Why was Jesus baptized?  We'll discuss that, and also look into John the Baptist's confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees.  How does Matthew use these groups to contrast the human ego with Jesus' life-giving ministry? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=17032388

Who does John the Baptist bring to mind from the Old Testament, and what is significant about the baptism that he offers? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=16951613

What is important about John the Baptist and his message about preparing the way for Jesus? Listen in to hear more. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=16873463

Why was it important that Jesus was a Nazarite? How can He be compared to the famous Old Testament Nazarite, Samson? This episode discusses the last verses of Matthew's second chapter. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=16693268

We all know the story of Jesus' birth and the Wise Men.  But there are some interesting contrasts and important questions that Matthew 2 brings up that might not have come to your mind before.  Listen in to hear a fresh perspective on this familiar text. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=16528637

This text from Matthew 1 offers the opportunity to consider marriage in Mary and Joseph's day, and how it compares with relationships and marriage in our time. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=16413644