
Three Major Themes in the Gospel of Matthew
- Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. a. ...
- God (the Father/King) is the God of both Grace and Judgment This theme also plays out throughout the book. ...
- The Kingdom of God does not Belong to One Particular Ethnic Group.
What is the summary of the Gospel of Matthew?
The Gospel of Matthew: Summary and Outline. The book of Matthew is the first Gospel (an account of Jesus’ life and ministry) in the New Testament. In Matthew, Jesus teaches people what it means to be part of his kingdom, the “kingdom of heaven.” He is betrayed and crucified. He rises again and commissions His disciples to spread the good news.
What is the global message of Matthew?
The Global Message of Matthew. Jesus Christ is the climax of the Bible and of all of human history. He brings the whole Old Testament to fulfillment, and he is also the means by which salvation floods out to the nations.
What is the main message of the New Testament?
Matthew’s main message. The New Testament is not a stand-alone story. It’s the surprising plot twist that resolves the old kingdom struggle in a new way. We’ve spend six months reading the first book of the Bible, showing the kingdom of God is the theme that binds the story together.
What is the Book of Matthew in the New Testament?
The book of Matthew is the first Gospel (an account of Jesus’ life and ministry) in the New Testament. In Matthew, Jesus teaches people what it means to be part of his kingdom, the “kingdom of heaven.”

What does Matthew believe about the gospel?
Like his main character, Matthew believed the gospel was the good news of the kingdom. Earth should have been under heaven’s rule all along, so Matthew wants to describe how Jesus restores heaven’s rule over the earth. His Gospel story leads us to where heaven’s king is ruling earth once again: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given ...
What are the characteristics of Matthew's Jesus?
One of the most prominent characteristics of Matthew’s Jesus is how he fulfills Scripture, sometimes literally and sometimes as the embodiment of Israel’s history. Matthew is clear that Jesus is the goal of the law and prophets, hence anyone faithful to the heritage and Bible of Israel must recognize and follow him.
How does Matthew see the kingdom story being fulfilled?
This is how Matthew sees the kingdom story being fulfilled: Matthew 28:18-20 (my paraphrase) Jesus approached them and said, “All authority—to reign in heaven and on earth—has been entrusted to me. So here’s what I want you (my apostles) to do. Train the nations (not just the Jews) to live under my authority.
What does Matthew mean by "context"?
The problem is not that Matthew pulls verses out of context; the problem is that the “context” for Matthew means the story of the kingdom, and that context is much larger than most modern readers perceive. It’s the kingdom story in the Law and the Prophets we need to comprehend. The Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) is the foundation of that story.
What does Matthew 28:18 mean?
His Gospel story leads us to where heaven’s king is ruling earth once again: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18). Matthew insists that Jesus is the king who fulfils Israel’s story and purpose. But Matthew’s use of the Old Testament is problematic. To readers who don’t understand the kingdom story, ...
Is the New Testament a stand alone story?
The New Testament is not a stand-alone story. It’s the surprising plot twist that resolves the old kingdom struggle in a new way. We’ve spent six months reading the first book of the Bible, showing the kingdom of God is the theme that binds the story together.
Does Matthew claim Jesus as the fulfilment of these prophecies?
It’s a puzzle for modern readers that Matthew can claim Jesus as the fulfilment of these prophecies. To resolve that puzzle, we must learn to think the way Matthew did. We’ll need a better understanding of what prophecy and fulfilment mean. (Hint: prophecy isn’t prediction.) But most of all, we need a kingdom perspective: an understanding ...
What is the climax of the Bible?
Jesus Christ is the climax of the Bible and of all of human history. He brings the whole Old Testament to fulfillment, and he is also the means by which salvation floods out to the nations. Matthew’s Gospel thus has much to say to the global church today as God’s people, comprised of both Jew and Gentile, seek to “make disciples of all nations” ( Matt. 28:19 ).
What was the purpose of creation?
The purpose of creation was that mankind, made in God’s image as his ruling representatives, might be fruitful and multiply and spread God’s glory throughout the earth. This quest was repeatedly hijacked by sin, however, throughout the Old Testament. After Adam and Eve sinned, Noah was called by God to be fruitful and multiply, thereby assuming the mantle of spreading divine blessing ( Gen. 9:1 ). After Noah ended his life in shame ( Gen. 9:20–23 ), God called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to carry this mantle ( Gen. 12:1–3; 15:5; 17:2; 22:17–18; 28:14; 35:11 ). Yet they too proved to be sinners, and unequal to the task. The nation of Israel, led by Moses, was also called to be fruitful and multiply ( Deut. 6:3; 7:13 ), but it too failed in this worldwide mandate.
What is the new family of God?
Rather, the new community transcends ethnic boundary markers and is defined by trusting faith in the Messiah, the coming king, Jesus. Jesus extends mercy to Gentiles ( Matt. 12:18, 21) even as his own Jewish kinsmen are hard-hearted and resistant to the gospel (e.g., 23:1–39 ). The blessing that was intended to spread to the nations in the Old Testament finds realization in Jesus, who creates a new family of God composed of men and women from every tribe and people group and nation.
What is the Gospel of Matthew about?
