Gospels Week 1 - Matthew
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Intro: Tonight I want to begin a teaching series on the Gospels. We are going to cover one Gospel a week for the next four weeks. I Hope you walk away from this with some new knowledge and some new insight into God’s word.
Intro: Tonight I want to begin a teaching series on the Gospels. We are going to cover one Gospel a week for the next four weeks. I Hope you walk away from this with some new knowledge and some new insight into God’s word.
Getting Started - Key Facts
Getting Started - Key Facts
The New Testament is a collection of 27 Books.
It was written by various authors over the course of approximately 50yrs.
The events contained within the New Testament cover a time period of about 100yrs.
The New Testament was originally written in Greek.
The Goal of the New Testament
The Goal of the New Testament
The Goal of the New Testament is to continue the story of the Old Testament by showing that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jewish people and the entire world.
The Old Testament begins with a married couple (Adam and Eve) living in paradise.
The New Testament ends with a married couple (Jesus and the Church) living in paradise.
The Old Testament begins with the fall of humanity and creation being plunged into chaos.
The New Testament ends with a new heaven, a new earth, and the restoration of all things.
Getting Started – Key Questions :
Getting Started – Key Questions :
Each week, we will answer the following questions:
Who wrote the book?
Whom did they write to?
What problem or question were they addressing?
What does that mean for us today?
Some Things to Remember:
The Bible was written for you, but not to you!
You are reading someone else’s mail.
The Gospels
The Gospels
Gospel Means – “Good News”
This begs the Question – Good News about what?
Remember – In the Old Testament the Jewish people are looking for a Messiah. Jesus is the answer to the hopes and longings of the Jewish people.
The Gospels Primarily answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”
There are Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The First 3 are very similar. They are referred to as “The synoptic gospels.”
The gospels are biographies about Jesus. Each of the four writers is trying to prove a point about who Jesus is.
ILLUSTRATION: If people were to write biographies about my life, one might write about my relationship with my wife. Another might write about my relationship with my parents. Another might focus more on what I do for a living. The writers would arrange their material in such a way that suits their purpose.
The writers all arranged their content in such a way that their points regarding Jesus would be apparent to their original audience.
The gospels do not cover all of Jesus’ life and ministry.
John 20:30, Luke 1:1
1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us.
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book.
Each Gospel was a selective account suited to the purpose of the author.
The Gospel of Matthew - Jesus is King
The Gospel of Matthew - Jesus is King
Matthew forms a connecting link between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Who Wrote Matthew? Church tradition tells us that Matthew, the tax collector and disciple of Jesus was the author of this Gospel.
Who was Matthew Written To? Unknown; but almost certainly Jewish Christians with a commitment to the Gentile mission, most commonly thought to have lived in and around Antioch of Syria.
What did Matthew Emphasize? Jesus is the Son of God, the (messianic) King of the Jews; Jesus is God present with us in miraculous power; Jesus is the church’s Lord; the teaching of Jesus has continuing importance for God’s people; the gospel of the kingdom is for all peoples—Jew and Gentile alike.
Matthew is a Jewish Gospel showing that Jesus is the coming King and Messiah who fulfills the Old Testament Prophecies.
There are at least 60 references to the Old Testament.
Matthew speaks to the Old Testament in presenting the promised Messiah, as King, in the statement twelve times - "That it might be fulfilled."
Matthew traces Jesus’ genealogy through David to Abraham.
Matthew is careful to link Jesus to Abraham, Moses, and David
Notice how he starts the book: Matthew 1:1
1 This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:
Jesus is portrayed as King announcing his Kingdom
Matthew Links Jesus to David
Matthew Records Herod’s alarm at a potential rival to his throne Matthew 2:1-3
1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.
Matthew Records Jesus riding in on a Donkey as a Peaceful King (Matthew 21:1-11
1 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’ ” 6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Matthew Records Jesus speaking of “Sitting on the throne of his glory” (Matthew 19:28, Matthew 25:31)
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.
28 Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matthew Records Pilate’s inscription on Jesus’ Cross (Matthew 27:37)
37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
Matthew uses Jewish expressions for Jerusalem. “Holy City,” “City of the Great King.”
Matthew is about a King Announcing the Coming Kingdom
Seven times Jesus is called the “Son of David,” a Kingly/Messianic title, showing JESUS IS THE KING. (2:2, 21:5, 7, 27:11, 27:37, 25:31)
Thirty-Three times the phrase, “Kingdom of Heaven” is employed by Matthew.
The Spiritual and ethical nature of the Kingdom is expressed in the Sermon on the Mount
Twelve Parables begin with the expression, “The Kingdom of God.”
Jesus is presented as the New Law Giver and is compared to Moses
Matthew is split into five blocks of teaching (5:1–7:29; 10:11–42; 13:1–52; 18:1–35; [23:1] 24:1–25:46) presented on a topical basis. Each is marked off by a similar concluding formula (“When Jesus had finished [saying these things]”), which Matthew uses to transition back to the narrative.
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
1 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.
53 When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country.
1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River.
