Igniting the Faith of the People

The book of Matthew is one of the more intriguing gospels of the four. This book capture’s the reader’s attention by showing how and why Jesus turned himself into himself and became flesh. This book holds an account of the birth of Jesus, the miracles he performed and his resurrection. This article deals with the igniting the faith of people. And when applied to life it yields mighty life changing results. Unquestionably the article on Matthew is a snap shot when looking at the picture as a whole. But when studied properly it lays a strong foundation for faith.

John P. Meier is the author of this Interpretation article on Matthew. He was a bible scholar and catholic priest. Meier mainly taught the New Testament but was well seasoned in the Old Testament. The main focal point of Meier is to draw a picture of who Jesus Christ was and what his true intentions were. The works of Jesus were not only deeds but they were live examples of what modern day would consider a learning experience, or on the other hand a teachable moment. This is the portrait that John Meier was trying to paint with this article.

For instance faith and deliverance is available anyone who is willing to believe. It doesn’t take much. Jesus made it easy for all. If anyone has the tiny mustard seed faith it would move mountains (Matthew 17; 20) the individual was willing to believe. Meier illustrates how powerful faith is when he pulls out how a non believer applies faith to her situation in and it works for her. A cryptic exchange takes place between the two about children’s food dogs’ crumbs, and masters. Because this woman had an understanding of whom Jesus was nothing would stop her from getting the deliverance she needed. Jesus was moved in amazement an...

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...ace the unknown and adapt these characteristics in their own lifestyle.

In all, the commentary‘s focus was on how and why traditions were formed, and the purpose behind why Jesus came and redefined them. The people had their own cultural system in place, but it was not working effectively. Jesus came and reshaped their belief system, their way of thinking and their lifestyles. His goal was to improve the quality of life by letting the people know that greatness was available to them in the form of abundance through a simple action of believing.

Bibliography

Balentine, Samuel, Interpretation of A Journal of Bible and Theology: Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2011

Moffatt, James, The Interpreter’s Bible New Testament Articles Mark, Matthew: Harper & Brothers, 1935

Moffatt, James, The Interpreter’s Dictionary of The Bible A-D : Harper & Brothers 1935