New Testament: Book of Matthew part 2

First session Matthew introduced Jesus as:

Messiah from the line of David

New teacher like Moses

Immanuel, God with us

In chapters 4-7 he announced the arrival of God’s kingdom he then…

Brought the kingdom into day to day lives in chapters 8-10…

We find him accepted by many in chapters 11-13 but rejected by others, especially the religious leaders.

The question is how does this conflict play play itself out?

Chapters 14-20 explore all the different expectations about the Messiah.

Jesus keeps healing people

twice he provides food for huge crowds in the wilderness

interestingly enough, one is a Jewish crowd and one a Gentile crowd

This is also another comparison to Moses in the wilderness.

People are proclaiming him Messiah...

Religious leaders are hating him.

He is a threat!

Jesus can’t be the Messiah because of Ps 2, Daniel 2 = victorious military leader that will put Rome down.

False teacher, blasphemer = plan to kill him.

Jesus withdraws and begins to teach what it means for Jesus to be the messiah.

Chapter 16 Jesus asked the question: “who do you think I am?”.

Peter - you are the messiah!

mat16.17-19

Matthew 16:17–19 KJV 1900

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

BUT - It’s clear that Peter and the disciples are thinking much like the religious rules and believe Jesus will be the military leader…

Jesus begins to teach from Isaiah 53

The suffering king who reigns by becoming a servant.

Gives his life for Israels and the nations of the world.

They continue to struggle with the concept.

Chapter 19-20 - the Upside down kingdom

gain honor by service

revenge vs. forgiveness and do good to your enemies

gain wealth by giving it away

If you are going to follow me… become a servant!

Chapters 21-25 - CLASH OF KINGDOMS

In 21 we have the Triumphant Entry…

Jesus on a donkey colt, palm fronds waving, coats on the ground, “Hosana to the King”

cleanses the temple

He is asserting his authority over the temple

Challenging the authority of the religious leaders in their hypocrisy.

They are offended and they try to trap and shame him in public debate.

Failing that the decide they will kill him!

Final block of teaching 23-25

Critiques the Pharisees in their hypocrisy

Weeps over Jersualem and her rejection of God

Withdraws with disciples and begins to tell them what is going to happen.

He executed

the religious leaders would revolt against Rome so Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed

BUT after his death, he would rise again

He would return and set up his kingdom over all the nations

Chapters 26-28 - DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION

Passover meal

Retells the story of Israelites

rescued from slavery

death of the passover lamb

Jesus institutes a New Passover Meal

He becomes the Passover Lamb: Bread and wine

Israel is about to be rescued from sin and death

because of the Lamb of God is about to be sacrificed

Arrested

Put on trial before the Sanhedrin (religious leaders)

Charged with blasphemy

Then brought before Pilate (Roman leadership)

Proclaimed innocent

Gives in to Jewish leaders and sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion.

Crucified!

NOTE: Matthew increases OT references.

Showing that the death of Jesus was not a tragic event or failure

BUT THE FULFILLMENT OF OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY!

Just like Isaiah said - he was the suffering servant!

Instead of Jesus Judging them, he was judged in their place!

Jesus in placed in a tomb…

Sunday morning they find Jesus tomb in empty.

People start seeing Jesus alive.

Book concludes with a final teaching we call; The Great Commission.

As the true King of the World

He sends his disciples out into the world with the Good News.

Be baptized in Jesus Name

Follow the teachings

Then says: I will be with you alway, even to the end of the earth, BRINGING IT BACK TO THE BEGINNING - IMMANUEL GOD WITH US!