Gospel of Matthew: Chapter Outline Thesis

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This is evidenced in the first chapter's list of Jesus' linage, recalling similar lists in the Old Testament, tracing the line of Israel. Second is the nativity gospel, or story of the hero's extraordinary origins, along the lines of Moses' story of persecution and salvation from death as a baby from Genesis. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is a dogmatic illustration of the role of Jesus as teacher to his followers. Jesus also teaches his disciples and others through parables, through miracles, and by quoting and interpreting scripture in a prophetic style. The final genre of the Gospel of Matthew is that of the Passion story, the narrative present in all of the gospels, of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere of the Gospel of Matthew is of a world of great hypocrisy. There is a tension between the exterior world and the interior world. Jesus teaches his followers to look beyond the surface. In the world, unjust and hypocritical people have power. The truth is revealed through inward actions, not exterior manifestations of wealth and pious display. This is why little children may lead, and the meek shall inherit the earth.

Critical questions:

Author: The author is identified as Matthew, one of the disciples, although not self-identified during the actual narration, which depicts many conflicted scenes, between Jesus and his disciples where the author 'sides' with Jesus.

Place: Roman-occupied Jerusalem

Date of writing: Set during the years of Roman governship, although Jesus' words foretell an end to the existence of Jerusalem.

History of composition: Parallels the other synoptic gospels, although it is longer than the Gospel of Mark, indicating it post-dates that gospel,

Recipients: The stress upon the Davidic line in the book suggests a likely Jewish Christian audience, not a purely gentile audience, despite the hostility shown to the Pharisees.


Major questions and impressions:

Who is Jesus to Matthew (as opposed to the Jesus of the other gospels)?

How is Jesus identified as 'special' in ways specific to the Gospel of Matthew, and in ways common to other books of the Bible? The identity of Jesus as Jewish, and as a teacher or rabbi to his followers (this is the most static, 'talky' Jesus of all the gospels) is critical.

How is this role for Jesus created by Matthew -- through the frequent use of sermons and teaching devices, such as parables, for example?

Jesus is quite concerned about the poor and the sick in this book -- hence his famous comment about the meek inheriting the earth and the parable with the loaves and fishes, as well as his advice to the rich young man to sell all of his worldly goods to be perfect. Does this contract his approving comments about being anointed with the expensive ointment that could feed the poor? (the fulfillment of the poor does not seem to be designed to be achieved in today's time, but the life to come).

Why is Jesus so hostile to the Pharisees (his denial of the need to keep the laws of kashrut seems to hint at the reasons). "Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the….....

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