WHEN WE READ MATTHEW

                Matthew was a former publican whom Jesus called from the tax job to being an apostle. He as well as all the biographers of Jesus wrote by inspiration that Jesus is the Christ and deliverer that came to Zion, and all Israel as well as all Gentiles can be saved through him.

                The content of the book in outline is: 1) Early life of Christ (Matthew 1:1-4:11. This includes the genealogy of Joseph back to Abraham, the virgin birth, the visit of the wide men, the preparatory work of John, baptism of Jesus, and his wilderness trials. 2) The Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:12 through chapter 18).In this section the preaching in Galilee, the sermon of the mount, Miracles, apostles sent on limited commission, Kingdom parables, visit to Caesarea-Philippi, foretelling his coming death. 3) The Perean Ministry (Chapters 19, 20). Here his teaching on marriage and of work in the vineyard is shown.
4) His last week (Matthew 21-28). Triumphal entry, teaching in temple, foretelling destruction of Jerusalem and events of his second coming, rebuking the Jews, last supper, betrayal, trial, crucifixion, resurrection and great commission.

                1. Jesus is of the lineage of David and Abraham. Jesus fulfilled the promise made to Abraham that all families of the earth would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:16, 26-29). Jesus also fulfilled the promise made to David that his throne would be established forever in that he came to sit on David’s throne and reign over his Kingdom (Acts 2:30-36).  

        2. We are impressed that He was born of a Virgin.  Matthew 1:18-25. Though engaged to Joseph, Mary was found of Child of the Holy Spirit. The angel of the Lord convinced Joseph to take Mary to be his wife. He knew her not until she brought forth his first born son and called his name JESUS for he will save his people from their sins. (Mat. 1:21, 25). This fulfilled Isaiah 7:14 where the prophet of old said a virgin would conceive and bring forth a son who is Emmanuel which means God with us.

                3. The Wise men from the east came to see the King of the Jews. Micah’s prophecy is shown to be fulfilled that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5, 6). Also Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled by Herod who in an attempt to kill Jesus had all the children 2 and under killed in Bethlehem (Jeremiah 31; 15; Matthew 2:16-18). But Jesus by the direction of the angel had been taken to Egypt and when he came back they went to live in Nazareth.

                4. Jesus came to establish the kingdom of heaven. John’s preaching was “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus preached “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). He sent the 12 out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and told them to preach “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7). In a series of 7 parables some 7 times he likened things on earth to the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13. In Matthew 16:18, 19 he identified it as the church. In Matthew 18:3 he said man had to be converted and become as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. 32 times in 31 verses (and only in Matthew) do we have the “kingdom of heaven” referred to in the New Testament. 5 times He calls it the “kingdom of God” in Matthew and in the other gospels Kingdom of God is used interchangeably with the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom or church was established on the first Pentecost after his resurrection (See Acts 2).

                5. Jesus proved that one can be tempted and not fall into sin. He was tempted in all points like as we and yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus overcame Satan by using the word of God against him in every instance. We are encouraged to resist temptations. With a good knowledge of the word of God, with belief of, and use of the same we can overcome temptations also. We are also to know that Jesus, who was tempted, has been made our sympathetic high priest. We can come boldly to the throne of Grace through him, obtaining mercy and grace to help in the time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

                6. We can be assured that Jesus is really the Christ and Savior because of the great miracles he performed. He healed lepers (Matthew 8:1-4); the Centurion’s servant (8:5-13); Peter’s mother-in-law (5:14-17); stilled a storm on Galilee (8:23-27); a cripple who had to be carried to him (9:1-6); a man with a withered hand and another who was blind and dumb (Matthew 12:12-32). These miracles fulfilled prophecy (Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4). When John’s disciples were sent to him asking “art thou he that should come, or do we look for another” Jesus sent back this message,  “The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” (Matthew 11:4-6). 

                7. We are taught that traditions of men will not save. In Matthew 15 Jesus showed that traditions of men contradicted the word of God (15:4-6); caused vain worship (15:9); created institutions that will be rooted up (15:13); and were followed by blind leaders who led blind people into the ditch (Matthew 15:14).

                8. We are to hear Christ. In Matthew 17:1-5 Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James and John and there appeared Moses and Elijah talking with him. Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, one to each of them, but God said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

                9. Christ will not tolerate Hypocrisy. Seven times in Matthew 23 Jesus calls the Scribes and Pharisees “Hypocrites”. A Hypocrite is one who is play acting and is not sincere. Such is condemned by Jesus because he wants real service out of sincere hearts and lives.

                10. The importance of forgiving one another. In Matthew 18:15-35 he teaches that when he forgives us we must be willing to forgive our fellow men or else salvation will be removed and we will be tormented forever.

                11. To reject Christ is to seal one’s doom. The parable of the Vineyard shows that the Jews who killed him would be destroyed (Matthew 21:33-44). The parable of the marriage feast teaches the same (Matthew 22:1-14). He told them “you house is left to you desolate” (Matthew 23:38).  In the great commission the Lord said that the ones who believe not will be condemned (Mark 16:16).

                12. Jesus said the Lord’s Supper is to be observed in the kingdom. Matthew 26:26-29.

                13. The gospel is to be taught to all nations (Matthew 28:19).

                14. Matthew 25 shows the Judgment to come.
           

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