Lecture Notes: Gospel According to Matthew

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

• Jesus as the Messiah
  • Line of David
  • New authoritative teacher like Moses
  • Emmanuel (God with us)
• Themes Covered
  • Announcement of God's Kingdom
  • Acceptance and rejection of Jesus by different groups

Conflict with Religious Leaders

• Jewish Leaders' Expectations
  • Messiah as a victorious figure (Psalm 2, Daniel 2)
  • View Jesus as a false teacher making blasphemous claims
• Jesus' Response
  • Withdraws and teaches disciples about true Messiah nature
  • Messiah to suffer and die for people's sins (prophetic themes from Isaiah)

Jesus' Teachings and Actions

• Peter’s Confession (Chapter 16)
  • Peter acknowledges Jesus as "the Messiah, the son of the living God"
  • Misunderstanding of Jesus' kingship (military power vs. servant leadership)
• Teaching on Servant Leadership
  • Upside-down nature of Jesus' kingdom
    • Honor through serving others
    • Forgiveness over revenge
    • True wealth through generosity
  • Emphasis on becoming a servant to follow the servant Messiah

Clashing Kingdoms

• Entry into Jerusalem
  • Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed as Messiah
  • Disruption in the temple as a critique of religious leaders
• Confrontation and Consequences
  • Leaders fail to trap Jesus in debates
  • Plan to kill Jesus solidifies

Final Teachings and Predictions

• Critique of Pharisees
  • Hypocrisy and rejection of God's kingdom
• Prophecies of Jesus' Execution and Vindication
  • Prediction of Jesus' death and resurrection
  • Forecasted destruction of Jerusalem and the temple

The Last Supper and Crucifixion

• Passover Meal
  • Bread and wine as symbols of Jesus' sacrificial death
• Trial and Crucifixion
  • Trial before Sanhedrin and Roman governor Pilate
  • Jesus sentenced to crucifixion, emphasizing Old Testament prophecies

Resurrection and the Great Commission

• Discovery of the Empty Tomb
  • Jesus' resurrection witnessed by disciples
• Final Command
  • Great Commission: Disciples sent to spread the Gospel globally
  • Jesus' promise of continued presence, "I will be with you"

Conclusion

• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Jesus as the servant Messiah
  • Fulfillment of prophetic promises
  • Eternal presence of Jesus with believers