The Gospel According to Matthew Unit One – Lesson One Encountering Jesus in the Four Gospels The Gospel According to Matthew Symbol for the Gospel of Matthew File: Unit One LP-1

Prayer: Father God, I come into your presence so aware of my human frailty and yet overwhelmed by your love for me. I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love cannot reach me. If I climb the highest mountain you are there and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life, you are there. Teach me today to love you more. Help me to rest in that love that asks nothing more than the simple trusting heart of a child. In Jesus name, Amen

The Revelations of Jesus Revelations Defined: A fact that is revealed; especially an enlightening or astonishing disclosure. A pleasant often enlightening surprise Divine Revelation Natural Revelation Prayer – Study - Action

Unit Outline Lesson Plan Outline Graded Assignments Gospel According to Matthew Gospel According to Mark Gospel According to Luke Gospel According to John Gospel Poster Project Graded Assignments Journal – 40 Points Chapter Review – 40 Points Active/Positive Participation in Poster Project – 20 Points Total Points: 100

Objective & Key Ideas of Today’s Lesson: Learn about the background and main themes of the Gospel according to Matthew. Explore the “bridges” Matthew used to connect the Old Testament with Jesus. (Handout) Increase knowledge of the Beatitudes as religious and moral lessons.

Background & Main Themes of the Gospel of Matthew We do not know who wrote the Gospel of Matthew. Most Biblical scholars agree that the author was probably from Palestine and of Jewish Christian background. Written between AD 70 and AD 85. The Gospel is made-up principally of the teachings and sayings of Jesus taken from many sources. The Gospel is also a “bridge” between the Old & New Testaments beginning with the complete genealogy of Jesus. The audience was both Jewish Christians and Gentiles. Probably written in Antioch, Syria

Background & Main Themes of the Gospel of Matthew The author of Matthew explains that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). The Connection of Matthew to the Old Testament help connect the two audiences – Jews and Gentiles. Jesus is often referred to as “rabbi,” meaning “teacher.” By doing so, portraying Jesus as the teacher who has come to bring the message of salvation. Jesus’ teaching often takes the form of parables.

Background – Video & Scripture Reading The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of sayings and teachings of Jesus, which emphasizes his moral teaching found in the Gospel of Matthew. It is the first of the Five Discourses of Matthew and takes place relatively early in the Ministry of Jesus after he has been baptized by John the Baptist and preached in Galilee.

Sermon on the Mount

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-16 (pp 1067 & 1068) Beatitudes Write a brief summary of today’s reading. Three to five sentences would be a reasonable response. Choose one of the beatitudes on page 1068 and explain how you would apply it to your life. Think about and respond: Am I silent when I see others being treated unjustly? Am I critical of others? Do I gossip?

Unit Review: The Gospel According to Matthew Chapter 3: New Testament Textbook (Page 62) Distribute Handout Work quietly and individually Be sure to read the questions instructions on page 2

Prayer: Christ our Good Shepherd, you tirelessly seek out the lost, and you give strength to the weary sinner. In your unfathomable mercy, you never cease to pour out blessings upon those who despair of finding you. Help us to extend this same spirit of consolation to our brothers and sisters in need, and may we always imitate your example of tender care towards the poor. We ask this in your name. Amen. 

Scripture Reading: Re-Read Matthew 5:3-10 (p.1068) As you read ask yourself; What is God actually directing me to do?

Mini Lecture: Living the Beatitudes (Some Examples) The Poor in Spirit: You depend on God rather than on things and stuff. You believe in helping others rather than acquiring material goods. The Meek: You are humble, patient, and gentle with yourself and others. The Merciful: You readily forgive others from the heart, refusing to hold a grudge. And always forgive yourself, The Peacemakers: You live peacefully with others and promote peace between people and groups.

Mini-Lecture: The Christian Life Beatitudes contain both Spiritual and Corporeal (Human) messages: Descriptions of the way to attain eternal life Teachings as to how we should perform in society Jesus shows love and tolerance for all people he encounters through his actions. By reaching out to those who were marginalized or rejected in his society, Jesus tells us that all are worthy and beloved by God. The values found in the Beatitudes, include dependence on God, but also; compassion, humility, righteousness, mercy, honesty, peace, service, and standing up for the truth. The Beatitudes are a value system taught and lived by Jesus.

Handout: Old Testament Prophecies Cited in Matthew You may work individually or in a group not to exceed three people. Look-Up in your Bibles the various Scripture References. Complete the Graphic Organizer. Include both the Old Testament and New Testament references on your Graphic Organizer. When complete answer the following question in your Journal; Did Matthew prove his argument that Jesus is the Messiah? Why or why not?

Silent Reading Refer to page 76 in the New Testament Book. Read: What is the Kingdom? The Coming of the Kingdom.