New Testament Survey HCBC Ed Center Week 3 - Matthew 1 Boring Details Author: Matthew, also called Levi Tax Collector at Capernaum Date Written: ~42 AD Original Audience: Jews living in Palestine, especially Galilee Purpose: To prove Jesus is the Messianic King of Israel, to help bring his audience to faith 2 Structure of Matthew 3 1
Church Tradition about Matthew Irenaeus Matthew issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews The Gospel of St. Matthew was written for the Jews Origen St. Matthew wrote for the Hebrew Eusebius Matthew delivered his Gospel to his countrymen 4 Church Tradition about Matthew Tradition tells who wrote it Matthew, the tax collector and disciple Tradition tells the audience Jewish countrymen in Palestine History (Acts) tells the occasion Early growth of the Church among Jews Purpose and Genre have been debated 5 Possible Purposes Teaching for believers in the Church Mt 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; If Christianity is a moral code of behavior Showing the Person (Object) of our faith Acts 1:8 you shall be My witnesses Witnesses testifying of the Person and Work Is a Christian defined by how you live or in Whom you believe? Points to the purpose to present the Person and Work in a way relevant to the audience 6 2
Audience and Purpose Suggest Method How would you bring a 1 st Century Jew to faith in Jesus? Consistency with Faith of Fathers Faith counted as righteousness No contradictions with Scripture Does not change the Law Answers to prophesies Do His credentials agree Historic realities Matthew s audience knew of His execution 7 No Contradictions Deuteronomy 13:1-3 If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them, you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Regardless of signs and wonders, message must be consistent with Scripture 8 Position of YHWH Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Daniel s warning of a false king - 11:37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. 9 3
Prophesies - Most Important to Jews The King 2 Sam 7:12 When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 1 Kings 14:14 Moreover, the LORD will raise up for Himself a king over Israel who will cut off the house of Jeroboam this day and from now on. Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. 10 Historic realities Many in Israel were eyewitnesses of events, or knew those who were; so Matthew s account was verifiable Jewish leadership Mt 26:65-66 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, He has blasphemed! what do you think? They answered, He deserves death! Death of a criminal Gal 3:13 for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree Deut 21:23 (for he who is hanged is accursed of God) Where is the Kingdom? Israel should be restored with Messiah as King 11 The King - Who would Jews accept? Must have the Credentials Lineage Chosen / sent by YHWH (Psalm 2) Not disqualified like Saul Knowledge of the Law Law of Fathers Wise and just rule Knowledge of the Kingdom Is it the Kingdom prophesied? 12 4
The King - Who would Jews accept? Authentication by signs Shows he was sent by YHWH Power and ability to fulfill Kingdom Wary of false Messiahs One who fulfills all prophesies about the King Authentication by known promises of YHWH 13 How to present the Person Lead from point-to-point so they see the case building up Emphasize the details that would be important to the audience Minimize or omit details that do not build the case to this audience Include touch points of known facts 14 Major Themes to Watch Invalidating the Jewish Leadership The leadership led rejection of Jesus Chapter 2 begins to show their motives are selfish, seeking only to stay in power, not seeking the Kingdom Chapter 3 adds John the Baptist s indictment of the Pharisees and Sadducees Chapter 5 begins specifics on showing the oral traditions have diverged from the Law (Watch for continuing development) 15 5
Major Themes to Watch Returning to God As the oral traditions put emphasis on individual holiness or purity, and lost the Mosaic Law emphasis on God s Grace, the Nation departed from God. John and Jesus each began with a call to Repent which was understood as Return to God since they had been a chosen and sanctified people. This had specific meaning within the Jewish culture. 16 Major Themes to Watch The Kingdom The prophesied Davidic or Messianic Kingdom was known as the Kingdom of Heaven the future Kingdom of Israel/Judah when God restored the Kingdom to Theocracy This was clearly a literal, geo-political future Kingdom of Israel Ezek 37:25 25 They will live on the land that I gave to Jacob My servant, in which your fathers lived; and they will live on it, they, and their sons and their sons sons, forever; and David My servant will be their prince forever. 17 Major Themes to Watch Belief and Faith vs. Doubt Righteousness is granted based on relying only on God s revealed promises Watch for tension pointing out doubts among His followers Matthew s readers also had doubts, and showing that Jesus disciples had overcome doubts helps the readers consider their own Watch for warnings that causing doubt about Him equates to sin (as Pharisees did) 18 6
