AS the procession slowly winds through the city, thousands pack the pavements hoping to catch a glimpse. Marching bands with great fanfare announce the arrival, and bodyguards scan the crowd and run alongside the limousine. Pomp, ceremony, protocol – modern symbols of position and evidences of importance – herald the arrival of royalty. We honour and respect them.
The Jews waited for a leader who had been promised centuries before by prophets. They believed that this leader – the Messiah (“anointed one”) – would rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom. As their king, he would rule the world with justice. However, many Jews overlooked prophecies that also spoke of this king as a suffering servant who would be rejected and killed. It is no wonder, then, that few recognised Jesus as the Messiah. How could this humble carpenter’s son from Nazareth be their king? But Jesus was and is the king of all the earth!
Matthew (Levi) was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Once he was a despised tax collector, but his life was changed by this man from Galilee. Matthew wrote this Gospel to his fellow Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah and to explain God’s kingdom.
Matthew begins his account by giving Jesus’ genealogy. He then tells of Jesus’ birth and early years, including the family’s escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth. Following Jesus’ baptism by John (3.17) and his defeat of Satan in the desert, Jesus begins his public ministry by calling his first disciples and giving the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). Matthew shows Christ’s authority by reporting his miracles of healing the sick and the demon-possessed, and even raising the dead.
Despite opposition from the Pharisees and others in the religious establishments (chapters 12-15), Jesus continued to teach concerning the kingdom of heaven (chapters 16-20). During this time, Jesus spoke with his disciples about his imminent death and resurrection (16.21), and revealed his true identity to Peter, James, and John (17.1-5). Near the end of his ministry, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a triumphant procession (21.1-11). But soon opposition mounted and Jesus knew that his death was near. So he taught his disciples about the future – what they could expect before his return (chapter 24) and how to live until then (chapter 25).
In Matthew’s finale (chapter 26-28), he focuses on Jesus’ final days on earth – the Last Supper, his prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the flight of the disciples, Peter’s denial, the trials before Caiaphas and Pilate, Jesus’ final words on the cross, and his burial in a borrowed tomb. But the story does not end there, for the Messiah rose from the dead – conquering death and then telling his followers to continue his work by making disciples in all nations.
As you read this Gospel, listen to Matthew’s clear message: Jesus is the Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Celebrate his victory over evil and death, and make Jesus the Lord of your life.
VITAL STATISTICS
PURPOSE: To prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King
AUTHOR: Matthew (Levi)
TO WHOM WRITTEN: Matthew wrote especially to the Jews
DATE WRITTEN: Probably between A.D. 60-65
SETTING: Matthew was a Jewish tax collector who became one of Jesus’ disciples. This Gospel forms the connecting link between the Old and New Testaments because of its emphasis on the fulfilment of prophecy.
KEY VERSE: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them” (5.17).
KEY PEOPLE: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the disciples, the religious leaders, Caiaphas, Pilate, Mary Magdalene
KEY PLACES: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Capernaum, Galilee, Judea
SPECIAL FEATURES: Matthew is filled with messianic language (“Son of David” is used throughout) and Old Testament references (53 quotes and 76 other references). This Gospel was not written as a chronological account; its purpose was to present the clear evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour
THE BLUEPRINT
Birth And Preparation Of Jesus, The King (1.1-4.11) The people of Israel were waiting for the Messiah, their king. Matthew begins this book by showing how Jesus Christ was a descendant of David. But Matthew goes on to show that God (Wall) did not send Jesus to be an earthly king, but a heavenly king. His kingdom would be much greater than David’s because it would never end. Even at Jesus’ birth, many recognised him as a king. Herod, the ruler, as well as Satan, was afraid of Jesus’ kinship and tried to stop him, but others worshipped him and brought royal gifts. We must be willing to recognise Jesus for who he really is and worship him as king of our lives.
Message And Ministry Of Jesus, The King (4.12-25.46) Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, directions for living in his kingdom. He also told many parables about the difference between his kingdom and the kingdom of earth. Forgiveness, peace, and putting others first are some of the characteristics that make one great in the future kingdom of God. And to be great in God’s kingdom, we must live by God’s standards right now. Jesus came to show us how to live as faithful subjects in his kingdom.
- Jesus begins his ministry
- Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount
- Jesus performs many miracles
- Jesus teaches about the kingdom
- Jesus encounters differing reactions to his ministry
- Jesus faces conflict with the religious leaders
- Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives
Death And Resurrection Of Jesus, The King (26.1-28.20) Jesus was formally presented to the nation of Israel, but rejected. How strange for the king to be accused, arrested, and crucified. But Jesus demonstrated his power even over death through resurrection, and gained access for us into his kingdom. With all this evidence that Jesus is God’s Son, we too should accept him as our Lord.
MEGATHEMES
Jesus Christ, the King
EXPLANATION: Jesus is revealed as the King of kings. His miraculous birth, his life and teaching, his miracles, and his triumph over death show his true identity.
IMPORTANCE: Jesus cannot be equated with any person or power. He is the supreme ruler of time and eternity, heaven and earth, humans and angels. We should give him his rightful place as king of our lives.
The Messiah
EXPLANATION: Jesus was the Messiah, the One for whom the Jews had waited to deliver them from Roman oppression. Yet tragically, they didn’t recognise him when he came because his kingship was not what they expected. The true purpose of God’s anointed deliverer was to die for all people to free them from sin’s oppression.
IMPORTANCE: Because Jesus was sent by God, we can trust him with our lives. It is worth everything we have to acknowledge him and give ourselves to him, because he came to be our Messiah, our Saviour.
Kingdom of God
EXPLANATION: Jesus came to earth to begin his kingdom. His full kingdom will be realised at his return and will be made up of anyone who has faithfully followed him.
IMPORTANCE: The way to enter God’s kingdom is by faith – believing in Christ to save us from sin and change our lives. We must do the work of his kingdom now to be prepared for his return.
Teachings
EXPLANATION: Jesus taught the people through sermons, illustrations, and parables. Through his teachings, he showed the true ingredients of faith and how to guard against a fruitless and hypocritical life.
IMPORTANCE: Jesus’ teachings show us how to prepare for life in his eternal kingdom by living properly right now. He lived what he taught, and we too must practise what we preach.
Resurrection
EXPLANATION: When Jesus rose from the dead, he rose in power as the true king. In his victory over death, he established his credentials as king and his power and authority over evil.
IMPORTANCE: The resurrection shows Jesus’ all-powerful life for us – not even death could stop his plan of offering eternal life. Those who believe in Jesus can hope for a resurrection like his. Our role is to tell his story to all the earth so that everyone may share in his victory.
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