.Notes_Gospel of Matthew_NABRE Introduction
Read Introduction: The Gospel According to Matthew
Study Notes: The Gospel According to Matthew
- Authorship and Date:
- Traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples.
- Currently, scholarly consensus suggests an unknown author, referred to as Matthew for
convenience.
- Likely composed after A.D. 70, given references to the fall of Jerusalem.
- Possible location of composition: Antioch.
- Sources:
- Primarily based on the Gospel of Mark and "Q" (shared material with Luke).
- Contains unique material, designated as "M."
Key Themes:
- Righteousness:
- Central theme, tied to discipleship and obedience to God's will.
- Kingdom of Heaven:
- Jesus' primary message, calling for repentance and announcing the coming kingdom.
- Discipleship:
- Emphasized in the Sermon on the Mount and throughout the gospel.
- Requires a complete change of heart and conduct.
- Church and Community:
- Establishment of the church on Peter, with authority to bind and loose.
- Instructions on forgiveness, correction, and care for fellow disciples.
- Judgment and Final Age:
- Parables and teachings on the final judgment and the turn of the ages.
- Jesus' passion and resurrection mark the beginning of the new age.
The Gospel of Matthew contains Five big talks, or discourses, that tell us amazing things about
Jesus and how much He loves us.
1. The Sermon on the Mount- Matthew 5-7
2. The Missionary Discourse- Matthew 10
3. The Parable Discourse - Matthew 13
4. The Church Order Discourse- Matthew 18
5. The Eschatological Discourse- Matthew 24-25
1. The Sermon on the Mount- Matthew 5-7
It includes the Beatitudes.
Imagine sitting on a big hill, and Jesus is talking to all His friends. He tells them how much God
loves them and how to be good friends to others. Jesus says, "Treat others just like you want
them to treat you!" It's like a big guide on how to be kind and caring.
2. The Missionary Discourse- Matthew 10
Jesus commissions his disciples to go out and spread the message of the kingdom of heaven. He
provides them with instructions, warnings, and guidance for their mission.
3. The Parable Discourse - Matthew 13
Jesus tells stories or parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven.
Eg. Parable of the Sower, the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, the leaven, and others.
These stories teach us about love, forgiveness, and how much God cares for each one of us.4. 4.
4. The Church Order Discourse- Matthew 18
This discourse focuses on the life of the Christian community, discussing topics like
forgiveness, reconciliation, and the correction of fellow believers. It also addresses the
importance of childlike faith and the power of binding and loosing.
He says, "Forgive your friends and help them when they need it." It's like making sure everyone
is happy and safe in our big family of Jesus' friends.
5. The Eschatological Discourse- Matthew 24-25
This discourse centers on the end times and the return of Jesus. It includes prophecies about the
destruction of the temple, signs of the end of the age, and the final judgment.
Parables related to readiness and accountability, such as the wise and foolish virgins and the
sheep and the goats, are also part of this discourse.
He says, "I will come back one day, and it will be awesome!" We should be good friends and
always be ready for Jesus' big return.
Structure:
- I. Infancy Narrative (1:1–2:23):
- Begins with a genealogy establishing Jesus as the royal Messiah.
- Emphasizes the virgin birth, fulfilling prophecies.
- II. Proclamation of the Kingdom (3:1–7:29):
- Introduction of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism.
- The central message: the coming kingdom of heaven and the need for repentance.
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) emphasizes righteousness and discipleship.
- III. Ministry and Mission in Galilee (8:1–11:1):
- Jesus' healing miracles and teachings.
- The sending of the twelve disciples on a limited mission to Israel.
- John the Baptist's inquiry and Jesus' response.
- IV. Opposition from Israel (11:2–13:53):
- Growing opposition and lack of faith, both from Pharisees and Israelites.
- Parables illustrating the mixed nature of the kingdom.
- The rejection of Jesus in his hometown.
- V. Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church (13:54–18:35):
- Jesus prepares for the establishment of the church.
- Discourses on discipleship, forgiveness, and church order.
- Peter's confession and Jesus' prediction of his suffering and death.
- VI. Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem (19:1–25:46):
- Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, cleansing of the temple, and controversies.
- Parables and teachings emphasizing readiness for the final judgment.
- Denunciation of scribes and Pharisees.
- VII. The Passion and Resurrection (26:1–28:20):
- Jesus' betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
- The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- The commission to the disciples to make disciples of all nations.
Conclusion:
- Matthew's Gospel presents a comprehensive account of Jesus' life, teachings, and the
establishment of the church. It emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and
calls for discipleship, righteousness, and readiness for the final judgment. The narrative
structure, unique material, and thematic focus contribute to the richness of Matthew's portrayal
of Jesus and the unfolding of God's plan.
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