Jesus as Messiah: From the line of David, a new authoritative teacher like Moses, and Emmanuel ("God with us").
Kingdom of God: Jesus announces and demonstrates the arrival of God’s kingdom.
Acceptance and Rejection: Welcomed by many, but rejected by religious leaders (Pharisees).
Conflict with Religious Leaders
Chapters 14-20: Explore expectations of the Messiah.
Miracles: Healing and providing food, reminiscent of Moses’ miracles.
Religious Leaders' Expectations: Based on Psalm 2 and Daniel 2, expecting a victorious and militant Messiah.
Opposition to Jesus: Viewed as a false teacher by religious leaders who plan to kill him.
Jesus’ Teachings About His Role
Disciples’ Understanding: Jesus challenges their expectations of a military king.
Messianic Role: Jesus as a servant king who will suffer and die, as prophesied by Isaiah.
Upside-Down Kingdom: Core teachings on humility, service, forgiveness, and generosity.
Clash of Kingdoms
Jesus Enters Jerusalem: Rides a donkey, hailed as Messiah.
Temple Disruption: Asserts royal authority, challenges the leaders' hypocrisy.
Leaders’ Response: Attempt to trap and shame Jesus, decide to kill him.
Final Teachings and Predictions
Critique of Pharisees: Criticism of their hypocrisy.
Prophecy for Jerusalem: Predicts leaders’ revolt and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
Resurrection Promise: Jesus predicts his resurrection and ultimate return.
The Passion Narrative
Passover Meal: Redefines the meal as a symbol of his sacrifice.
Arrest and Trials: Charged with blasphemy, judged by Pilate, sentenced to crucifixion.
Old Testament Fulfillment: References to show Jesus’ death as fulfillment of prophetic promises.
Resurrection and the Great Commission
Empty Tomb: Discovery of Jesus’ resurrection.
Appearances: Witnesses see Jesus alive.
Great Commission: Jesus as the true king of the world, instructs disciples to spread the good news.
Promise of Presence: "I will be with you" until his return.
Conclusion
Overall Message: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecies, establishing his eternal kingdom and presence with his followers.