Dear Matthew...

I finished the book of Matthew today (a couple days ahead, woot woot), and let me tell you, what a phenomenal book. I'm sure that's not news to you, but in case anyone had doubt of the legitimacy of Matthew, please, remove it. Because I enjoyed reading this book so much, I would like to write to letter of thanks to the author, Matthew.

Dear Matthew,

I don't know where you went to college, but you posses amazing writing skills; mad skills if I may say so myself. I have read the stories of Jesus in the gospels many times, but never a complete book the whole way through. Reading through your book, was like watching a movie about Jesus or living those 3 years with him. I connected with him so differently than in past. I think I realized this most when I read about Jesus' arrest to death. I was reading one morning before school about how Judas betrayed him, turned him in with a kiss, and how the Sanhedrin and Roman's treated Jesus. I just about cried.

This guy I had been learning about and walking with every day for the last month and a half, this man who healed people, forgave them and loved them unconditionally. The Son of God. I saw one of his closest friends, give him up for money. I saw the people who onced praised him shouting "Hosanna", now shout "Crucify Him!" I felt, if only a sliver, the pain and betrayal that Jesus felt. My heart broke, and I almost started yelling at my Bible, like I yell at some movies when the plot turns too tragic, or just not the way I want it.

I had grown closer to this man who was going to be killed, and couldn't stand reading the next word knowing what was going to happen, crucifixion. But, (oh, the blessed 'but' in the story) the story turns triumphant. He not only defeats death, through his death, he defeats sin. And that's the beauty of this whole book. Jesus defeated sin, once and for all. It's that idea that helps me leave Matthew and move onto Mark with excitement of how this author will portray the life of a man I love so much.

So, Matthew, I want to say thank you for writing such an amazing book, one that touched my heart so much.

Love,
Audrey



In other updates on my challenge, I'm on Leviticus 19 and all I can say is...ugh. It's not the most enjoyable reading, but I am learning a lot. I can say I am much more grateful of the new laws Jesus set up, and that they do not include animal sacrifice.