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7 ARROWS : Matthew 4:12-25

Jesus call his first disciples and begins his public ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing.

The miracles of Jesus dramatically underlined his teaching ministry. His popularity great quickly.

Jesus’ message then was the same as his message now- repent.

Some needs of these people were external and some internal. Some were obvious and some subtile. Some were physical and some spiritual. Jesus met all of these needs.

Jesus is to be followed immediately.

Jesus gained a following quickly because no one had done what he was doing.

Jesus, enable me to be a leader who invests in upcoming leaders for their sake as well as for the overall health of the church. If it is your will help me prepare the next generation.

7 ARROWS : Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus has fasted & prayed for 40 days. Satan tempts Jesus to flex his God-power to bypass the work the Father sent him to do.

Jesus’ knowledge and use of the Old Testament verses was very very Jewish.

God is not manipulated. He does not take shortcuts.

Satan would have easily picked off a sinful man apart.

Know the Word & let the Word fight for you.

This passage illustrates how cunning Satan is- but not all powerful. He knows scripture and his very nature is to warp & misapply. The devil is a liar, so know Truth!

Jesus, thank you for being the Word! Help me continue to grow to know and love you more.

7 ARROWS : Matthew 3

The last of the old school prophets prepares the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist baptizes Jesus and a voice from Heaven affirms he is indeed the Son of God.

Jewish folks in this day would have likely known and respected the work of John the Baptist.

In verses 16-17 we directly experience the Holy Spirit (like a dove) & God the Father (voice from Heaven) affirming that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

The Pharisees & Sadducees were jockeying for John the Baptist’s influence. Instead, they got publicly humiliated.

Imitate the faithfulness and boldness of John the Baptist.

Verses 16-17 is a great passage to study with anyone who is trying to understand the concept of the Trinity- particularly if they are struggling with modalism.

Lord Jesus, give me wisdom and endurance to continue following you on the straight path, for the glory of God.

7 ARROWS : Matthew 2:13-23

Drama unfolds as God reveals Herod’s wicked plans to try to murder this new king.

Herod’s murderous rampage was historical fact. This gives more weight to the story of Jesus.

God’s plan cannot be thwarted.

Power hungry people can be incredibly wicked.

Trust God to always protect his plan.

Just in this passage three prophecies were fulfilled.

God, nothing catches your by surprise. Help me rest in your sovereign power.

7 ARROWS : Matthew 2:1-12

Wise men came to worship Jesus.

The fact that foreign dignitaries would come pay royal tribute to Jesus shows this is no ordinary child.

God reveals himself to people all over the world in extraordinary ways.

Herod and many powerful people in Jerusalem were deeply troubled, probably because their own power could be a risk.

Live like Jesus is king because he is.

The wise men gave significant gifts that show a snapshot of the life of Jesus.

God, thank you for revealing truth- namely, Jesus.

7 ARROWS : Matthew 1:18-25

The Messiah is born!

The virgin birth from Isaiah being referenced would have certainly perked up the ears of faithful Jews who knew the Old Testament.

Jesus chose to be “with us” right where we are.

Joseph was a good man but even a good man needed supernatural convincing that this story was true.

Never forget that Jesus chose to be “with us”- even in this broken world.

The Christmas story is know widely. It is a great common ground starting point for Gospel conversations.

Jesus, thank you for coming on the rescue mission!

7 ARROWS : Matthew 1:1-17

The genealogy of Christ reminds us of the redemption thread running all the way from Abraham to Jesus.

For Jewish readers/hearers this genealogy will have very familiar and historic links.

God kept his promise to Abraham- and this list gives the play by play of how the promise was realized.

There is a lot of broken in this list. God often choses to use people flaws and all.

Remember God’s provision plan is very long and detailed.

This passage helps connect the dots between the Old Testament to Jesus.

All wise Father, your plan was perfect. Thank you for your faithfulness and for using imperfect people in your plan.

7 ARROWS : Ephesians 6:10-24

Prepare for battle by putting on God’s armor.

The armor imagery is spot on. Locals saw this often on soldiers.

The Lord’s strength is plenty enough.

Spiritually speaking, without God’s armor a person is a sitting duck for the enemy to pick off.

Put on God’s defensive armor and stay sharp with the only offensive weapon- the Word of God. Prepare to advance!

There is so much good imagery and application of each piece of armor for any Christ-follower.

Lord, you have equipped me. You continue to patiently form me. By your power, help me stand.

7 ARROWS : Ephesians 6:1-9

Everyone is under God’s authority. Treat those under your authority as you would like to be treated.

The idea that children and slaves/servants were worthy of respect was a delightful upgrade to the culture of the day.

We honor God with your obedience. And one way that show is how we treat others.

Submission to God and humility are marks of a Christ-follower.

Make sure your actions match your theology.

Verse 4 is a biggie for any dad- great conversation to be had here (and we all feel it).

Father, help my actions to others represent you well- particularly to those whom I haver influence with.

7 ARROWS : Ephesians 5:22-32

A godly marriage teaches us precepts about the relationship between Christ & the Church. The relationship between Christ and the Church teaches us precepts about a godly marriage.

Lifting up marriage to this ideal (particularly husband’s treatment of the wife) as incredibly forward thinking for that culture and age.

God goes to the greatest lengths to love the church unconditionally.

Mankind has the honor and responsibility of submitting to Christ and trust his interests are right and pure.

Pursue, serve, love, and trust Jesus wholeheartedly.

This paragraph is key to understanding a healthy marriage and the Jesus/church relationship.

Jesus, thank you for pursuing your bride. Beautify her for your name’s sake.