Major Themes to Watch Gentiles Including Gentiles in the new Church would be a hurdle for Jews, especially Pharisees (the Separated) Watch for Jesus encounters finding more faith among Gentiles than Jews or Pharisees After proving the case of Jesus as Messiah, watch for the King s instructions to include them explaining to Matthew s readers why there were efforts to reach them. 19 Major Themes to Watch The major theme framing the argument in Matthew is the contest or tension between Jesus and the Pharisees. Matthew was from Galilee, where the Jerusalem leadership was not favored Later in Acts we find that many priests had become believers. Sadducees held many priest positions, and had no love for Pharisees. Matthew s approach may have helped reach both groups. 20 Proposed Structure for Matthew The Credentials of the King The Campaign Presentation of the King The Power of the King to restore Israel Opposition develops, rejection of the King and delay of Kingdom foreseen Foreseen rejection grows, warnings about causing doubt point to Pharisees The King s sacrifice and acceptance 21 7
The Credentials of the King The Correct Genealogy for the King 1:1 Summary Statement: Son of David, Son of Abraham The two most critical relationships David was promised a son who would reign (2 Sam 7, Jer 23:5) Abraham was promised an heir to bring Blessing (Gen 15:4) 1:2-16 Fill in details to prove summary Begins with Abraham through Jacob (Israel) Emphasizes Judah (line of the King) Lineage includes Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba etc. all prominent in Scripture The point: All Scripture points to Jesus Luke 2:44 all things which are written about Me To Joseph husband of Mary by whom Jesus was born the legal genealogy 22 The Credentials of the King Conception and Birth Approach: Directly address media reports spread during His life and still current 1:18-20 Yes, Mary conceived before wedding, but not immorally Betrothal was honorable Conception caused by Holy Spirit Attested by an angel of the Lord 1:21 First Letter of Introduction Angel of the Lord She will bear a Son You shall call His name Jesus Imperative Joseph is to do this Legal naming by husband Joshua Salvation of YHWH He will save His people from their sins Reason for the name Salvation is from YHWH conception by the Spirit Shows He was sent by God! 23 Childhood Credentials 2:2-3 Second Letter of Reference Those from Daniel s court announce Him as born King of the Jews They were already expecting Him when star indicated he had been born A real threat to Herod s rule Born king : Herod was made king, not born to it Hasmonean rule was established until a faithful prophet should arise Sign is that true King will end his rule 24 8
Childhood Credentials 2:4-8 Jewish leadership attested to His credentials Question is where He was to be born an expected fact All chief priests and scribes understood the prophet said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (agrees with summary in 2:1) Did not say YHWH through the prophet Herod himself acknowledges even he should worship Him Yet - none of the leadership bothers to travel the few miles themselves They are not seeking the Kingdom or the King Even Gentiles seek the King more than the leaders! 25 26 The Credentials of the King Announced by the one prophesied by Isaiah (40:3) Context is Nation s return to God just before the Kingdom blessings Pharisees denounced by John 3:9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, We have Abraham for our father ; Belief was they had automatic admittance if they maintained their own holiness Instead they must see their own sin nature and seek Grace Again shows the leaderships isn t seeking the Kingdom 27 9
The Credentials of the King Anointed as King His baptism 3:16 the Spirit of God descending As the Spirit came on David when anointed to be king 3:17 a voice out of the heavens said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am wellpleased. Psalm 2 used in the coronation of the kings These things point to Jesus baptism as His anointing as God s choice of King Tempted and found acceptable Even Satan shows He is the One 28 Jesus Campaign Message Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. A summary statement condensing his message Turn from relying on personal holiness Return to seek God s Grace They have been led away from God by the Pharisee s interpretations Lam 2.9 Her gates have sunk into the ground, He has destroyed and broken her bars. Her king and her princes are among the nations; The law is no more; Also, her prophets find No vision from the LORD. Lam 2.14 Your prophets have seen for you False and foolish visions; And they have not exposed your iniquity So as to restore you from captivity, But they have seen for you false and misleading oracles. The promised Kingdom is near because the King is here 29 Themes of the Sermon on the Mount The common people of Israel recognize that the Kingdom is near Israel s true leaders will proclaim the King, while false leaders will oppose Him The King will uphold the Law, while false leaders will distort it The Scribes/Pharisees/Sadducees are shown to be false leaders by their teaching, practice, and opposition 30 10
