Gospel of Matthew – Intro & Infancy Narrative

1. Gospel of Matthew – Intro & Infancy Narrative

2. GOSPEL OF MATTHEW: Written around 80-85 CE Possibly an “expanded edition” of Mark; also included “Q” source. Written to answer Jewish criticism of Christian claims about Jesus & to emphasize Jesus’ adherence to Hebrew Law Strong ties to Old Testament & Hebrew history. Primary audience is Jewish. Jesus is called “New Moses”; “Son of David”

3. GOSPEL OF MATTHEW: Was used as teaching book to instruct new Christians about Jesus & the faith – book is carefully organized Begins with exhaustive genealogy that ties Jesus back to King David & Abraham – two of the greatest figures in Jewish faith. Refers to or quotes from the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at least 60 times – Jesus fulfills OT prophecies & promises made to Israel.

4. THE INFANCY NARRATIVE VIDEO FROM JESUS TO CHRIST – GOSPEL OF MATTHEW https://youtu.be/B3StBJJ09YI 21:28 mark

5. STRUCTURE OF MATTHEW: A cycle of narratives & dialogues: 1-4 – Narrative of Beginnings 5-7 – Discourse #1 (Sermon on the Mount) 8-9 – Narrative of Works & Wonders 10 – Discourse #2 (Instruction to the 12)‏ 11-12 – Narrative of growing opposition to Jesus 13 – Discourse #3 (Parables)‏ 14-17 – Narrative of miracles & predictions 18 – Discourse #4 (Life in the community)‏ 19-23 – Narrative of Judean ministry 24-25 – Discourse #5 (Coming kingdom)‏ 26-28 – Passion, Death & Resurrection

6. THE INFANCY NARRATIVE Only Matthew & Luke refer to Jesus’ birth Matthew constructs story of Jesus’ birth to coincide with incidents from Hebrew Bible: • 1:23: Jesus born to a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)‏ • 2:6: Jesus born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)‏ • King Herod killing all boys age 2 & under to try and kill baby Jesus (parallel to Pharaoh ordering male babies executed, Ex. 1:15-22)‏ Mary conceives not by Joseph, but Holy Spirit. An angel tells Joseph not to be afraid.

7. THE INFANCY NARRATIVE Chpt. 2: • Herod, appointed “King” of Judea by Romans • Perceives threat of coming Messiah to his rule & issues an edict to have all children 2 & under killed. • An angel appears to Joseph & tells him to flee to Egypt to avoid Jesus being killed.

8. THE INFANCY NARRATIVE Chpt. 3: • Fast forward 30 years or so • John the Baptist introduced – a nomad desert wanderer, called to “prepare the way” for Jesus • Jesus comes to John, who recognizes the Messiah • Jesus asks John to baptize him

9. THE INFANCY NARRATIVE Chpt. 4: • Jesus tempted in the desert by the devil three times (vss. 1-11)‏ • Note Jesus responds quoting OT scripture First temptation? Taking care of #1 – focus on self Second temptation? Do something spectacular & force God’s hand Third temptation? Abandon God

10. THE INFANCY NARRATIVE Chpt. 4: • Beginning of Jesus’ ministry • Calling of first four disciples: Simon Peter & Andrew; James & John • Sets the stage for the first Discourse – SERMON ON THE MOUNT

11. DISCOURSE #1 – SERMON ON THE MOUNT (5-7)‏ The “kick-off” of Jesus’ ministry - Jesus speaks before a large crowd Highlights radical difference between Jesus’ understanding of his messiahship & popular expectation of warrior-like king who delivers Israel Jesus not “abolishing” Jewish law but redefining it – fulfilling it in light of his mission. Very important point Matthew wants to make.

12. DISCOURSE #1 – SERMON ON THE MOUNT (5-7)‏ THE BEATITUDES (5: 1-12)‏ • Jesus reverses traditional understandings that misfortune/suffering was the result of sin. • God identifies with the suffering. YOU HAVE HEARD….BUT I SAY…. (5: 21-48)‏ • Jesus takes traditional Hebrew laws & expounds on it to add additional meaning. Not rewriting the law but revealing human motivation that often causes them to be broken.

