Scripture

At Urbana 15, we'll dig into nine passages from Matthew through Bible expositions in the general sessions, daily manuscript Bible study (available in Spanish and ASL), musical worship, and the performing arts.

Matthew 2:1-18
Matthew 8:1-17
Matthew 8:18-34
Matthew 20:1-16
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:31-46
Matthew 26:1-16
Matthew 27:57-28:15
Matthew 28:11-20

Get ready for Urbana 15 with a 47-day plan with daily study questions which will guide you through Matthew’s Gospel.

Want to dig in deeper?

Consider reading Warren Carter's Matthew: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist; Craig Keener's The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary; or Leon Morris's The Gospel According to Matthew. 

Or, work through Matthew with a small group. We recommend these guides:

• John L. Hiigel's Partnering with the King: Study the Gospel of Matthew and Become a Disciple of Jesus (31 studies) (FREE ebook)
• N.T. Wright’s Matthew for Everyone Bible Study Guide from IVP (25 studies)
• Stephen D. and Jacalyn Eyre's Matthew Life Guide from IVP (22 studies)

Blog Posts

Urbana has put together these posts to give you context for studying Scripture (and the Gospel of Matthew in particular) at Urbana 15.

A Gospel for Our Time

These past months, as I’ve lived in the story of Matthew’s Gospel, I’ve found a gospel written for a time like ours. I’ve found a manual for the disciples of Jesus living in a hurting world.

Matthew Challenge Accepted

If you’re reading this, you’ve been nominated to take the challenge—prepare yourself to be immersed and invigorated!

In the Beginning, God's Mission

Take a second look at four familiar passages from throughout Scripture to see how God has been about his mission since the beginning.

Scripture Study Needs Community

You can study the Bible on your own, but here are some gifts God gives us when we studying Scripture in community (like we do at Urbana).

Scripture in Mission

The Bible is the revelation of God’s mission. But it is also the primary tool of missions. Both are reasons we invest so much in Scripture study at Urbana.

Bible Study Values

These are the values which guide Urbana as we prepare for the conference. In short, Urbana studies the Bible inductively, in community, by making space and replying on God’s power, again and again.

Good News for the Displaced

Matthew was written to Christian refugees in Syria. It was Good News for the displaced then and it is still Good News for today’s persecuted believers.

Curiosity is the Key to Learning Well

When you come to the Scriptures during Urbana 15 and as you prepare beforehand, do yourself a favor and bring your curiosity. Here’s why.