Biblical text (choose the version you like) : http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1&version=NIV
Video of the book - 4 hours 20 mins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ3tOWBJ_IE
Background music as you read
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=475pqwwbZ1w
Matthew, the Jewish tax collector, quotes from the Old Testament and writes about money. Matthew was written for the Jews as evidence that Jesus was the promised Saviour, Messiah, King of Kings.
How does knowing this about the writer help you appreciate this book better?
How does knowing this about the writer help you appreciate this book better?
I love the background music idea; bit short of a clip, but students can get their own playlist running.
ReplyDeleteI like Zane's writing on the Kingdom, and the idea of and values that permeate 'Kingdom living' are so drastically different to what secular living looks like, especially in the scientific/secular/free-for-all atmosphere of the university.
I reckon that a focus on the themes Zane talked about may be easier to do and churn up some relevant applications. the short passage above on Matthew the writer doesn't really do much in helping students focus their reading...perhaps personal applications (since Matthew is full of stories prime for reflection) may be better?
Just a suggestion:
Could encourage students to pick up on some pretty amazing threads/themes that run through the narrative of Matthew (perhaps focusing on key portions for a lil bit more of meditation, if them students can focus after 2 hours of reading! haha)
1. beatitudes - Jesus talks of the poor in spirit, the meek, the mourning. To such belong the Kingdom. How does my life hold up to the Kingdom life that Jesus talks of? Many of us may say Jesus is our King (that is great!) but do the themes and attitudes of the Kingdom show in our life?
That kinda thing?