Study Notes: The Gospel According to Matthew

Introduction

• Purpose: An account of Jesus of Nazareth—his life, death, and resurrection.
• Authorship: Anonymous, traditionally linked to Matthew, a tax collector and apostle.
• Transmission: Eyewitness accounts orally passed down by apostles for 30-40 years.
• Structure: Designed to highlight themes about Jesus.

Themes in Matthew

1. Jesus as the Messiah
   • From the line of David.
   • Fulfillment of the biblical story of God and Israel.
2. Jesus as a New Authoritative Teacher
   • Parallels with Moses.
3. Jesus as "God with Us" (Immanuel)
   • Fulfillment of prophecies.
   • Jesus as God incarnate.

Structure of the Book

• Framing: Introduction and conclusion framing five main sections.
• Teaching Blocks: Each section ends with a significant teaching by Jesus.

Chapters 1-3: Introduction

• Genealogy: Highlights connection to David and Abraham.
• Birth of Jesus:
  • Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (e.g., birth in Bethlehem).
  • Concept of "Immanuel"—God incarnate.

Jesus as a New Moses

• Parallels:
  • Coming out of Egypt.
  • Baptism and wilderness experience.
  • New teachings delivered from a mountain.
• Significance:
  • Greater than Moses, delivering new divine teachings and saving from sin.

Chapters 4-7: Arrival of God's Kingdom

• Kingdom Announcement: Jesus announces God's rescue operation through him.
• Confronting Evil: Spiritual evil, demon oppression, disease, and death.
• Sermon on the Mount:
  • Upside-down kingdom; inclusive of all.
  • Fulfillment of Torah laws through transformed hearts.

Chapters 8-9: Kingdom in Action

• Stories of Healing: Nine stories show Jesus bringing the kingdom into reality.
• Call to Follow: Following Jesus to experience the power of grace.

Chapter 10: Extending the Kingdom

• Disciples Sent Out: Twelve disciples tasked with continuing Jesus's work.
• Teaching on Expectation: Jesus’s teachings on announcing the kingdom and facing rejection.

Chapters 11-13: Responses to Jesus

• Mixed Reactions:
  • Positive: Some see Jesus as the Messiah.
  • Neutral: Figures like John the Baptist.
  • Negative: Rejection by religious leaders.
• Parables of the Kingdom:
  • Commentary on diverse responses to Jesus.
  • Emphasizes the unstoppable spread of God's kingdom.

Reading Tips

• Old Testament References: Pay attention to quotations and their significance.
• Types of Followers: Note the often unimportant or irreligious individuals who follow Jesus.

Anticipation for the Second Half

• Tension with Leaders: Explore how the conflict between Jesus and religious leaders unfolds.