Invitation to the New Testament 4: Matthew

MATTHEW: 

MATTHEW The Gospel of the Son of David

Who was Matthew?: 

Who was Matthew? Matthew is also called Levi. He was a publican, which is another term for tax collector (9:9; Mk. 2:14; Lk . 5:27). ~ He uses 3 words for money not found elsewhere in Scripture. His is the only gospel to contain the account of Jesus' payment of the Temple tax (17:24-27). B. Matthew appears to have been a humble servant. 1. He alone tells that he was a publican, which was a hated profession. 2. He doesn't claim the credit for the banquet in his house, where Jesus ate with the publicans and sinners (9:10; Mk. 2:15-20; Lk . 5:29-35). 3. He names Thomas before himself when listing the 6 pairs of disciples (10:3; Mk. 3:18; Lk . 6:15).

Who was Matthew?: 

Who was Matthew? C. Matthew's gospel was the most widely read book in the early church. The early church leaders wrote more on Matthew 5:3-12 than any other New Testament passage. D. Matthew's main audience was Jewish.

When did Matthew write his Gospel?: 

When did Matthew write his Gospel? 50 – 70 A.D. (To be more precise: 52 – 59 A.D.) ~ It’s unknown where Matthew was when he wrote his Gospel.

It’s all about Location, Location, Location.: 

It’s all about Location, Location, Location. Matthew is strategically located at the beginning of the New Testament where it bridges the old ways of the Jews to the new ways of Jesus (5:17-19). Matthew ties the Old and New Testaments together by showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He notes that Jesus fulfilled prophecy in each of the following instances:

It’s all about Location, Location, Location.: 

It’s all about Location, Location, Location. 1. Virgin birth - 1:22-23 (Isa. 7:14) 2. Ruler from Bethlehem - 2:5-6 (Micah 5:2) 3. Called out of Egypt - 2:15 (Hosea 11:1) 4. Slaughter of the innocents - 2:17-18 (Jer. 31:15) 5. Called a Nazarene - 2:23 (??????) 6. John the Baptist as His forerunner - 3:3 (Isa. 40:3) 7. People see a great light 4:14-16 (Isa. 9:1-2; 42:7) 8. Messiah would take our infirmities - 8:17 (Isa. 53:4) Jesus as Servant - 12:17-21 (Isa. 42:1; 61:1; 40:11) 10. Speaking in parables - 13:35 (Psalm 78:2) Riding a donkey - 21:4-5 (Isa. 62:11; Zech. 9:9) 12. Sold for 30 pieces of silver - 27:9 (Zech. 11:12)

Characteristics: 

Characteristics Conciseness ~ In recounting events like the death of John the Baptist, Matthew came immediately to the point with few details. B. Jewish interest 1. He traces Jesus' genealogy back to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. 2. He refers to Jewish customs and uses Jewish phrases without explanation. a. the word "espoused" - 1:18 b. "tradition of the elders" - 15:2 c. "phylacteries" - 23:5 3. He portrays Jesus as the second Moses, giving laws to the people of God and leading them to a better land. 4. He presents Jesus as being greater than the Jewish anointed ones: greater than the Temple and its priesthood (12:6); greater than the prophet Jonah (12:41); and greater than King Solomon (12:42).

Characteristics: 

Characteristics C. Refers to the Church 1. Only Matthew mentions the church specifically. 2. His 2 passages deal with its establishment and discipline (16:18; 18:17). D. Refers to End Time Events 1. Parable of the Tares - 13:36ff. 2. Olivet Discourse - 24, 25

Characteristics: 

Characteristics Emphasizes the Kingdom 1. Matthew speaks of "the Kingdom of Heaven“ 33 times and "the Kingdom of God" 4 times. 2. In Christ's mind, the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God seem to have meant the same thing (19:23-24). 3. God's Kingdom involves eternal life, salvation, and life on earth lived in conformity to God's will (19:16). 4. The King of this Kingdom is God the Father. 5. The focus of the Kingdom is Jesus. 6. Miracles were signs that God's Kingdom had come. 7. The church is God's instrument for revealing His Kingdom to men (28:19-20).

Structure: 

Structure Theme verse: 5:17 Outline 1. His Birth (1:1 - 2:23) 2. His Preparation (3:1 - 4:11) 3. His Public Ministry (4:12 - 20:34) a. Galilean ministry (4:12 - 18:35) b. Perean ministry (19:1 - 20:34) 4. His Last Week (21:1 - 28:20) or

Structure: 

Structure 1. The Background and Preparation of the King (1 - 4) 2. Laws of the Kingdom (5 - 7) 3. Opposition to the King's Power (8 - 12) 4. Parables about the Kingdom (13) 5. The Rejection of the King (14 - 18) 6. The King in Judea (19 - 28)

2 Pivotal Points: 

2 Pivotal Points Matthew 4:17 “from that time forth Jesus began” a. beginning of Galilean ministry b. soon after John's imprisonment c. popularity rising d. before the crowds e. preaching f. announcing the Kingdom Matthew 16:21 “from that time forth Jesus began” a. close of Galilean ministry b. soon after John's martyrdom c. popularity waning d. in seclusion with His disciples e. teaching f. preparing for cross

Classic Passages: 

Classic Passages 2:1-12 - Wise men seek Jesus 5:3-16 - The Beatitudes, Christians are like salt and light 8 – 9 - Ten miracles are presented to show Jesus had the power of Messiah 11:28-30 - “Come unto me...” 16:16-19 - Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ

Classic Passages: 

Classic Passages 6. 18:20 - “Where 2 or 3 are gathered...” 7. 23:37-39 - Prayer for Jerusalem 8. 25:31-46 - Judgment of the Nations 9. 28:18-20 - Great Commission