Brief Summary: The Gospel of Matthew discusses the lineage, birth, and early life of Christ in the first two chapters. From there, the book discusses the ministry of Jesus. The descriptions of Christ’s teachings are arranged around “discourses” such as the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5 through 7. Chapter 10 involves the mission and purpose of the disciples; chapter 13 is a collection of parables; chapter 18 discusses the church; chapter 23 begins a discourse about hypocrisy and the future. Chapters 21 through 27 discuss the arrest, torture, and execution of Jesus. The final chapter describes the Resurrection and the Great Commission.
Why is the Gospel of Matthew called the Gospel of Matthew?
Author: This book is known as the Gospel of Matthew because it was written by the apostle of the same name. The style of the book is exactly what would be expected of a man who was once a tax collector. Matthew has a keen interest in accounting (18:23-24; 25:14-15). The Gospel of Matthew is very orderly and concise.
What is the purpose of Matthew chapter 21?
Chapters 21 through 27 discuss the arrest, torture, and execution of Jesus. The final chapter describes the Resurrection and the Great Commission. Connections: Because Matthew’s purpose is to present Jesus Christ as the King and Messiah of Israel, he quotes from the Old Testament more than any of the other three Gospel writers. ...
Why does Matthew quote the Old Testament?
More than any other Gospel, the Gospel of Matthew quotes the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled the words of the Jewish prophets. Matthew describes in detail the lineage of Jesus from David, and uses many forms of speech that Jews would have been comfortable with. Matthew’s love and concern for his people is apparent through his meticulous ...
How to pray in Matthew 6:9-13?
Matthew 6:9-13: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
What did Matthew do as a tax collector?
As a tax collector, Matthew possessed a skill that makes his writing all the more exciting for Christians. Tax collectors were expected to be able to write in a form of shorthand, which essentially meant that Matthew could record a person’s words as they spoke, word for word.
What is Matthew's interest in accounting?
Matthew has a keen interest in accounting (18:23-24; 25:14-15). The Gospel of Matthew is very orderly and concise. Rather than write in chronological order, Matthew arranges this Gospel through six discussions. As a tax collector, Matthew possessed a skill that makes his writing all the more exciting for Christians.
What is the theme of Matthew in the Bible?
Bible Themes: Matthew. Matthew, whose Jewish name is Levi, is a tax collector until Jesus calls him to become one of the 12 disciples. Now, more than 20 years since Jesus’ return to heaven ( in Acts 1:9 ), the good news of Jesus has traveled. The Jewish Christians are starting to be persecuted, and Matthew wants to strengthen their faith ...
What is the good news of Jesus?
Now, more than 20 years since Jesus’ return to heaven ( in Acts 1:9 ), the good news of Jesus has traveled. The Jewish Christians are starting to be persecuted, and Matthew wants to strengthen their faith and provide them with a useful tool for evangelizing. He presents Jesus as Israel’s promised Messiah and rightful King.
Why was Jesus born of a virgin?
Jesus is born of a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy. He is baptized and proclaimed by God as His Son. Jesus’ divine character is tested by the devil after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Jesus uses Old Testament scripture to counter the devil’s temptations.
Where did Jesus enter?
Jesus enters into the city of Jerusalem where He confronts the religious leaders, cleanses the temple, and pronounces doom over the city which has rejected God’s way. He prophesies the future destruction of the temple, the coming days of tribulation and judgment, and His second coming.
Where did Jesus gather his disciples?
Jesus gathers His disciples by the Sea of Galilee and lays out for them the ethics for the kingdom of God. He emphasizes the importance of responding with a heart attitude that goes beyond merely observing a set of rules.
How long did it take Jesus to be crucified?
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified in just several hours. Following His death Jesus is buried, but on the third day, He rises from the dead. He appears to His disciples and commissions them to spread the good news of how He has conquered death.
What is the purpose of Matthew's Gospel?
However, his opening verse makes it very clear what this book is about: Jesus, the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. The rest of this Gospel presents evidence of who Jesus is.
What is the Gospel of Matthew?
The Gospel of Matthew: Summary and Outline. The book of Matthew is the first Gospel (an account of Jesus’ life and ministry) in the New Testament. In Matthew, Jesus teaches people what it means to be part of his kingdom, the “kingdom of heaven.”. He is betrayed and crucified.
What does Matthew say about the Old Testament?
Matthew emphasizes the Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfills, from His birth ( Mt 1:22–23; 2:5–6, 17–18) through His ministry and right up to His death and resurrection. He lives a righteous life, teaches us what it means to be righteous, and dies on a cross so that we can be right with God. Matthew opens with a simple statement ...
What does Matthew say about Jesus?
Matthew tells us the story of Jesus with an emphasis on His role as Messiah, or Christ: Jesus is the son of God. He is conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb ( Mt 1:18–20 ), ...
How many sections are there in Matthew?
The bulk of Matthew is arranged into five main sections (which may have been in reference to the five-fold Law of Moses ). Each section opens with stories of Jesus’ life and ministry, and closes with a long set of teachings from Jesus, called “discourses.”. Prologue: Jesus’ birth and significance (Mt 1–2)
Which Gospels mention the Kingdom of Heaven?
The book of Matthew makes more mentions of the “kingdom of heaven” of “kingdom of God” than any of the other Gospels. Jesus is the promised savior. He is the son of Abraham, through whom God had promised to bless all nations of the earth.
Who wrote the Gospel of the Good News?
He rises again and commissions His disciples to spread the good news. The apostle Matthew (who is traditionally credited with writing this book) seems to have written this Gospel to a Christian audience who was either Jewish or highly familiar with the Jewish religion.
