men and women identify and understand 99 essential theological doctrines of the Christian faith as they are found throughout the Bible.

The Gospel Project Core Values

You shouldn’t have to choose between a Bible translation that is faithful to the original and a translation you can easily read without a dictionary. The Christian Standard Bible is proven to be the optimal blend of accuracy and readability, helping you make a deeper, clearer connection to God’s Word. Point your heart to True North. Learn more at CSBible.com.

POINT YOURHEART TO

The Gospel ProjectThe Rescue Begins

Throughout Scripture, throughout history, God has spoken. He has made promises and keeps every one, not the least of which was the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus did not come out of nowhere but as a fulfillment of covenants to Abraham and David. Yet how strange that He should come as a baby, grow as a child, and be tempted as a man. God the Son became like us in every way so that by faith in Him, we could become children of God.

As a man, Jesus—the Son of God—lived among His creation, among the works of His hands. Imagine the God of the universe walking around and talking with the people He made. What would He say? Whom would He seek? He spoke of repentance from sin, new birth through faith, and true, spiritual worship. He came to seek and save the lost—the perfect Son of God came to save us from sin, death, and hell.

What’s Next? SUMMER 2017Volume 8: Stories and SignsJesus the Storyteller (Synoptic Gospels)Jesus the Miracle-Worker (Gospels)

FALL 2017Volume 9: Jesus SavesJesus the Savior (Gospels)Jesus the Risen King (Gospels, Acts)

SOME OF OUR UPCOMING WRITERSD. A. HortonVance PitmanTrillia Newbell

Web: GospelProject.com Twitter: @Gospel_Project Facebook: TheGospelProject

WWW.LIFEW

AY.COM SPRING 2017

TH

E G

OS

PE

L PR

OJE

CT

Pe

rson

al S

tud

y Gu

ide

CS

BS

PR

ING

20

17