Matthew Comments

Matthew 1: 5 Initial Questions 1) Why does Matthew start off with a mention of Jesus as son of David and Abraham? 1:1 2) Why does Matthew begin with a genealogy of Joseph? 3) Why the 4 women in the genealogy 4) Missing names in Genealogy– Why? 14 [gematria]

Matthew 1: 5 Initial Questions 5) What is the role of the exile in the geneaology?

Matthew 1: Birth narrative Mary faithfulness questioned:

God’s Faithfulness: Mary with Child Joseph considers separation Angel regarding Mary: 1)Do not fear 2)Born of H.S. 3)Bear a son 4)Call his name 5) He shall save Scripture Joseph Obeys 1) Takes her 2) Did not know her 3) Bears a son 4) Names “Jesus” Irony: savior from sin unfaithfulness? Sin suspected 2) Virgin with child 3) Bear a son 4) Shall be named 5) God with us

Mary’s virginity perpetual? Why is the virgin birth of Christ attacked? Worldview: no miracles Clarity: almah  parthenos; 1:18; 25; Lk 1:34f Mary’s perpetual virginity? Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor 7:5f intercourse in marriage approved/integral part Christ’s brothers and sisters Mat. 12:46f; Mk. 3:31

Matthew 2: Wisemen,... Before the magi: Shepherds, circumcision, temple presentation, Anna, Simeon (Lk. 2)—inn? The Star –Num. 24:17? Pattern: role of Gentiles—Abraham Cov. Wisemen worship – star: Gen Rev Herod’s reaction – disturbed, where? Answer – Special Rev: Mic. 5:2 Bethlehem Herod’s reaction – what time? Bring word Wisemen worship – Gen Rev

Matthew 2: Wisemen Irony: Jews don’t seek Jesus, Gentiles do Fleeing as a solution? Why Egypt? Hos 11:1? --Jesus as new Israel Death of Infants—Moses; Jer. 31:15; Rachel weeping, exile  new covenant Jer. 31:31-34 –great hope Wisemen: note role of Gentiles again

Matthew 2: wisemen Herod’s death (April 4 BC) lunar eclipse Inch by inch  obedience Nazarene: Branch: Isa. 11:1 (Jerome) John 1:46 despised  Isa. 53:2,3 Jesus from 1-30? Nature of history writing, not exhaustive detail but shaped for a purpose

Types of OT Fulfillment: This = that (Mic 5:2 Messiah = Bethlehem) This is a type/symbol of that: Out of Egypt I called my son (Hos 11:1) Jesus new Israel nation This particular fulfills OT broad idea: Nazarene--despised This parallel to that: (this reminds me of that) Jonah 3 days Mat. 12:40

Matthew 3: John Bapt. Why John in wilderness? Fulfill Scripture: Isa. 40:3— environment=message Kingdom at hand – how so?

Matthew 3 On “all” always meaning “all” 3:5f Hyperbole—literal versus figurative John and the Pharisees: 3:9f—Abraham? Why was Christ baptized for repentance? John passing prophetic baton on to Jesus Voice from heaven

Matthew 4: temptation What did it mean for Christ to be tempted? Why is Jesus tempted in wilderness—New Israel—get it right this time What’s wrong with making stones into bread? What’s wrong with trusting God? If Satan quotes Scripture is it true? On evil Why is the 3 rd temptation so powerful? What is common in Christ’s responses?

Matthew 1-4 Structure Ch. Protagonist Antagonist OT 1 Mary Joseph David’s son 2 Magi Herod Abraham C 3 John Bapt. Pharisees Messenger 4 Spirit Satan New Israel

Matthew 5: Sermon on the Mount Purpose Is the Sermon on the mount for today? Why is it opposed today? Beatitudes - Forms Poor in spirit Those that mourn Meek Hunger and thirsts

Matthew 5: Sermon on Mount Beatitudes Merciful Pure in heart

Matthew Questions - Anger Have you ever murdered? Is all anger sinful? What is the source of anger? How do you separate good/bad anger? What ways do people handle anger?

Matthew Questions – Lust Lust = adultery Attraction not = lust Intent Cultural setting Guarding one’s heart

Matthew Questions – Divorce Matt 5:32 exception and Mk 10:11 Biblical Context Other exceptions Situations Unforgivable sin in Church Is marriage just about the partners?

Matthew Questions Should we not resist evil? Is forgiveness conditional? What is the unforgivable sin? Are there degrees of punishment? Should people be kicked out of the church? How do you enter the kingdom by works?