> In the second article of our series on an “Overview of the New Testament,” we turn our attention to the first of the Four Gospels—The Gospel According to Matthew. This narrative not only serves as a bridge connecting the Old and New Testaments but also presents a compelling portrait of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the inaugurator of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Themes in the book of Matthew
– The Kingdom of Heaven
Central to Matthew’s Gospel is the theme of the “Kingdom of Heaven,” a term unique to Matthew, which is used interchangeably with “Kingdom of God” found in the other Gospels. This kingdom is not a geographical territory but represents God’s sovereign rule over the hearts of people and the fulfillment of God’s will on earth as it is in heaven. Through Jesus’ teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew outlines the ethics of this kingdom, emphasizing a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees.
– Jesus as the Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
Matthew meticulously demonstrates how Jesus’ life and ministry fulfill Old Testament prophecies, presenting him as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. From his genealogy tracing back to Abraham and David, to specific fulfillments of prophecies such as the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), the escape to Egypt (Hosea 11:1), and his role as a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), Matthew anchors Jesus firmly within the Jewish tradition, while also making a case for his universal significance.
Key Events
– The Sermon on the Mount
One of the most significant teachings of Jesus recorded in Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7), which includes the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and various teachings on righteousness, love, and the fulfillment of the Law. This sermon sets the tone for what it means to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
– The Parables
Matthew’s Gospel is rich with parables—simple stories used by Jesus to convey deeper spiritual truths. These parables, such as the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and the Parable of the Weeds, often center around the theme of the Kingdom of Heaven, illustrating its value, its growth, and the criteria for entry into it.
– The Crucifixion and Resurrection
The climax of Matthew’s Gospel is the account of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Matthew portrays these events not only as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies but also as the ultimate demonstration of Jesus’ authority and divinity. The resurrection, in particular, is presented as the definitive proof that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, with the power over life and death.
Matthew’s Portrayal of Jesus and Its Significance
Matthew presents Jesus as the authoritative teacher, the miracle-working Son of God, and the humble servant who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies. This portrayal is significant because it bridges the Jewish and Christian faiths, showing continuity between the covenants. Jesus is depicted as the embodiment of the Torah, not coming to abolish the Law but to fulfill it in a way that reveals the heart of God’s commandments.
Furthermore, Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus as the “Emmanuel” (God with us) from the beginning of his Gospel (1:23) to the very end (28:20) underscores the presence of God in Jesus Christ, accompanying and empowering his followers to continue his mission.
In conclusion, The Gospel According to Matthew offers a rich and complex portrait of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his role as the Messiah who inaugurates the Kingdom of Heaven. Through its themes and key events, Matthew invites readers to encounter Jesus, to recognize him as the fulfillment of God’s promises, and to live according to the values of his kingdom.
Outline of the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew can be outlined to highlight its structure, key themes, and the flow of events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This outline provides a roadmap through Matthew’s Gospel, with scripture references to guide further study.
I. Introduction to the Gospel (1:1-4:11)
- The Genealogy of Jesus Christ (1:1-17)
- The Visit of the Magi (2:1-12)
- The Escape to Egypt and Return to Nazareth (2:13-23)
- John the Baptist Prepares the Way (3:1-12)
- The Baptism of Jesus (3:13-17)
- The Temptation of Jesus (4:1-11)
II. Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee (4:12-14:12)
- Jesus Begins His Ministry and Calls the First Disciples (4:12-22)
- Jesus Teaches, Preaches, and Heals (4:23-25)
- The Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:29)
- The Healing Miracles of Jesus (8:1-9:38)
- Sending Out the Twelve Apostles (10:1-42)
- John the Baptist’s Questions and Jesus’ Testimonies (11:1-30)
- Controversies and Parables (12:1-13:52)
- Jesus Rejected at Nazareth (13:53-58)
- The Death of John the Baptist (14:1-12)
III. Jesus’ Ministry Expands Beyond Galilee (14:13-18:35)
- Feeding the 5000 and Walking on Water (14:13-36)
- Teachings on Clean and Unclean (15:1-20)
- The Faith of the Canaanite Woman (15:21-28)
- Healing Many and Feeding the 4000 (15:29-16:12)
- Peter’s Confession of Christ (16:13-20)
- The Transfiguration (17:1-13)
- Teachings on Faith, Forgiveness, and Humility (17:14-18:35)
IV. Journey to Jerusalem and Teaching on the Way (19:1-20:34)
- Teachings on Marriage and Divorce (19:1-12)
- Jesus Blesses the Children (19:13-15)
- The Rich Young Man (19:16-30)
- Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (20:1-16)
- Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time (20:17-19)
- The Request of James and John (20:20-28)
- Healing Two Blind Men (20:29-34)
V. The Passion Week in Jerusalem (21:1-27:66)
- The Triumphal Entry (21:1-11)
- Cleansing the Temple (21:12-17)
- Cursing the Fig Tree and Teaching in the Temple (21:18-23:39)
- The Olivet Discourse: Teachings on the End Times (24:1-25:46)
- The Plot Against Jesus and The Last Supper (26:1-30)
- Gethsemane, Jesus’ Arrest, and Peter’s Denial (26:31-75)
- The Trials of Jesus and His Crucifixion (27:1-56)
- The Burial of Jesus (27:57-66)
VI. The Resurrection and Great Commission (28:1-20)
- The Resurrection of Jesus (28:1-10)
- The Report of the Guard (28:11-15)
- The Great Commission (28:16-20)
This outline encapsulates the structure of the Gospel of Matthew, providing a clear path through the events and teachings of Jesus as presented by Matthew. Each section builds upon the previous, from the introduction of Jesus’ divine heritage to his teachings, miracles, and the culmination of his earthly ministry in his death, resurrection, and commission to his followers.