The Gospel of Matthew - The Gospel of the King
Author: Matthew / Levi
“logia” in Aramaic/Hebrew
Date: 45-68 A.D. (C.E.?)
Location: From - Jerusalem
- Antioch Syria
To: - Dispersed Jews (45 A.D.)
Calling: Matthew 9:9-13
- Mark 2:14-17 (Levi Ben-Alphaeus)
[Related to James, Son of Alphaeus?]
- Luke 5:27-32 (Levi)
“Left everything behind…”
“Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house…great crowd”
List of Apostles: “Matthew”
Matthew 10:2-4* - Mark 3:16-19 - Luke 614-16 - Acts 1:13
* “Matthew the tax collector”
Writes to the Jews:
A Jewish Genealogy through David to Abraham
A focus on the Kingdom of Heaven
Describes the bribery of the guards
A number of Gentiles are mentioned
Women in the Genealogy
Herod the Great & the Magi
Two Centurions (8:5-10 & 27:54).
Quote from ESV Study Bible – Introduction to Matthew
Matthew crafted his account to demonstrate Jesus’ messianic identity, His inheritance of the Davidic kingship over Israel, and His fulfillment of the promise made to His ancestor Abraham to be a blessing to all the nations. Thus in large part Matthew’s gospel is an evangelistic tool aimed at his fellow Jews, persuading them to recognize Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. At the same time, the Gospel reveals clearly to Gentiles [and Jews] that salvation through Jesus the Messiah is available to all nations. For Jewish Christians, Matthew’s gospel provides encouragement to stand steadfast amid opposition from their own countrymen, as well as Gentile pagans, secure in the knowledge of their citizenship in God’s kingdom.
Characteristics of Matthew
Jesus as the King
The Genealogy of the King
Contrast with Herod the Great
Forerunner of the King
Power of the King
Over the natural world
Over the supernatural world
The Identity of the King
The Triumphal Entry of the King
Jesus the King
“The Christ” 19x
“The King” = 2:5; 25:31,34,40; 27:37
The Kingdom 57x
“Kingdom of Heaven” 33x
“Kingdom of God” 5x
Matthew’s view:
The kingdom is spiritual
The kingdom is present
The kingdom is future
Key Words & Phrases
Kingdom of Heaven
Parables of the Kingdom (13:1-52).
Keys to the Kingdom (16:19).
See the Son of man coming in His kingdom (16:28).
Authority
Teaches as one having authority (7:29).
Centurion: “I am also a man under authority” (8:9).
Chief Priests: “Who gave you this authority?” (21:23).
All authority given to Jesus (28:18).
Fruit
J-t-B: Trees that do not produce fruit will be cut down (3:10).
Jesus: Good trees produce good fruit; bad trees produce bad fruit (7:17-19).
A tree is known by its fruit (12:33).
The fig tree is cursed because of a lack of fruit (21:19).
The Kingdom to be given to a nation producing the fruit of it (21:43).
Didactic intent
Connect Jesus with Old Testament Prophecy
Old Testament cited often
= 53 direct quotes
= 76 allusions
86 times by Jesus
Connections
Organized in 6 discourses
5:1-7:29 – Sermon on the Mount
10:1-42 – Charge to the Twelve
13:1-52 – Kingdom Parables
18:1-35 – Greatness & Forgiveness
23:1-39 – Leaders Rebuked
24:1-25:46 – Olivet Discourse
Five = ending,
“when Jesus had finished…” 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1
Surrounded by narratives
Content
Presentation of Jesus the King - 1:1 – 4:11
The Birth of the King
The Announcer of the King
The Approval of the King
Teaching of the King - 4:12 – 7:29
The Ministry of the King
The Sermon of the King
Power of Jesus the King - 8:1 – 11:1
His power over sickness
His power over disease & demons
His power over men & nature
His power to heal & forgive
His power over death & blindness
His power to proclaim the Gospel
Opposition to the King - 11:2 – 16:12
Rejection of the King
Parables of the Kingdom
Further rejection of the King
Beheading John ends appeal to Israel
Presentation to the disciples in view of rejection - 16:13 – 20:34
Revelations in view of the rejection
Instructions in view of the rejection
Fourth discourse ends 20:28
Final presentation and rejection of the King - 21:1 – 27:66
Public Ministry
Conflict with the leaders
Rejection of the nation by the King
Prophecies of the King
Death of the King
The proof of the King - 28:1 – 20
Resurrection Appearances
Attempted Cover-up
Great Commission
Key verses:
1:21
5:17
28:18-20
Compare:
Matt. 24:14 with Romans 1:16