In a minimum of 500 words, please respond to BOTH of the following:

1. As you read through the book of Matthew, select a section of verses that you find interesting or meaningful. Cite the passage. (For example, “I am writing about the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-12.” Please quote only one or two verses from the text you choose.) Explain what you find interesting about the text. Answer some questions concerning the text. What do you think it meant to its original readers? Who said or wrote these words? What meaning do they have for your life? Are they still relevant for today’s world? If so, please explain. What words in the text are difficult to understand? How do they fit in with the rest of the message in Matthew? What else would you like to say about these words?

2. What translation(s) of the New Testament do you plan to use for your reading? Explain why you have chosen it.