The Gospel of Matthew
An Introduction and Outline
Matthew has nicely divided his gospel into five parallel sections. These are easily discovered by the fivefold repetition of "when Jesus had finished" {7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Each grouping consists of both a narrative (covering events) and a teaching section. They are cushioned by a good-sized introduction and conclusion.
Outline of Matthew |
A Map for the Gospel of Matthew |
| Introduction to the King’s Earthly Ministry (1:1-4:11)
#1 Principles of the Kingdom (4:12-7:29) #2 Propagation of the Kingdom (8:1-11:1) #3 Antagonism toward the Kingdom (11:2-13:53) #4 Hostility within the Kingdom (13:54-19:2) #5 Rejection of the Kingdom (19:3-26:2) Conclusion to the King’s Earthly Ministry (26:3-28:20) |
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The Purpose of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew no doubt was written to the Jewish people. There are 53 direct Old Testament quotes in Matthew alone and another 76 allusions. One needs to understand the Old Testament to appreciate Matthew's purpose to show that Jesus indeed is Christ. He has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.
Wherever Jesus went, He faced opposition. The closer to Jerusalem, the greater the tension. This is true when Jesus was young as well as at the end of His life. He was away from the throne (14-20) but in 21-27 He stayed in and around Jerusalem. The message is clear. He was not wanted as King. From birth to maturity, Christ the King was rejected by man but accepted by God.
Other Matthew articles:
| Matthew 1:22-23 | Bridge of Life; Immanuel |
| Matthew 5-7 | Sermon on Mount: Introduction, Outline, Bible Study |
| Matthew 5:1-12 | The Eight Beatitudes |
| Matthew 5:21-48 | Sermon on Mount: Six Test Cases of Love |
| Matthew 5:33-37 | Sermon on Mount: Walking in Integrity |
| Matthew 6:21 | Sermon on Mount: Detecting Heart Divisions |
| Matthew 9:35-38 | Going into His Harvest, Questions |
| Matthew 11:28-30 | Finding Rest for Your Weary Souls |
| Matthew 12:7 | 'I Desire Compassion' |
| Matthew 15:21-28 | Staying Focused on God's Will |
| Matthew 17:24-27 | Trusting God for money |
| Matthew 18:21-22 | Forgive with Liberality |
| Matthew 24:14 | The Gospel Mission & the End Times |
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