Matthew
Introduction
Matthew is the first of the four Gospels which record the life and
ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each writer presents Christ from
a differ vantage point. Matthew portrays Jesus as the 'Prophesied
King'. He shows that as a direct descendant of King David, HE
(Jesus) has a right to the throne. Jesus Christ offered the Kingdom
of Heaven (God) to the people (the Jewish nation) but they rejected
Him and the offer. Thus, He was crucified and raised on the third
day according to God's eternal plan. The Kingdom is now offered in
the Gospel to the entire world. All believers become part of God's
kingdom here and now, yet one day the kingdom will come in all
fullness when Jesus comes again !
Theme: The Prophesied King - written to the Jews
Key Verse: Matthew 16:16-19; 28:18-20
Key Word: fulfilled
Matthew 1
The opening chapter of Matthew's Gospel records the genealogy of
Jesus through Abraham (His Jewish roots) and King David (His
royal family) 1. The list is divided into three periods of 14
generations each (v 17). The list includes both godly and ungodly
men. There are also 5 women who are named (3,5,6,16). Notice that
He was born of Mary 16; which is an exact way to state the truth
which is later revealed and recorded that she was with child by the
Holy Spirit (virgin birth) 18, 23. This was foretold and planned by
the Lord (see: Isaiah 7:14). Note: The Bible teaches the virgin
birth of Christ. To reject this teaching is to reject the Word of
God and the God of the Bible who is all-powerful ! Joseph, who was
engaged to Mary, find out that she was with child and wanted to
'divorce her' privately 18-19. The Lord spoke to him in a dream and
revealed that the Holy Spirit brought about her conception 20.
Jesus was to be His name. A name in Biblical terms revealed a
persons character and purpose. Jesus means 'the Lord is Salvation'.
How fitting that His name is Jesus, for He will save His people
from their sins 21. Note: Jesus came to save sinners, which
includes you and me. Our problem before God is our sin. We can not
save ourselves, so God did for us (through Christ) what we can not
do for ourselves. Jesus would also be called 'Immanuel' which means
'God with us' because He, in fact, is God 23 ! (Matthew
16:16). Joseph, in faith, obediently does what the Lord had
commanded him 24-25. He named the baby 'Jesus', the name given him
by an angel (messenger) come from the Lord.
Matthew 2
Some time after Jesus was born (approximately two years later based
on 2:16) wise men from the East came looking for the One who was
born king of the Jews 1-2. This must has startled Herod and the
people 3. The Scribes (who studied the Old Testament) were called
upon to answer the question of where 4. Bethlehem is the place
according to Micah 5:2. (5-6). These Magi were sent on their way
with the command to report back to Herod 7-8. The star (ordained by
God) lead them right to the place where Jesus was 9. Note: Where
there is light, it leads to the Savior. Their response of gifts and
worship show a genuine faith in Christ. Gold for a king, incense
for a priest, and myrrh used in preparation for death (ie. His
sacrifice) 10-11. Note: While they may not have given these knowing
the symbolism, yet God has so ordered; it to give testimony to His
Son and the work He came to accomplish. These men return home after
being warned by the Lord in a dream 13. Joseph to told to take Mary
and Jesus and flee to Egypt for His life was in danger 13-14. This
also fulfilled the word of the Lord from Hosea 11:1 (15). Herod
realizing what had happened had all the male children killed who
were 2 years old and under 16. He would have not revile and is a
picture of all who finally and totally reject the Lord. They would
kill Him if they could. The Lord, through His prophet also foretold
the sorrow of this event in Jeremiah 31:15 (17-18). After the
time in Egypt, the Lord directed them back to the land of Judah,
specifically Nazareth. This too was a fulfillment of the word of
the Lord 19-23. Note: While a specific verse is not noted, some
suggest that the prophets (pl) spoke of Him as 'the branch' (Isaiah
11:1) which sounds like the Hebrew word for Nazareth or that He
would be despised (Psalm 22:6-7) which also ties in with the name
He was called by 'a Nazarene' (see: John 1:46).
Matthew 3
Much time passes between 2:22 and 3:1 (about 30 years). John, the
baptist (called such because he was baptizing individuals who were
coming to him) fulfills the word of the Lord as the voice of the
one who prepares the way for the Lord 1-3. He preached and people
came in repentance and confession of their sins 4-6. He chastised
the religious leaders of the day for their failure to heed the
message and repent 7-9. The Lord would come in judgment and cut
down and burn up all that was chaff and worthless 10-12. Note: The
Lord is both the One who saves and also brings destruction 12. The
One coming (Jesus) would be the one who would baptize with the Holy
Spirit and fire 11 ! Wow. He was the One to whom they must
look and bow. Jesus comes for baptism, not because He had sin, but
to fulfill all righteousness 13-15. One reason was to identify with
us, who are sinners that we might identify with Him in His death
and resurrection for our sins (see: Romans 6:3-7). The Holy Trinity
is present in 16-17; the Father (the voice which spoke from
heaven), The Son (Jesus who is being baptized), and the Holy Spirit
(who descends in the form of a dove). The Father (God, Himself)
says of Jesus 'This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well
pleased' 17. Note: Do you, by faith, receive the testimony of the
word and God Himself and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, so as to
be saved ? You need not understand everything first. Believe and He
will reveal Himself to you ! (Romans 10:9-10;13).
Matthew 4
After His baptism, Jesus was 'lead by the Spirit into the desert to
be tempted by the devil' 1. Note: This statement in itself is one
to prayerfully ponder (how does the Spirit lead and how does that
connect with temptation and the devil ?). After the Father's
affirmation of His Son, the devil attacks right at that point, when
Jesus may have been physically weak from fasting 2-3. In each of
these temptations Jesus responds by going back to the Word of God
4,7,10. Note: He showed us how to handle temptation by submitting
to God and His Word (see: James 4:7-10). These temptations came at
Jesus on three areas (the flesh, the eyes, and pride - 1 John
2:16-17). HE was victorious and the devil leaves while angels
attend to Him 11. Jesus begins His 'public ministry' as He preaches
the message of God's Kingdom and the necessity of repentance (in
order to enter it) 17. This was fulfilling the Word of God 12-16
(Isaiah 9:1-2). Jesus calls His first disciples 18-21. These would
become 'fishers of men' 19, which indicated the role they would
have in giving the same Good news to the world. Note: At this point
they did not know what part they would have in proclaiming God's
plan to the world. In the same manner, the Lord calls us to follow
Him and to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). Jesus ministry of preaching
and healing spread as He traveled around 23-25. Note: The Good News
(Gospel) is one of salvation, healing, and wholeness through the
Lord Jesus Christ. This snap-shot of Jesus gives us deeper
understanding of the heart of God. What mercy, compassion, and
grace God shows to the fallen sons and daughter of Adam. Oh, that
each of us would respond with humility and receive His grace by
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ !