NIV LIVE: 30 Day Audio Bible ChallengeSample

Chapter 1

Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ [the Messiah]. Abraham, the father of the Hebrews noted for his faith, and David, the king chosen by God who was a man after God’s own heart are named early in the first verse. Important women are named in Jesus’ genealogy and ends with Joseph the father of Jesus [who married Mary and adopted Jesus as his son after he learned from an angel that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit]. Joseph named Him Jesus because He would save his people from their sins. Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

Chapter 2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem. They spoke to King Herod about the Messiah’s birth. They met Jesus and His family in a house in Bethlehem and gave them gifts that would meet their needs (especially their travel and stay in Egypt). An angel warned Joseph and the family fled to Egypt. Herod ordered the murder of all children in Bethlehem under the age of two. After Herod’s death, Joseph moved the family to Nazareth in the district of Galilee.

Chapter 3

John the Baptist began preaching “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And also, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” John baptized Jesus and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus and His Father spoke to Him from heaven.

Chapter 4

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where the devil tempted Him after forty days of fasting. The devil twisted Scripture and Jesus used Scripture three times to defeat the devil and not sin against God. Next, Jesus preached a message similar to that of John the Baptist, but He also healed people, cast out demons, and called some of His disciples to follow Him.