Daily Readings at Southeast

  Introduction to Matthew Matthew opens the New Testament by introducing us to Jesus as the long-awaited King—the Messiah promised throughout the Old Testament. Writing primarily to a Jewish audience, Matthew emphasizes how Jesus fulfills the prophecies and patterns that shaped Israel’s history. From the very first verse, Matthew connects Jesus to David and Abraham, anchoring Him in Israel’s royal and covenantal line. His genealogy isn’t just a list of names—it’s a declaration that Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Matthew structures his Gospel around five major teaching sections, possibly reflecting the five books of the Law. This format invites readers to see Jesus as the new and greater Moses, giving a new law not written on tablets, but taught with authority and lived out in love. One of the most well-known portions of Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7), where Jesus teaches what life in His kingdom looks like: humilit...

  Introduction to the Gospels The story of Jesus is the central event in all of Scripture—and the Gospels are where you meet Him. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each tell the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from a unique perspective. Together, these four books anchor the New Testament and fulfill everything the Old Testament has been pointing toward. The word “gospel” means “good news.” That good news is that Jesus—the long-awaited Messiah—has come to rescue humanity from sin and restore the relationship between God and His people. The Gospels are not just biographies of Jesus; they are theological accounts that show how He fulfills God’s promises, reveals God’s character, and accomplishes God’s plan of salvation. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often called the “Synoptic Gospels” because they share a similar structure, chronology, and content. They likely drew from common sources and portray Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and Judea with overlapping stories and parables. John’...

  Introduction to the New Testament As you turn the page from the Old Testament to the New, you step into the most important part of the biblical story—the fulfillment of promises, the arrival of the Savior, and the birth of a movement that would change the world. The New Testament begins with the coming of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah foretold by the prophets. It tells the story of His life, death, and resurrection, and the spread of His message through His followers. But to fully understand the New Testament, it’s important to remember where the Old Testament left off. After the final words of the prophet Malachi, there were four hundred years of silence. No new prophetic word was given. During that time, Israel lived under foreign rule—first the Persians, then the Greeks, and finally the Romans. The people were waiting, watching, and longing for deliverance. Many expected a military leader who would free them from Rome and restore the kingdom of Israel. But God had something ...

 Scripture: Malachi 2 Malachi 3 Malachi 4

  Introduction to Malachi Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament—and the last prophetic voice before 400 years of silence. It’s a conversation between God and His people, filled with both confrontation and compassion. By the time Malachi was written, the temple had been rebuilt and worship had resumed. But the people had grown spiritually lazy. Their sacrifices were half-hearted, their leaders were corrupt, and their hearts were far from God. They questioned His love and doubted His justice. God responds with a series of direct, challenging questions: “Where is my honor?” “Why do you bring me blind animals?” “Will a man rob God?” But underneath each confrontation is a plea for the people to return. God’s love for them hasn’t changed. Malachi also contains promises. He speaks of a coming messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord. This is fulfilled in John the Baptist, who prepares hearts for the arrival of Jesus. Malachi ends with a promise that the “sun of righteousne...

 Scripture: Zechariah 10 Zechariah 11 Zechariah 12 Zechariah 13 Zechariah 14