A Chapter a Day w/ Connie St. John

S1 Ep123 - Matthew 1

In chapter one, we learn the genealogy of Jesus. Verse 17 says there are 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile of Babylon, and 14 from the exile to the Messiah.
Verses 18-24 tell the story of Joseph and how he chose to accept Jesus as his son. What a humbling and life-changing decision.----- 
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S1 Ep124 - Matthew 2

In this chapter, we see the magi (commonly known as the Three Wise men) making a visit to baby Jesus.
King Herod was livid that there was supposedly a “new king” – a Messiah – who was going to be known as the King of the Jews. He told the magi to report back to him when they saw him. Thankfully, they ignored Herod.
In reaction, he ordered all boys who were two years and under to be killed.
Yet another angel appeared to Joseph and warned him to take Jesus and flee to Egypt.  They stayed there until Herod died, then returned to Nazareth.----- 
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S1 Ep125 - Matthew 3

Jesus’ cousin John (Elizabeth’s son) became known as John the Baptist. He was assigned to prepare the way for Jesus. He baptized with water.
In verse 13 it says, “The Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.”
John didn’t want to do it at first. He felt that Jesus should be the one baptizing him. Jesus explained why it was necessary and John consented.
After Jesus was baptized, “heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” A powerful image.----- 
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S1 Ep126 - Matthew 4

In chapter four, Jesus is led into the wilderness where He fasts for 40 days and 40 nights.
After Jesus fasted, the enemy (“tempter”) came to tempt Him. The devil tried unsuccessfully three times to get Jesus to bow down and worship him, but Jesus wasn’t having it!
The devil left and angels came and attended to Jesus.
Jesus began to preach and called His first disciples – Peter, Andrew, James and John.
Then He started healing!----- 
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S1 Ep127 - Matthew 5

The Sermon on the Mount (“beatitudes”) are in this important chapter.
Jesus teaches about murder, adultery, taking oaths, revenge (“eye for an eye”), and having love for your enemies.
It’s a foundational chapter for Christians.----- 
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S1 Ep128 - Matthew 6

Jesus continues with His teaching in chapter six. He instructs us about giving to the needy, praying the Lord’s prayer, fasting, storing up treasures in heaven, and how worrying does absolutely nothing helpful for us.----- 
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S1 Ep129 - Matthew 7

Chapter seven reminds us not to judge others. Jesus also tells us about “true and false prophets” and “true and false disciples.”  Not everyone who says they know Jesus really does know Him. He’s not impressed by fakers.----- 
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S1 Ep130 - Matthew 8

There are lots of miracles in chapter eight. Jesus heals a man with leprosy, heals a centurion’s servant, heals two demon-possessed men, among many others.
In one of my favorite passages (verses 23-27), Jesus calms a storm. He was taking a nap and the storm didn’t wake Him. That illustration of peace in the midst of a storm is so profound.----- 
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S1 Ep131 - Matthew 9

Lots more healing by Jesus in chapter nine. Of course, there were people who spoke against Him because He healed on the Sabbath. They tried to trip Him up by questioning Him about fasting, but it didn’t work. (Verses 14-17)
One of my favorite healing stories is in this chapter – the woman with the issue of blood. She just needs to touch the hem of Jesus’ cloak and she will be healed. (Verses 18-26)----- 
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S1 Ep132 - Matthew 10

Jesus sends out the 12 in chapter 10 and gives them specific instructions. Verse 16 is one of my favorites: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”----- 
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