PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365 – New Book Background: Matthew

Host: James Kaddis (with intro mention of Erika Kirk and the team)
Date: January 6, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, James Kaddis provides a comprehensive introduction to the Gospel of Matthew as part of the BIBLEin365 project, focusing on five of the most frequently asked and challenging questions about the book. This background is meant to deepen listeners' understanding as they embark on reading Matthew and to address both controversial and thought-provoking aspects. The episode emphasizes Matthew’s distinct perspective on the life of Christ, his Jewish audience, and key theological themes, while offering practical advice on which passages to focus on and how best to approach the text.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Genealogies of Jesus: Matthew vs. Luke

[01:05]

• Question: Why does Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus differ from Luke’s?
• Explanation:
  • Matthew traces Jesus’s lineage through Joseph’s bloodline (via Solomon, back to King David), which includes King Jeconiah (Yeconiah), who was cursed by God.
  • Luke traces the lineage through Mary (via Nathan, also a son of David), which sidesteps King Jeconiah’s curse.
  • The inclusion of Jeconiah in Matthew is intentional to “prove the deity of Christ” and highlight that Jesus is not from a cursed lineage by blood because He was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
• Key Quote:

  “Matthew presents the genealogy that he presents, while Luke presents the genealogy he presents to make an ironclad case that Christ is the Messiah and there’s nobody else that could be.” – James Kaddis [04:15]

• Significance:
  • Ensures both a legal (Joseph) and physical (Mary) connection to Davidic royalty while preserving the doctrine of the Virgin Birth.

2. The Emphasis on “Kingdom of Heaven”

[08:05]

• Question: Why does Matthew refer frequently to the “kingdom of heaven”?
• Explanation:
  • Matthew’s audience is predominantly Jewish; Jews traditionally avoided frequent use of God’s name.
  • “Kingdom of heaven” parallels “kingdom of God”—both denote God’s rule, not a geographic or purely “earthly” realm.
  • Highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and speaks to the Jewish longing for a kingdom during times of oppression.
• Key Quote:

  “Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, king, and the phrase highlights God’s rule rather than geography.” – James Kaddis [09:00]

3. Can Faith Really Move Mountains?

[11:30]

• Question: Did Jesus really mean people could “move mountains” by faith?
• Explanation:
  • Jesus used a blend of literal and hyperbolic language, common in Jewish teaching, symbolic of overcoming impossible obstacles with God’s power—not by human means.
  • It’s not about magical thinking but about trusting God for the impossible when it aligns with His will.
  • Literal instances are prophesied, such as the splitting of the Mount of Olives in the last days (cf. Zechariah 14).
• Key Quote:

  “What he was doing was… pointing out to us the ability that God has and his strength, rather than the ability we have and our strength.” – James Kaddis [13:05]

4. The Loving Nature of Warnings: Judgment, Hell, and Hypocrisy

[15:10]

• Question: Why does Matthew include hard teachings about judgment, hell, and hypocrisy—aren’t these at odds with a loving God?
• Explanation:
  • Including these teachings is the most loving act, as it reveals the seriousness of sin and provides a call to repentance.
  • Warnings about judgment and hypocrisy are motivated by truth and love, not fear or cruelty.
  • One cannot appreciate God’s grace without first understanding His judgment.
• Key Quotes:

  “The judgment warnings reveal the seriousness of sin, that sin is destructive. Hypocrisy was a major issue amongst the religious leaders… Jesus, all of his rebukes were motivated by truth and love.” – James Kaddis [15:30]
  “No one will ever be able to understand the love or the grace of God unless they understand the judgment of God, unless they understand the law of God.” – James Kaddis [17:25]

5. The “End of the Age” in Matthew’s Gospel

[19:05]

• Question: What does Matthew mean by “the end of the age” in Jesus’ teaching?
• Explanation:
  • Focuses on future, prophetic events, especially in Matthew 24 (“The Olivet Discourse”).
  • Refers both to near-term events (like Jerusalem’s destruction) and to future global events (Second Coming, final judgment).
  • Emphasizes readiness, faithfulness, and endurance for believers.
• Key Quote:

  “This speaks about the return of Christ, meaning the second coming… it calls us as believers to be ready, to be faithful and to endure through the time that leads up into this.” – James Kaddis [20:45]

Recommended Passages for Study

[23:00]

• Matthew 5–7: The Sermon on the Mount – “Profoundly important and powerful teachings delivered in under 10 minutes but discussed for ages.”
• Matthew 24–25: Jesus’ teachings on the end times.
• Advice: Focus on these chapters for foundational understanding of Jesus’s message and the prophetic framework of Matthew.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Genealogies:

  “If Jesus comes from the bloodline of… David through Solomon, then yes, we have a definitive connection to King David. But what destroys that connection is the fact that Yehoniah was cursed and Jesus… could be the Messiah if he comes from a cursed bloodline.” – James Kaddis [03:00]

• On Faith and the Impossible:

  “If it was necessary to move a mountain in order to glorify God, God would probably do it. And actually, later on in the last days, we will see Him move mountains.” – James Kaddis [14:05]

• On Love and Judgment:

  “Matthew here presents Jesus as both our Savior and our judge, because that’s, in essence, what he will be doing… the grace of God will never be understood unless his judgment is taken seriously.” – James Kaddis [16:25]

• On End Times Readiness:

  “We’re going to be dealing with… what was called the Sermon on the Mount… I want you to really focus on [Matthew 5–7]… and then I want you to focus on Matthew 24 and… 25, because they all work together… and they are powerful, powerful passages.” – James Kaddis [22:50]

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

• Engage deeply with Matthew—study the highlighted passages.
• The host encourages listeners to continue seeking the Lord and persevering in faith.
• Additional studies and resources are available at jamescadice.com and via the Bible in 365 materials page.

Closing encouragement:

“Whatever you do, don’t quit. Keep on going. We love you. God bless you.” – James Kaddis [26:05]

For further study and resources, visit:

• jamescadice.com
• Bible in 365 materials page