Topic 5 Matthew: Jesus as Authoritative Teacher of God’s WillSlide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5Slide 6Slide 7Slide 8Slide 9Topic 5Topic 5 MatthewMatthew: : Jesus as Authoritative Jesus as Authoritative Teacher of God’s Will Teacher of God’s WillA. Circumstances of origin1. AuthorshipAnonymous (all the gospels are).Tradition: MatthewOne of the 12 disciples; tax collector.Papias: “Matthew compiled the logia (sayings) in Aramaic...” (Harris, p. 158).2. Place: best guess is AntiochJewish Christian church in Greek-speaking area.Earliest quotes from Ignatius of Antioch.3. Date: 75-90 AD4. Purpose: Manual of instruction for Jewish Christian church defining itself over against the synagogue.B.B.Key themes in MatthewKey themes in Matthew1.1.The “Jewish Gospel.”The “Jewish Gospel.”Relates Christian faith to its Jewish heritage.Relates Christian faith to its Jewish heritage.Jesus and Church are fulfillment of Israel.Jesus and Church are fulfillment of Israel.2.2.Fulfillment of prophecy.Fulfillment of prophecy.““Formula quotations” (Harris, p. 156-57).Formula quotations” (Harris, p. 156-57).““These things happened in order to fulfill what was spoken These things happened in order to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…”by the prophet…”Mt. 1:22-23, quoting Isa. 7:14.Mt. 1:22-23, quoting Isa. 7:14.3.3.Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus.Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus.Messiah – more frequent than Mk.Messiah – more frequent than Mk.Son of God – by virtue of virgin birth (1:22-23); Son of God – by virtue of virgin birth (1:22-23); Emmanuel = “God (is) with us.”Emmanuel = “God (is) with us.”Descent from Abraham (genealogy in 1:1-17).Descent from Abraham (genealogy in 1:1-17).Descent through DavidDescent through DavidParallels with MosesParallels with MosesMessianic teacherMessianic teacherB.B.Key themes in MatthewKey themes in Matthew4.4.The Jewish LawThe Jewish LawJesus did not cancel Torah but “fulfilled” it (5:17).Jesus did not cancel Torah but “fulfilled” it (5:17).The “Greater Righteousness” (5:20) – The “Greater Righteousness” (5:20) – go beyond letter of lawgo beyond letter of lawThe “Great Commandment” (22:34-40) The “Great Commandment” (22:34-40) – fulfills whole law– fulfills whole lawLove God with all your heart.Love God with all your heart.Love your neighbor as yourself.Love your neighbor as yourself.5.5.The ChurchThe ChurchMost “church-oriented” gospel; only gospel to speak of Most “church-oriented” gospel; only gospel to speak of “church.”“church.”Saying about founding of church inserted into story of Saying about founding of church inserted into story of Peter’s Confession (16:18).Peter’s Confession (16:18).Instructions on church discipline (18:15-17).Instructions on church discipline (18:15-17).Church is “New Israel.”Church is “New Israel.”Task: to live by Jesus’ teaching and to evangelize the world.Task: to live by Jesus’ teaching and to evangelize the world.6.6.EschatologyEschatologyExtended time before Parousia.Extended time before Parousia.Time for church’s mission.Time for church’s mission.Parousia will bring final judgment.Parousia will bring final judgment.C.C. Outline of MatthewOutline of MatthewFive divisions - alternating Narrative (from Mk.) with Discourse (from Q, Five divisions - alternating Narrative (from Mk.) with Discourse (from Q, M).M).ch. 1-2ch. 1-2Introduction: Birth narrativeIntroduction: Birth narrativeGenealogy: Abraham – David – Jesus the MessiahGenealogy: Abraham – David – Jesus the MessiahRole of JosephRole of JosephBirth in Bethlehem – David’s hometownBirth in Bethlehem – David’s hometownVisit of magi (wise men)Visit of magi (wise men)Conflict with HerodConflict with HerodParallels with Moses – Herod’s slaughter; flight to EgyptParallels with Moses – Herod’s slaughter; flight to EgyptMove to Nazareth – insignificant Galilean villageMove to Nazareth – insignificant Galilean villageStructured by five discourses of JesusStructured by five discourses of Jesus::(1) Sermon on the Mount (ch. 5-7)(1) Sermon on the Mount (ch. 5-7)(2) Mission Discourse (ch. 10)(2) Mission Discourse (ch. 10)(3) Parables of the Kingdom (ch. 13)(3) Parables of the Kingdom (ch. 13)(4) Discourse on Church Discipline (ch. 18)(4) Discourse on Church Discipline (ch. 18)(5) Eschatological Discourse (ch. 24-25)(5) Eschatological Discourse (ch. 24-25)Division I (ch. 3-7)Division I (ch. 3-7)Narrative (ch. 3-4)Narrative (ch. 3-4)Discourse 1:Discourse 1:Sermon on the MountSermon on the Mount (ch. 5-7) (ch. 5-7)Theme: “Demands of discipleship”Theme: “Demands of discipleship”5:3-125:3-12Beatitudes (“blessings”) – emphasize graceBeatitudes (“blessings”) – emphasize graceConfer God’s favor on the needy who utterly depend on Confer God’s favor on the needy who utterly depend on God.God.““Blessed” = “happy,” “fortunate.”Blessed” = “happy,” “fortunate.”Paradoxical: turn ordinary expectations upside down; Paradoxical: turn ordinary expectations upside down; happiness is not apparent.happiness is not apparent.““Poor in spirit” = humble; aware of unworthiness.Poor in spirit” = humble; aware of unworthiness.““Mourners;” “meek” inherit earth; “hunger” for God’s justice.Mourners;” “meek” inherit earth; “hunger” for God’s justice.““Merciful;” “pure in heart;” “peacemakers;” “persecuted.”Merciful;” “pure in heart;” “peacemakers;” “persecuted.”Eschatological: those who have/expect nothing in this Eschatological: those who have/expect nothing in this world are promised salvation in God’s coming kingdom.world are promised salvation in God’s coming kingdom.Comparison with Beatitudes in Luke 6:20-23:Comparison with Beatitudes in Luke 6:20-23:Luke: Luke: “Blessed are you who are poor...you who are hungry” – “Blessed are you who are poor...you who are hungry” – addresses literal poverty/hunger, which will be reversed.addresses literal poverty/hunger, which will be reversed.Matt.: Matt.: “...the poor in spirit...those who hunger/thirst after “...the poor in spirit...those who hunger/thirst after righteousness” – spiritual qualities to be rewarded.righteousness” – spiritual