Jeff S. Kennedy

The Matthew Journey: a Discipleship Manual Through the Gospel of Matthew Jeff S. Kennedy

Before Jesus left his disciples he gave them the famous commission to ?Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I?ve commanded you?? (Mt 28:19-20). The commission actually reveals a unique characteristic of Matthew?s Gospel - it was designed to be a training manual for the Matthean community of disciples. Matthew?s Gospel was structured along five major discourses on discipleship (Ch?s 5-7; 10; 13; 18; 24-25). In addition to these formalized sermons, the gospel contains numerous situational teaching moments. Thus, future disciples are expected to assimilate the entire spectrum of Jesus? teaching content found in both His preaching and practice. The disciple of Jesus should know: - who Jesus is - what Jesus has to say, and - what Jesus did. Knowing who he is will inspire faith in him. Knowing what he commands will guide the disciple in obedience, and knowing what the Master does will provide a pattern to follow. These three lines of inquiry will guide the disciple?s development into the image of Jesus. The end-game in following such a manual is that the believer will be prepared to make disciples of others. If this all sounds to you like a pretty tall order, well then you?re right. It is a demanding journey! Welcome to The Matthew Journey. This study guide follow's the course taught at Eastpoint Church in Spokane Valley, WA. It is designed to be a thirteen week discipleship/mentoring curriculum for committed disciples.