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5 min readThe Kingdom Is Here
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." That line, which Jesus speaks in Matthew 4:17, is the hinge on which the entire first four chapters of Matthew's gospel turn. Father Mike Schmitz, reading from the Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition, walks listeners through Matthew 1–4 on day 258 of the Bible in a Year podcast, marking the transition into the Messianic Fulfillment checkpoint. The genealogy, the birth narrative, the visit of the wise men, John the Baptist's preaching, Jesus's baptism, his temptation in the wilderness, and the calling of the first disciples all converge on one claim: the long-awaited kingdom has arrived in the person of Jesus.
The Genealogy as a Story of Brokenness and Fulfillment
Matthew opens with a genealogy that spans from Abraham to David to the Babylonian exile and finally to Jesus. Father Mike notes that listeners who have been following the Bible in a Year for 258 days now know the names and stories behind that list—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, the kings of Judah, the deportation to Babylon. The genealogy is not a dry list. It is a compressed history of God's faithfulness through human failure.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:21) **Day 258 Introduction & Reading Plan** - Fr. Mike introduces the Messianic Checkpoint, noting that today's reading (Matthew 1-4) is a gift because listeners now understand the names and events in the genealogy after 257 days of Bible study.
- 2 (03:58) **The Genealogy of Jesus: Stories of Brokenness** - Fr. Mike reads Matthew 1, the genealogy of Jesus Christ, and then reflects on the four women mentioned by name: Tamar, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.
- 3 (17:34) **Three Theories on Joseph's Dilemma** - Fr. Mike examines why Joseph, a just man, planned to divorce Mary quietly after discovering her pregnancy.
- 4 (19:55) **The Gifts of the Wise Men: King, Priest, and Sacrifice** - Fr. Mike explains the deeper symbolism of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh offered to the infant Jesus in Matthew 2.
- 5 (21:10) **Jesus Reconstitutes the Kingdom** - Fr. Mike explains the significance of Jesus beginning his public preaching in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, the first tribes destroyed by the Assyrians.
- 6 (23:29) **The Kingdom Invites Us In** - Fr. Mike concludes that Jesus fulfills everything God promised in the Old Testament and invites listeners into that kingdom through baptism.
- 7 Standout Quotes
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Fr. Mike introduces us to the Gospel of Matthew, including his genealogy, nativity, and the first days of his ministry. He pulls it all together to show that not only is Jesus reconstituting the kingdom in his ministry, but he's inviting us to join him in this kingdom. Today’s readings are Matthew 1-4, and Proverbs 18:17-20.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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