Lesson 6 - Matthew 1–4

I. Overview to the Section

i).An introduction to the person of Jesus

The first four chapters focus our attention on the person who is central to the Gospel story: Jesus Christ. We learn about the type of person he is by understanding the nature of the events surrounding his birth and early life. We see his qualifications and validation for service as God’s chosen one.

ii).An introduction to his ministry

We see that he is connected to God and used by him to announce the Kingdom of Heaven. We see that he has the power to defeat demonic forces. We see that his ministry has a tangible affect in the lives of those who desperately need the touch of God.

iii).A foreshadowing of things to come

We see the world-wide reach that Jesus’ ministry will eventually have. We see the conflict which will ensue over him and the eventual result of that conflict, both good and bad.

. Chapter 1 – The Genealogy and Birth

i).The genealogy connects Jesus to key people and events in Israel’s past.

(1).The genealogy connects Jesus to Abraham and thus to the Abrahamic covenant.

(2).The genealogy connects Jesus to David and thus to the Davidic covenant.

(3).The genealogy implies that Jesus is the answer to the problem of the exile.

ii).The birth shows that God is involved in Jesus’ life in a powerful and amazing way.

(1).God is intimately involved in superintending the details of Jesus’ life.

(2).Jesus’ ministry to Israel will deal directly with her sin problem.

(3).Jesus will manifest the very presence of God to his people.

c). Chapter 2 – The Early Life of Jesus

i).The visit of the wise men foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the Kingdom of Heaven.

ii).The conflict with Herod foreshadows the conflict Jesus will experience and his ultimate death as a result.

iii).The flight to and return from Egypt shows that Jesus is fulfilling the history of Israel.

d). Chapter 3 – The Ministry of John the Baptist

i).John’s preaching announces the coming of Jesus as the one who will usher in the Kingdom.

(1).John preached as an Old Testament prophet.

(2).John pointed to Jesus as the one who will enact God’s end-time plans.

ii).Jesus’ submission to John’s baptism shows his identification with Israel’s need for repentance.

iii).The heavenly pronouncement at Jesus’ baptism shows his acceptance as God’s son.

e). Chapter 4 – The Validation of Jesus and the Beginning of his Ministry

i).Jesus’ faithfulness to God during the temptations shows his worthiness as God’s servant.

ii).The temptations show that Israel’s true enemy is a spiritual foe.

iii).The beginning of Jesus’ ministry shows his authority and ability to change people’s lives.

(1).His call of the first disciples shows his authority over man.

(2).His ability to heal and cast out demons shows his authority over spiritual forces.

(3).His ministry shows intense concern for the lives of individuals.

f). Conclusion

LeThese chapters set the stage. We have been introduced to the person central to the story. We know that he is an important person in God’s plan as detailed in the Hebrew Bible, and we have seen his ministry in outline. Next we will hear what he has to say about being part of God’s Kingdom.

Lesson 5 - Matthew: A One-Page Overview

The Gospel of Matthew centers on Jesus as the herald and bringer of the Kingdom of Heaven. The book could be divided very broadly into three sections which follow the main lines of the plot (1–10, 11–25, 26–28), but even further divisions of the material are reasonable. Two central ideas which run through the plot are (1) rejection of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven by Israel and (2) discipleship of those who accept Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. In this book Matthew has skillfully woven together historical information about Jesus, theology which explains Jesus, and a story which illustrates Jesus. The author stands between Jesus and the Church as an interpreter, helping the Church to see the truth of Jesus and the Kingdom of God and how that truth impacts the Church’s contemporary life. He desires on the one hand to show the historical truth of Jesus’ life and how his message was rejected by Israel, and on the other hand to guide the Church in following the risen Lord so that the Kingdom of Heaven may eventually touch every nation on earth.

I. Jesus as Messiah, Son of David, Son of Abraham, is introduced as the one who will bring the Kingdom of Heaven. (1:1–4:25)

A. The birth and early life of Jesus connects him to God’s divine activity in the story of Israel. (1:1–2:23)

1. The birth of Jesus connects him to both to Messianic and Abrahamic covenantal promises. (1:1–17)

2. The birth of Jesus connects him to God’s divine activity. (1:18-25)

3. The worship of Jesus by the magi foreshadows Gentile inclusion in the Kingdom. (2:1-12)

4. Jesus’ flight to Egypt connects him to Israel in a new Exodus. (2:13-23)

B. The ministry of John the Baptist introduces Jesus to Israel as God’s chosen agent. (3:1-17)

C. The temptation of Jesus by the Devil shows his worthiness as God’s chosen agent. (4:1-11)

D. The beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee demonstrates his authority and power as God’s chosen agent. (4:12-25)

II. Jesus’ bringing of the Kingdom of Heaven occurs in word, deed, and delegation. (5:1–11:1)

A. The ethical teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount with its focus upon perfect righteousness explains and demands the character necessary for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. (5:1–7:29)

B. Jesus’ ability to work miracles testifies to his authority to announce the Kingdom of Heaven. (8:1–9:38)

C. The commissioning of the disciples with authority to carry the gospel announces the commencement of the Kingdom of Heaven. (10:1-42)

III. Rejection of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven creates the need for discipleship. (11:2–16:20)

A. Rejection of Jesus and the Kingdom is rejection of God and his present work. (11:2–30)

B. Conflict with Jewish religious leaders shows the intensity of the rejection. (12:1–50)

C. The parables of the Kingdom of Heaven show the need for discipleship in the midst of rejection. (13:1–53)

D. The increasing intensity of rejection requires that Jesus withdraw from public view. (13:54–16:12)

E. The confession of Jesus as Messiah by Peter lays a foundation for discipleship. (16:13–20)

IV. Jesus’ three-fold prediction of his death and resurrection allows for training in discipleship in the Kingdom of Heaven. (16:21–20:28)

V. Jesus’ presentation to Israel and final rejection prepares the way for the Kingdom of Heaven. (20:29–25:46)

A. The healing of the two blind men announces Jesus’ presentation. (20:29–34)

B. Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem results in a complete and final rejection of him by Israel. (21:1–23:39)

C. Jesus’ announcement of the coming judgment on Israel emphasizes the final consummation of the Kingdom of Heaven. (24:1–25:46)

VI. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are the key events which bring the Kingdom of Heaven. (26:1–28:20)