13. DISCOURSE #1 – SERMON ON THE MOUNT (5-7)‏ YOU HAVE HEARD….BUT I SAY…. (5: 21-48)‏ • 5: 38-42 – “eye for eye…” not a call to exact revenge, but actually a call to lessen it. • 5:39 – not a call to be submissive and take punishment, but a call to respond to acts of violence with nonviolent resistance. DEMONSTRATION

14. DISCOURSE #2 – INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TWELVE (10)‏ • Jesus tells disciples to go only to “lost sheep” of house of Israel – i.e., Jews. Don’t go to “Gentiles,” i.e. non-Jews. Reflects Matthew’s audience. • Not to take anything with them - depending totally on “kindness of strangers.” • 10: 34-39 - ??? What’s this about??? Maybe highlighting that Jesus’ mission will upset some (see chpt. 12) & disciples out to expect the same.

15. DISCOURSE #3 – JESUS’ PARABLES (13)‏ • A story in prose or verse told to illustrate a religious/ethical idea. • Jesus’ favorite teaching tool 13: 3-9 – Parable of the Sower • vss. 18-23 – parable explained (rare for Jesus)‏ 13: 24-33 – Parables of the Hidden kingdom • Note vs. 34 – Matthew all about Jesus fulfilling OT scripture. 13: 44-50 – More parables about the kingdom • Vs. 51 – disciples understand (contrast to Mark)‏

16. TWO MAIN MIRACLES FEEDING THE 5000 (14:13-21)‏ • Covered in all four gospels • “5000 men” = lots of people (men, women, children) in wilderness. • Jesus involves disciples in the miracle WALKING ON WATER (14:22-33)‏ • “fourth watch of night” – around 3-7am • Does Peter get a bad rap?

17. DISCOURSE #4 – LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY (18)‏ Chpts. 10 & 18 form an “instruction manual” for the early church (remember gospel was written decades after Jesus’ death)‏ 18: 15-20 – Word “church” is used – in Jesus’ time there was no such thing! Definitely speaking to Matthew’s audience. 18: 21-22 – About forgiveness, guiding principle for early church’s existence. “70 X 7” is expression for infinite number of times.

18. TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM (21)‏ • Like in Mark, this marks the last week of Jesus’ life • Note Matthew’s focus on donkey that Jesus rides in on – cites an Old Testament reference in vs. 5 • Disrupts money changers in temple – Jesus himself quotes OT passage to describe it END OF CHPT 21 & 22 – more parables CHPT. 23 – “Woe to you” scribes & Pharisees

19. DISCOURSE #5 – THE COMING KINGDOM (24-25)‏ Summarizes Matthew’s judgement on Jerusalem, esp. temple hierarchy. That judgement had already come for Matthew – Roman destruction of Jerusalem, 70 CE. 25: 31-46 – Famous “Sheep & Goats” passage • Glimpse of heaven after final judgement • People divided into those who help people (sheep) & those who do not (goats)‏ • Jesus equates helping people with helping Jesus, & not helping people with ignoring Jesus. • Emphasizes how faithful should treat others

20. MATTHEW’S PASSION & RESURRECTION Much the same as Mark, with a few additions: • Judas paid 30 pieces of silver by chief priests to betray Jesus (26: 14-16)‏ • Roman soldiers guard Jesus’ tomb. When resurrection happens, Jewish leaders bribe soldiers to say that disciples stole the body. Mary Magdalene the first to see resurrected Jesus, as in Mark.

21. MATTHEW’S PASSION & RESURRECTION 28: 16-20 – The Great Commission • Famous passage where Jesus instructs disciples (& church by association) to reach outside Jewish realm to entire world.

22. SUMMARY OF MATTHEW Written around 80-85 CE Written as a “textbook” to instruct new Christians about the faith. Very well-organized Strong roots in Old Testament – Jesus’ sayings & actions directly fulfill OT prophecies/scripture. Written to a Jewish audience. Gets most of its info from Mark, but also a lot from “Q” source Jesus as “Son of David,” fulfilling OT