The Bible Brief’s Gospel of Matthew Summary:
A brief introduction and overview of the Gospel according to Matthew as recorded in ‘The Bible Brief’ by James paris, available on Amazon through this link.
WHEN:
Just before or around A.D. 70
WHO:
Traditionally ascribed to Matthew.
PEOPLE & PLACES:
Jesus; Herod; John the Baptist; The Twelve Disciples; Pilate; Sadducee’s; Pharisee’s
Bethlehem; Jerusalem; Galilee; Judea.
SOUND BITES:
..and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Ch.3:17)
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” (Ch.4:4)
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Ch.16:26)
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. (Ch.28:5-6)
THE MESSIANIC LINK:
The Messiah is the Son of David (Matt 1:1)
He would born of God (Ch.1:18, Isaiah.7:14)
The King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2)
He would return from Egypt. (Matt.2:15. Hosea.11:1)
Messiah is the Narrow Gate (Ch.7:13)
Messiah is the bridegroom in chapter 9
Gospel Of matthew Summary
The main purpose of Matthew is to convince the Jewish people that Jesus is indeed the King and Messiah that was promised throughout the Old Testament writings. He goes to great lengths to point out the genealogy of Jesus, thereby qualifying his ‘claim to the title’ of Messiah (savior).
The first 17 verses of the first chapter lays out his birth line, so as to leave no doubt as to his credentials, as put forward by the writers of old.
Thereafter Matthew concentrates on the life and works of Jesus, in particular equating his miracles with the Old Testament prophecies relating to the life and death of the coming Messiah; this he uses as evidence of Jesus as Messiah.
Chapter 10 sees the naming and instruction of the Twelve Disciples for service. Whilst chapters 14-20 covers the ministry of Jesus throughout the land of Galilee and Judea.
The final chapters 27 and 28 culminate in the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
NOTES & QUOTES:
As an introduction to New Testament Christianity, the book of Matthew is excellent, as it is laid out in a very straight-forward logical way that is easy to follow.
As a guide to where Jesus was mentioned in the Old Testament; it is again an excellent book for revealing how Jesus was in fact the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies relating to his birth, death and ministry while he walked amongst us.
Matthew had a hard time convincing the Jewish leadership amongst the Pharisee’s and Sadducees, of Jesus authority, as they had already constructed their own image of what he would be like when he appeared – and Jesus did not fit the bill, even though the evidence was right before their eyes!
It is easy to get ourselves locked into pre-conceptions of the way things should be – leaving us open to rejecting the truth when it is not ‘wearing the coat’ we have made for it.
The evidence pointing to Jesus as the promised Messiah is overwhelming, and in accordance with scriptural promises; and yet some people just want more evidence – go figure!
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The Gospel of Matthew Summary is followed by the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament.
Gospels Summaries: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Click Here For Your Copy of The Bible Brief
Editors Choice Focus:
Matthew chapters 27: 11-26 Concentrates on the trial of Jesus before the Roman governor Pilot, and indeed his apparent reluctance to condemn Jesus at all – especially after he receives the note from his wife saying “See that you have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” (v19)
Pilot then goes on to give the mob every chance to free Jesus or Barabbas, as was his perogative at the feast of the Passover. The crowd then chooses Barabbas – a notorious criminal, apparently well deserving of his fate.
Interestingly not only does the crowd choose Barabbas to be freed instead of Jesus, they shout out “Crucify Him!”
Pilot was effectively backed into a corner as the mob was in danger of turning into a full scale riot. But what he did next was interesting – he symbolically washed his hands in front of the crowd, and declared he was innocent of Jesus blood.
Their reply? “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” (v25)
There are 2 particular points in this passage that speak to me.
Firstly – Even though Pilot washed his hands of the matter, it was still his signature on the ‘death warrent’. He was indeed still guilty of Jesus crucifiction as it would not have happened without his say-so.
Secondly – By uttering these words “His blood be on our hands…” the crowd in effect cursed themselves and their future generations for all time. A brief look back in history and the story of the Jewish people from that time onwards, seems to confirm this.
Whether an individual stands back and does nothing regarding Jesus, or as in the crowd, cries out for his death, the burden of guilt is the same.
To me, this chapter emphasises the old addage “All it needs for evil to succeed is for good people to stand by and do nothing”. And also the power of