Chiastic structure of the Sermon The common people rejoice for the Kingdom is near 5:3-10 The disciples rejoice for they are known by the King, while others condemn 5:11-12 The disciples will proclaim the King, while other leaders are worthless 5:13-16 Summary - the King will uphold the Law, unlike the scribes and Pharisees who distort it 5:17-20 The King compares the actual law to the Pharisees & Sadducees interpretation and practice 5:21-7:12 Summary - the King s way vs. the Pharisees way, 7:13-14 The disciples will enter the kingdom, while other leaders are worthless 7:15-23 The disciples will follow Him while others will fall 7:24-27 The common people react to the King s message 7:28 31 Positive and Negative Examples The positive examples cited in the sermon all share characteristics that are not seen in the Pharisees The negative characteristics are all things known about the Pharisees! Jesus calls the negative examples hypocrites and Gentiles but would be seen by His audience as Pharisees Just as Pharisees called their opponents Samaritans 32 Rewards in the Sermon Pharisees claimed there was a hierarchy of rewards earned in this life to be bestowed in the Kingdom/resurrection They claimed they were earning the top level rewards Jesus says they are wrong they receive all their rewards in this life The reward for others is the Kingdom 33 11
Pharisees in Chapter 7 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness. The Pharisees will have no place in the Kingdom! 34 Break Time! 35 Showing the Power of the King The miracles performed are signs that show He has been sent by God, or is God They also show He has the power to bring the Kingdom and be King They involve restoring to usefulness of damaged people, in a nation that is useless They involve giving sight and hearing in a nation that no longer knows or hears from God They involve giving speech in a nation that has not proclaimed God 36 12
The King leads to the destination 8:23 When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 37 The King is needed 8:24-26 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, Save us, Lord; we are perishing! He said to them, Why are you afraid, you men of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The nation would perish without the King Everything in Israel obeys the King 38 Continuing to discredit the Pharisees First let me bury my father 8:21-22 Most commentators understand that bodies were buried the day they died, so claim the man s father was not dead, that Jesus was saying service takes precedence over family Yet in Mark 7:9-13 He chastises the Pharisees for neglecting care of parents (as God commanded) because of Temple service This would make the commonly assumed meaning in Matthew 8 inconsistent 39 13
Actual 1 st Century burial customs For about 100 years around this time some Jews had two burials, due to teaching of the Pharisaic rabbis A body was placed in a tomb for a year until the flesh rotted off the bones 40 Actual 1 st Century burial customs Pharisaic teaching was that the rotting of the flesh was atonement for sins After a year the bones were ceremonially cleaned, placed in a purified stone ossuary with a burial ceremony said to assure the resurrection The Jewish writings of the time record the Pharisees teaching in the comments of a man who had just completed the reburying of his father. The man spoke of how yesterday he was in grief because his father was in lower sheol, but today after the ceremony he was rejoicing because his father s resurrection was secure 41 Showing the Pharisee practice worthless Another of the disciples said to Him, Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead. Luke adds (9:60) but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God. The ceremony could not help the man s father: it is the living who need to hear that the King is here! 42 14
The evidence of His Kingship is clear 9:33b the crowds were amazed, saying, Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. 9:34 But the Pharisees were saying, He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons. In spite of clear evidence they opposed Him 9:35-38 sheep without a shepherd because the leaders are not leading to the King Therefore ask the Lord to send workers to bring them to the Kingdom 43 The effect of Pharisee Opposition Even John asks questions The Pharisees say he has a demon, and defame Jesus Cities (where the synagogues teach) deny Him So he calls to individuals They increasingly attack Him He says by your words you will be condemned Who are my brothers? Not all of Israel are of Israel by faith excludes the Pharisees 44 Revealing coming rejection Chapter 13 The Parables begin by showing many will reject or fall away There will be tares among the wheat The Kingdom will start small before becoming great Leaven (teaching of the Pharisees) will grow to contaminate all (rejection) The Kingdom is found, then hidden again He will sell all that He has to purchase the Kingdom During the delay, all kinds will be gathered for the Kingdom 45 15
