This past weekend we began a new series “Power in Preparation” at Eastbrook Church. This begins the second part of our extended journey through the Gospel of Matthew. This message is a study in contrasts drawn from Matthew 1:18-25 and Matthew 2:1-18.
You can view the message video and outline below. You can follow along with the entire series here and the devotional that accompanies the series here. You could always join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.” (Matthew 2:16)
A Conversation about Ways
- What it means to choose a “way”
- The consequences of certain ways (Proverbs 14:12)
- Jesus: “I am the way…” (John 14:6)
The Way of Herod
- disturbing power (2:1-8)
- knowledge and deception (2:4-8)
- controlling through violence (2:16-18)
The Way of Jesus
- incarnate power (1:18, 20)
- grace and truth (John 1:14)
- saving through humility (1:21)
Dig Deeper
This week dig deeper into the contrast between Jesus and Herod in one or more of the following ways:
- Memorize the angel’s words about Jesus in Matthew 1:20-21
- Set aside some time to read and reflect upon Philippians 2:1-11 this week. Read the passage. Then write, draw, paint, or pray aloud your response to the way of Jesus described in this passage and what it means for our lives.
- If you really want to dig deeper into the way of Jesus, consider reading Eugene Peterson’s book The Jesus Way: Conversations on the Ways That Jesus is the Way.
- Consider reading more about Herod the Great here
Renovate 