Session IV, The Gospel of Matthew, Class 5

 Opening Prayer

 Theme hymn                 Seek Ye First

1.  Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and God’s righteousness

And all these things shall be added unto you.  Alleluia.

2.  Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find,

Knock and the door shall b e opened unto you.  Alleluia.

Kathy Dietz new verse:

Come to me all you burdened and weary; I will give you rest;

Take my yoke and find rest for your soul, allelu, alleluia.

 We are seeking the kingdom of God in our lives, and Jesus, in Matthew’s gospel, invites us to draw near, ever nearer, to that kingdom.

General introduction

·        Review what was covered previously:  based on Mark; traces Jesus as son of David and as fulfillment of prophecy, 5 teaching blocks.

·        Matthew contains some sharp anti-Pharisaism.  We saw the first of this in Chapter 9:34 and the frequency will increase as we work through the gospel, culminating in chapter 23.

·        Date, place and authorship of the gospel:

Date:  between 80 & 90 C.E.

Place:  Most likely written in Syrian Antioch.

Author:  possibly a scribe (see 13:52);  Maybe a “school” of Matthew, eager to record his memories as he aged or died; possibly in ‘competition’ with the Pharisaic council at Jamnia, working to codify Judaism after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.

·        Mt is first in the presentation of the gospels (in the “Canon”), signifying its long-standing recognition as a great teaching tool, containing the most complete account of Jesus’ teaching.  Note the preponderance of ‘5’s’ and ‘7’s’ in the gospel.  These serve as memory tools.

·        The writing style of Matthew is somewhere between the rugged style of Mark and the literary artistry of Luke.

Choice for next series.  Evening class wants one of Paul’s letters.

What teaching from Matthew’s gospel will you remember?

Walk Through the Gospel of Matthew – Chapters 26 through 28

The part of the gospels that covers the events of Jesus’ last week of life is found in all four gospels.  This is the reason why there are gospels!  Easter is the reason why we have Christmas.  Easter was celebrated every Sunday, Christmas did not come along until later in the history of the church.

Chapter 26 – Vv. 1-16, the setting up of Jesus’ death.

Vv. 17-35 – Passover and Lord’s Supper.  Read aloud Vv. 26-29, the exact words we use in the LS liturgy. 

Also read the two betrayal verses, V. 20-23(Judas) and 34(Peter).

Vv. 36-56 – In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest.

Vv. 57-75 – the events at Caiaphas’ house, including Peter’s three denials.

What do you think is the significance of Judas’ being at the table and included in the Lord’s Supper, even though Jesus knows Judas will betray him?

What will you take with you from this study to your next celebration of the Lord’s Supper?

 Chapter 27 – Continued trial and death.

Vv. 1-26 – Jesus before Pilate, with an aside covering Judas’ suicide.

Vv. 27-44 – Torture and crucifixion of Jesus.

Vv. 45-56 – The death of Jesus.  Read this section aloud.

Vv. 57-66 – The burial of Jesus.

What do you hear differently in the story of Jesus’ death than before this study of the gospel of Matthew?

What do you think is the significance of Jesus death?

 Chapter 28 – Resurrection and commissioning.

Vv. 1-10 – Matthew’s only resurrection appearance at the tomb.  Read this aloud.

Vv. 11-15 – The story of the guard at the tomb.

Vv. 16-20 – The Great Commissioning.

 Focus Text:            Matthew 28:16-20

Note the number of disciples.

What does Jesus mean by “all authority?”  Our study bibles give cross references:

Mt 11:27; Lk 10:22; Phil 2:9; Eph 1:20ff; Dan 7:14:

What does Jesus mean by “…all nations”?  Cross references:

Mt 10:5; Mk 16:15; Lk 24:47; Acts 1:8

How are you carrying out the Great Commission in your life?

How is Jesus “with you always”?

Sing our theme song, close with prayer, hand out evaluations.