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Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about Matthew\u2019s gospel, chapters 1 to 20.

This seems written to introduce Jesus as part of his Jewish family, with a special place and purpose as a descendant of King David. Israel in Jesus\u2019 time was divided over how to solve the problems of Roman occupation and see the kingdom of God restore the quality of life they longed for. Matthew seems to describe Jesus in ways that would remind Jewish people of Moses and show that he has the power to unite them, as well as bring God\u2019s kingdom into their world in unexpected ways.

But what would it take to follow Jesus and gain the life he promised? What does this mean for us today?

Bern and Owen consider Jesus\u2019 encouragement, \u201cYou are the light of the world,\u201d and who Jesus pointed to as role models. This wasn\u2019t to religious people or those who thought they had worked out what God wanted already, but to children who would be willing and able to learn. 

Do we really aspire to be like this? Do we know how much capacity we have to change our minds, or do we try not to? What would it take to reveal our true potential to live differently and realise what God has made us to be?

In next part of our boxset, we\u2019ll finish Matthew\u2019s gospel and look at Paul\u2019s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians. Listen along at your own pace at severnvineyard.org/bible.