The Gospel of Matthew

1. The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5

2. Matthew’s Gospel 2 minute free-write • What do you already know about Matthew’s Gospel? Use your Mark outline and your Bible (headings of Matthew’s Gospel) to find: * 5 things Mark and Matt. have in common * 5 significant differences btn. Mark & Matt What might explain the differences? What might the differences tell us about Matthew’s Gospel? (themes, images of Jesus, etc.)

3. A. Background • 1. Author • Early belief: 1 of the Chosen 12 • Matthew/Levi • Modern belief: Unknown author • Jewish Christian Scribe • 2. Audience • Greek-speaking Jewish Christians in Antioch (Syria)

4. A. Background (continued) • 3. Date • Probably around 85 C.E. • After Mark • After destruction of Temple • Tension between Christian Jews & Jews • 4. Framework • Introduction: Infancy Narrative • 1. KoG Proclaimed • 2. Christian Discipleship • 3. Opposition to Jesus • 4. Jesus and his Church • 5. Journey & Ministry in Jerusalem • Climax: Passion, Death, Resurrection

5. A. Background (continued) • 5. Symbol • Winged Human • Starts with Jesus’ genealogy • 6. Purpose • To show that Judaism can continue in accepting Jesus as Lord and following his teachings in the Church

6. A. Background (continued) • 7. Themes • Judgment • Always be ready for Jesus’ return • Church • Matthew = only Gospel including the word “church” (ekklesia) • Right Instruction • “instruction manual”—teaches righteousness, prayer, conversion

7. A. Background (continued) • 8. Images of Jesus • Jesus the fulfillment of prophecy • Jesus is the messiah • Jesus is the “New Moses” • Jesus the Teacher • 5 discourses

8. Matthew’s Background Review Activity Copy the following outline onto a piece of paper: • Author: (religious background and occupation) • Audience: (religious background & language) • Date: (year and 2 preceding events) • Framework: (name any of the parts) • Symbol: (what and why?) • Themes: • 1. 2. 3. • Images of Jesus: • 1. 2.

9. B. Hebrew Scripture Roots “Scavenger Hunt” Worksheet • Key points: • Every chapter of Matthew’s Gospel has a connection to Hebrew Scripture • Matthew’s Gospel refers to each of the 4 major parts of Hebrew Scripture • Matthew’s Gospel refers to 30 out of the 46 books of Hebrew Scripture (~2/3)

10. C. 1st Discourse: Sermon on the Mount • a. Key Points • 1st and most important discourse • Summarizes the “new Law” • Love, Grace, Freedom • Ethical Teachings for Jesus’ followers • Key ideas in this discourse • interior conversion • the practice of discipleship

11. C. 1st Discourse: Sermon on the Mount (continued) • b. The Beatitudes • “Beatitude” = supreme happiness • Blessing = nearness of God • KoG involves reversal

12. The Our Father Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

13. C. 1st Discourse: Sermon on the Mount(continued) • c. The Our Father • Summary of the entire Gospel message • Intimacy with God • God’s glory • Coming of the KoG • Depend on God/Trust God • God is merciful • We must forgive others • Do not give in to temptation • Jesus offers us salvation

14. D. 2nd Discourse: Sharing the Faith with Others • Read chapter 10 and record in your notes: • Each of the 7 headings in this section • At least one key idea for each section

15. D. 2nd Discourse: Sharing the Faith with Others(continued) • Reflection questions: • “Belonging to Jesus means that we will inevitably suffer for him.” Do you agree that it is necessary to suffer to be a disciple? Why? • 10:34 “I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” How is or isn’t this statement consistent with the rest of Jesus’ message? • 10:16 “Behold I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.” What does this mean?

16. D. 2nd Discourse: Sharing the Faith with Others (continued) Jesus gave the 12 power to _1_ and sent them to preach to the _2_. He told them not to bring _3_. Jesus warns them that they will face difficulties such as _4_, but he says that they will be _5_ if they persevere. He tells them not to be _6_ because God will be there for them. In order to be a true disciple, we must love Jesus more than our _7_ and _8_ and we must take up our _9_ and follow him.

17. E. 3rd Discourse: Parables about the Kingdom • See the worksheet for details • 7 Parables

18. Matthew’s Gospel Review • Author: (religious background and occupation) • Audience: (religious background & language) • Date: (year and 2 preceding events) • Symbol: (what and why?) • Themes: • 1. 2. 3. • Images of Jesus: • 1. 2. • Discourses & key points • 1. 2. 3.

19. F. 4th Discourse: Instruction for the Church • a. Church Structure • based on Matthew 16:17-18 • Peter  Pope • Apostles  Bishops • b. Christ’s presence in the Church • 4-fold presence • 1. Sacraments • 2. Scripture • 3. Leaders • 4. Members

20. F. 4th Discourse: Instruction for the Church (continued) • c. Jesus’ Instructions • Read each of the following passages, and record their instructions for members of the Church. * 18:4 * 18:15-17 * 18:8 * 18:20 * 18:10-14 * 18:21-22 • d. The Church and the KoG • How is the KoG demonstrated IN the Church? • How is the KoG GREATER THAN the Church?

21. The Kingdom is here now • The Kingdom is of a loving God, the Father • The Kingdom is for everyone • The Kingdom is a free gift from a merciful God • The Church is the beginning of God’s Kingdom • The Kingdom is united by the Holy Spirit • The Kingdom involves a life of service

22. G. 5th Discourse: The Final Judgment • a. Eschatological • A term having to do with the end times or the “last things” (death, resurrection, judgment, heaven, etc.) • b. Contents • end of the Temple, end of the world, divine judgment in the last days • c. Message • Be prepared!

23. G. 5th Discourse: The Final Judgment (continued) • d. Key Parables • The Parable of the Talents (25:14-30) • We must USE the gifts God gives us to build up the KoG • The Judgment of the Nations (25:31-46) • The Corporal Works of MERCY • Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger/shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned • Jesus identifies himself with those in need---what we do (or don’t do) for them, we do (or don’t do) for him. • We will be judged based on how we serve those in need. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTyBmSwpE64&feature=related

24. H. Jesus as the “New Moses” • Written recall of Moses life/work • Small Groups find & explain at least 4 specific similarities between Jesus & Moses

25. I. Jesus Challenges Judaism • 1. Read Matthew 23 and… • Write a brief initial reaction to the passage beginning with “This passage makes me feel…” • Write 3 key ideas from the passage • 2. Use the textbook section (p. 155-156) to answer the following questions: • Explain what anti-Semitism is AND why it is not consistent with Christianity. • Explain why this passage is not anti-Semitic (be sure to refer to its author, context, and point)