Peter s Confession Mt 16 You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Knowledge revealed to him by the Father So in the Kingdom Peter will be given the keys (badge of office of a Scribe, interpreter of Scripture) Christ is the foundation of the Church, and death will not overcome it (all who die go through the gates of sheol) Hezekiah said In the middle of my life I am to enter the gates of Sheol; I am to be deprived of the rest of my years. 46 More Pharisaic Leaven Mt 18 Like the Pharisees, the disciples argue over who will be greatest Jesus points out a child who had not yet absorbed the Pharisee s teaching one like this is greatest Whoever causes (child) to stumble (turn to Pharisees from Jesus) woe to him If brother sins (teaches doubt about Jesus) Show him his fault Witness by two or three (proof in court of Jesus) Witness by whole assembly If he will not believe, do not associate (give credence) Again (as above) where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Two or Three eyewitnesses prove the facts about Jesus 47 More on Rewards Mt 20 Vineyard Parable Hired laborers all receive the same reward, no matter how little/much they have worked Mother of James & John asks that they be given positions of honor in Kingdom Reply is that He can not give, for the honor is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father. Honor in the Kingdom is not earned, but is by identity foreknown by the Father 48 16
In Jerusalem Mt 21-23 Welcomed as Messiah, He is then challenged by chief priests, elders, and Pharisees He indicts them by parables of two sons and landowner, saying the Kingdom will be taken from them (false leadership) and given to others. He then confirms Israel s distinctives when answering the questions in 22, showing only Israel s leadership is rejected. In 23 He pronounces judgment on Pharisees 49 His Return and End of the Age Chapter 24 describes the first part of the tribulation (beginnings of birth pangs), followed by the last half (endures to the end will enter the Kingdom) At the Abomination (mid-trib) those in Israel are to flee to seek safety Then He returns and first judges Israel, and evil slave (Pharisee false leaders) is cast out 50 His Return and End of the Age - 25 The talents great treasure (Scripture) given to Israel Those who hid it do not know Him and are cast out. Those who have understanding (did business with treasure) are given more understanding and given rest in the Kingdom ( enter into the joy of your master. ) Then judgment on the Nations Those that broke covenant during trib are cast out Those that kept covenant by protecting Jews are righteous by covenant and enter the kingdom 51 17
The Last Passover Jesus reveals that the symbolism of the Passover points to Him The traditional sheet of bread that was broken and fit back together represented His body, to be broken and resurrected The traditional cup of salvation is the covenant in His blood, but He does not drink it, and Israel does not accept it, so the New Covenant is still future They sing the traditional psalms, that speak of His sacrifice and resurrection 52 Illegal trials and execution Matthew shows by details that the trials were illegal and no guilt was shown The high priest even breaks the Law by tearing his robes Pilate finds no fault and knows they accuse Him from envy He is crucified, identified as King of the Jews He suffers Spiritual Death in separation from God on the cross due to man s sin 53 Resurrection and Instruction An angel announces the Resurrection (as one had His birth) The women see Him and he sends word to the disciples to meet Him in Galilee (where they began with Him) The elders and priests bribe the guard to spread false stories about His death In Galilee He tells His disciples to make disciples of all people groups This explains to Matthew s Jewish readers why there are Gentiles in the new Church the King commanded it 54 18
Conclusions Matthew, written for the Jews, shows them that Jesus is their Messiah King Details would have meaning to the Jews of that culture, but we miss many of them There is no indication that the Disciples expect anything other than the Messianic Kingdom to be established 55 Conclusions If the Great Commission is for the Church, why is it only in Matthew? Details in one Gospel would be expected to be of special interest to the original audience Jews would need to know why Gentiles are being accepted in the new Church The Pharisee / Jesus tension is also clearly in the other Gospels 56 Next Week The other three Gospels! Why do we have 4 Gospels? Hint: MT 18:16 & 20 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. We will focus on details unique to each Gospel 57 19