About this curriculum

This curriculum is free because of the generosity of our Vision Partners.

In this curriculum, you will be led by Dr. David Capes as he examines the question: if we knew the Old Testament well, how would we read the Gospel of Matthew differently? It is widely accepted that Matthew is the most Jewish Gospel. It is also clear that “the Bible” of Jesus, the disciple Matthew, and the rest of the Jewish believers was equivalent to what we call today “the Old Testament.” If we want to read the First Gospel for all its worth, we need to become familiar with the story and elements of the Old Testament as New Testament Christians heard them.
Access curriculum

Curriculum objectives

In this curriculum, you will learn:

  • The unique structural elements of the Gospel of Matthew and how they contribute to its identity.

  • The concept of "fulfillment" of Scripture in Matthew and its significance for understanding Jesus.

  • The methods used by the earliest Jesus followers and other Jewish communities to read and interpret their Scriptures.

  • How to reflect on contemporary readings of Matthew can lead to deeper questions and insights about Jesus and biblical interpretation.

Curriculum outline

What you will cover:

  • Module 1: Introducing Matthew
  • Module 2 Part 1: Genesis and Genealogy
  • Module 2 Part 2: Genesis and Genealogy
  • Module 3: Fulfilled Prophecy
  • Module 4: Matthew 3-4
  • Module 5 Part 1: The Sermon
  • Module 5 Part 2: The Sermon
  • Module 6 Part 1: Matthew 13
  • Module 6 Part 2: Matthew 21
  • Module 7: Jerusalem, Jerusalem
  • Module 8 Part 1: Crucified
  • Module 8 Part 2: Raised

What's included

This small group curriculum includes:

  • Video teachings

    Twelve 30 to 45 minute high-quality theological lessons to watch together as a group.

  • Leader's guide

    A PDF printable guide with facilitation notes to help guide group leaders through each lesson.

  • Participant's guide

    A PDF printable guide for participants with scripture readings and reflection questions.

Instructor

Dr. David B. Capes

Dr. David B. Capes is the Director of the Lanier Theological Library in Houston, TX. Prior to that, he served academic posts as professor, department chair, and dean at Wheaton College, Houston Baptist University, and Houston Graduate School of Theology. He has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited thirteen books including Rediscovering Paul (InterVarsity Academic), Rediscovering Jesus (InterVarsity Academic), The Divine Christ (Baker Academic), Israel’s God and Rebecca’s Children (Baylor Univ. Press). He recently finished a book Matthew through Old Testament Eyes (Kregel Academic, forthcoming). He serves as the New Testament editor for the Word Biblical Commentary (Zondervan) and edits a series with Mike Bird and Scott Harrowed entitled “Studies in Early Christology.” He is married to Cathy and is the father of three boys.