Matthew Wright’s Reviews > The Bible, Simplified: Learn the Story, Live the Story > Status Update

Ch. 29 1-Sentence Recap:
The Ministry of Jesus began with the announcement that the kingdom of God had arrived, and he spent the next few years talking about life and God’s kingdom and showing it physically through his miracles.

Misunderstanding of the disciples/rabbi relationship should be inspiring and sobering to us. Jesus calls us too much greater intimacy than we often realize.

How to apply this lesson to your life:
Would you say Jesus is your rabbi today? Have you dedicated your life to be becoming a true disciple? Not just someone who goes to church on Sunday for an hour, but someone who lives in breathes for scripture more than anything else.

Ch. 28 1-Sentence Recap:
Jesus called a group of 12 men who were told by society that they didn’t have what it took to become a disciple – but Jesus looked at them and said, “Come, Follow Me,” proving they had what God’s kingdom needed.

How to apply this lesson to your life:
If we embrace repentance and remain focused on God’s plan, he will use us to bring about the kingdom of God. It won’t be easy – we will go through testing – but if we remain committed, we will see God moving in miraculous ways.

Ch. 27 1-Sentence Recap:
Jesus’s baptism by John the Baptist marked the beginning of his ministry, and his proclamation in the synagogue that he was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, demonstrated the start of the messianic era.

Ch. 26 1-Sentence Recap:
After centuries of Israel’s waiting for the promised, Messiah, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary and would grow up to become the savior of the world.

How to apply this lesson to your life:
God often works through humble and unexpected circumstances to fulfill his plan and purpose for our lives.

Ch. 25 1-Sentence Recap:
A gospel is the proclamation of good news that a new and better kingdom – – the kingdom of God – – is here.

How to apply this lesson to your life:
We need to recognize that times of waiting or silence from God can be times of preparation and growth, so long as we trust that God is moving behind the scenes.

How to find Jesus in the story:
During this time frame, the expectation of the Messiah was increasing because of the mini prophetic writings that foreshadowed is coming. Further, the widespread establishment of Greek and Roman culture eventually made the rapid spread of the gospel message possible.