Instructions for Facilitators

Each of the weekly modules in this course contains a short video featuring scholars of the text, a study guide, and discussion questions. Certain modules also feature additional resources for further study.

Below is the schedule for which portions of the text are being studied in a given week, occasionally including optional reading when relevant. In addition to reviewing the recommended scripture, you should review the “Questions for Discussion” section each week in order to help facilitate group discussion.
Week 1 – Ancestry and Birth

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew chapters 1-3.
2. Optional: read Luke 2:1-10 to compare Jesus’ birth narratives.
3. Optional: read Mark 1:1-11 to compare Jesus’ baptism narratives.
4. Optional: read texts related to Jesus’ ancestry: Genesis 11:29, 17:4-5, 22:23, 25:1-4, 38; Exodus 6:23; Joshua 2, 6; Ruth 1-4; 1 Samuel 16: 1 – 1 Kings 2:12; 2 Samuel 11-12; Luke 3:23-28 (to compare)
5. Optional: read texts related to Hebrew Bible prophecy or callback: Exodus 1:15-22; 12; Deuteronomy 8:2; Michah 5:2-3; 2 Samuel 7:14; 2 Kings 1:8; 2:1, 11

Week 2 – Sermon on the Mount

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 4-8.
2. Optional: read Luke 4:1-13 to compare temptation narratives.
3. Optional: read Isaiah 9:1 to reference Hebrew Bible prophecy.
4. Optional: read Psalms 1 and 127 for language reference.
5. Optional: read Luke 6:19-23 to compare beatitudes.
6. Optional: read Exodus 20-21 and Leviticus 16, 19 for reference to the Hebrew Bible legal code language.
7. Optional: read 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 to reference language about divorce.

Week 3 – Mighty Deeds

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 9-11.
2. Optional: Read the following for references to miracles in the Hebrew Bible: Isaiah 35:5-6; 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 5:1-14.

Week 4 – Controversy and Parables

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 12-13.
2. Optional: read Mark 2-3, Luke 13-14, and John 5, 9.
3. Optional: read Isaiah 42.
4. Optional: read Daniel 7:14.
5. Optional: read Jonah 1-2.

Week 5 – Feeding the Hungry

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 14-16.
2. Optional: read Acts 2:42, 27:35 and 1 Corinthians 11:17-26 for other New Testament references to Christian meals.
3. Optional: read Exodus 16 and Numbers 11 for Hebrew Bible references to healing miracles.
4. Optional: read 2 Kings 4 and Ezekiel 34 for Hebrew Bible references to good leadership.
5. Optional: read John 6 for another gospel account of feeding miracles.
6. Optional: read Mark 6:45-52 for another gospel account of walking on water.

Week 6 – The Beloved Community

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 17-20.
2. Optional: read Luke 15:1-7 to contrast the parables of the lost sheep.
3. Optional: read Mark 9 and Luke 9:28-56 for other gospel accounts of the transfiguration and the call to be childlike.
4. Optional: read 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 on marriage practices.

Week 7 – Stories of the End

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 21-25.
2. Optional: read Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9 on Hebrew Bible prophecy.
3. Optional: read Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 on Hebrew Bible understandings of love.

Week 8 – Death and Ressurection

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 26-28.
2. Optional: read Psalm 22.
3. Optional: read Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, and John 12:1-8 for other gospel accounts of Jesus’ anointing.
4. Optional: read Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 13-21 for other gospel accounts of the passion and resurrection.