CLASS ONE: Introduction of the Gospel of MATTHEW
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Review Course Content
- Sign-up Sheet for Refreshments / Offering Envelopes
- Go Over Tentative Class Schedule
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To Glorify God in our study of His Word.
2. To edify our own knowledge and understanding.
3. To learn from MATTHEW who wrote the teaching Gospel.
4. To discuss Major Themes addressed in this writing.
5. To compare Matthew with the other Gospels when necessary.
6. To either come to know Jesus as our Savior, or to be affirmed in our faith.
7. To be blessed by the Holy Spirit in our Study.
IV. Timeline for Writing of Matthew’s Gospel
a. Most likely about 30 years after Jesus ascended to Heaven. (~55-60 A.D.)
b. Matthew most likely wrote it in Hebrew first (logia); later translated to Greek.
V. Who Wrote Matthew’s Gospel?
a. Levi (Matthew) the Tax collector.
i. Matthew 9:9-13; 10:2-4; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-32; 6:13-16
VI. Theological Truths Presented in Matthew’s Gospel
a. Jesus is the Messiah – the long-awaited King of God’s people.
b. Jesus is the New Abraham – the Founder of a new spiritual Israel that will be for Jews and Gentiles like.
c. Jesus is the New Moses – the Deliverer and Instructor of God’s people.
d. Jesus is Immanuel – the virgin-born Son of God who fulfills OT promises.
VII. Three Major Sections in Matthew’s Gospel
a. Each section noted by the transition, “From that time Jesus began to…”
b. Section One: Introduction (1:1 – 4:16)
c. Section Two: Body of the Writing (4:17 – 16:20)
d. Section Three: Conclusion (16:21 – 28:20)
VIII. Five Major Teaching Discourses in Matthew’s Gospel
a. Perhaps corresponding to the Five Books of Moses. Matthew wants to reveal how Jesus is the new Moses. Matthew moves from an OT ethnocentric faith to a Christocentric faith in God.
b. Each discourse ends with a summary statement.
i. 7:28-29; 11:1; 13:58; 19:1-2; 26:1-2
c. Discourse One (Righteousness): Sermon on the Mount (5:1 – 7:29)
d. Discourse Two (Missions): Ministry of Jesus’ Disciples (9:35 - 10:42)
e. Discourse Three (Kingdom): Parables about the Kingdom: (13:1-58)
f. Discourse Four (Church): Character of Jesus’ Disciples (18:1-35)
g. Discourse Five (Eschatology): Olivet Discourse (24:1 – 25:46)
IX. Gee Whiz Info about Matthew’s Gospel
a. The gospel with the strongest connection to the OT.
b. Matthew is systematic and gives special attention to matters of money.
i. Two parables about financial transactions are only found in this Gospel.
c. Matthew refers to Hebrew prophesies 60 times.
i. 16 times Matthew says, “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet…”
d. It reveals God’s plan from Genesis to Revelation.
e. Describes the future plans for the Church and God’s Kingdom.
X. Application
a. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all of God’s promises to Israel and to us.
Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: The Genealogy of Jesus, the Christ
- Read Matthew 1:1-25 to prepare.