This may have been a deliberate arrangement; it may have been modeled after the Torah, making this the Christian torah. Perhaps this was a new torah for the Church. Like Moses, Jesus goes up on the mount to give a new commandment.
I think agree with this. Notice how these teaching blocks start in Matthew 5:1
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
Matthew here is making a theological point. A lot of us like going to the mountains. This was not the great smoky mountains. It was more like a hill. In fact, Luke puts a lot of this same content taking place on the plain. Look at what Luke says: Luke 6:17-21
17 When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. 19 Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone. 20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. 21 God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.
Who’s right Luke or Matthew? BOTH..They aren’t so much worried about accuracy of place as much as they are trying to make a theological point. MATTHEW has Jesus going up the the mountain for a reason.
Notice How Matthew Links Jesus to Moses:
Moses had a miracle associated with His birth, as did Jesus
Babies were Killed around the time of Moses’ birth, as was the case with Jesus.
Moses fled into the wilderness and then returned to Egypt and came out, Jesus’ family flees into the wilderness, then to Egypt, and then came out of Egypt as well.
Moses preached on a Mountain - Mt. Sinai - Jesus’ greatest sermon was given on a mount
What does Moses do when he goes to get the 10 Commandments? He Goes up to the Mountain
Jesus here goes up the Mountain and begins teaching the Sermon on the mount. In the Sermon he frequently says “You have heard it said…but I say”
Matthew is portraying him as a new and better Moses
The Law God gave Moses was to be the guidelines for the community - The Nation of Israel
The Sermon on the Mount Provides guidelines for a New Community - The Church
So these 5 teaching blocks and the sermon on the Mount are showing How God is forming a new People - The Church!
Matthew Offers The Proof Of Jesus’ Kingship
Matthew show us that Jesus has power f Disease
Leprosy - Matthew 8:1-4
1 Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. 2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” 3 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Palsy - Matthew 8:5-13
5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” 7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Paralysis - Matthew 9:1-8
1 Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. 2 Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.” 3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” 4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 7 And the man jumped up and went home! 8 Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.
The Issue of Blood - Matthew 9:20-22
20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
Blidness - Matthew 9:27-31
27 After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” 28 They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.” 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” 30 Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” 31 But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.
Matthew Shows that Jesus has power over Demons
28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area. 29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?” 30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. 31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.” 32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
32 When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. 34 But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”
Matthew Shows that Jesus has power of Nature
23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. 27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
Matthew Shows that Jesus has power over death
18 As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.” 19 So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. 20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. 23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. 25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.
Matthew Shows that Jesus’ power and might are not the end of the Story
Even in his life the wordly powers opposed Jesus and his demonstration of the power of God
We cannot forget that Jesus’ Messianic purpose and God’s kingdom usually leads to conflict and results in crisis.
In Jesus’ life and ministry, it all culminated on the cross.
Jesus warns his disciples that they too must take up their cross and follow him - Jesus did not come to take away the cross, but to show them how to bear it!
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. 28 And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
Those who want a demonstration of Power will not be given such things Matthew 16:1-4
1 One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. 2 He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; 3 red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! 4 Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.
Matthew is a Gospel of the Church
Matthew is the only Gospel that mentions the Church
The "Church" is introduced in Matthew 16:17-18
17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
He would build a new body made up of both Jew and Gentile.
Matthew is Gospel for All Nations
Although Matthew shows fulfillment of Jesus as a Jewish Messiah, it is a gospel for all people.
At the very beginning we read about Gentile Women - Rahab and Ruth in the Geology
We see Gentile Magi visit and worship him
In Matthew 8:11-12 Jesus teaches that people from the east and west will join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at God’s Table.
11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The Gospel Ends with this famous commission: Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Final Thoughts
So What does all this mean?
There is a New King who’s bringing a new kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is here, not fully, but it is here
What would it look like for Jesus to be fully king of your life?
What would it look like for him to be fully king of our Church?
What would it look like for him to be fully king of Georgetown?
This new kingdom is different than we think.
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
It is a kingdom where the poor are blessed, where those who mourn are comforted, where the humble inherit the earth, where justice is satisfied, where people are merciful and pure.
It’s a kingdom that will be persecuted and where the King doesn’t pick up a scepter, but a cross
This is a king who, while Caesar is on the throne in Rome and Herod is ruling over Jerusalem - He’s born quietly in a stable in Bethlehem.
So Here’s a good question to remember this election season - Which King are we concentrated on? Are we so focused on what’s going on in the world we fail to ask this question - What is the real King doing? Have we noticed what God is doing?
Matthew Reminds us that he is always with us and always working. In fact, he begins and ends his book with this wonderful promise:
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’ ” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Notice - He will be called “God with Us” and “Behold, I AM WITH YOU”
May you live your life aware that there is more going on than what you see. That the kingdom of God is at work. May you allow the king and his kingdom to work in your life. May you proclaim the good news - That Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the world is different and people can be free. Free to live life to the full. Free of anxiety and worry. Free to love and know God. Free to love and know others. May we remember that this King is always with us!