12 Ordinary Men_ Matthew
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class focused on Matthew, the tax collector, emphasizing that despite his ordinary background in a small Galilean town, he became an extraordinary disciple chosen by Jesus. The teacher highlighted three Old Testament prophecies—Isaiah 26:5, Zephaniah 3:12, and Ezekiel 21:26—that illustrate God’s pattern of exalting the humble and lowering the proud. These passages were linked to New Testament teachings, especially Matthew 23:12, which warns that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and to Jesus’ own proclamation in Luke 4:18‑19 of good news for the poor, release for captives, and sight for the blind. The discussion turned to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, portraying them as blind, self‑righteous, and jealous of His authority. The class examined Luke 4’s account of the synagogue crowd’s rage and the subsequent attempts to kill Jesus, noting that their hostility stemmed from a refusal to accept their sinfulness and from fear of losing power. By contrast, Jesus selected lowly, repentant men—like Matthew—to become his apostles, underscoring the biblical principle that God often works through those who acknowledge their need for Him.
Key Scriptures
He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city. He lays it low. He lays it low to the ground. He casts it to the dust. The foot will trample it. The feet of the poor, the steps of the helpless.
But I will leave among you a humble and a lowly people, and they will take refuge in the name of the Lord.
This is what the Lord says. Remove the turban and take off the crown. This will no longer be the same. Exalt that which is low. And humble that which is high.