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)