Matthew-Gospel Themes

Matthew-Gospel Themes

The opening genealogy is designed to document Christ’s credentials as Israel’s king, and the rest of the book completes this theme. Matthew shows that Christ is the heir of the kingly line. He demonstrates that He is the fulfillment of dozens of OT prophecies regarding the king who would come. He offers evidence after evidence to establish Christ’s kingly prerogative. All other historical and theological themes in the book revolve around this one.

-John MacArthur

Matthew-Gospel Themes

Jesus Christ

Kingdom of Heaven

Theme: Jesus Christ

Teaching Ministry–Sermon on the Mount (Ch 5-7)–Instructions to the Disciples (Ch 10)–Parables of the Kingdom (Ch 13)–Condemnation of the Religious

Leaders (Ch 23)–Olivet Discourse (Ch 24-25)

Theme: Jesus Christ

Messiah–Messiah-like prophets in Jesus’ day–True King of Israel (Mt 21:5-9; Mt

27:29)–Messiah (Mt 16:16-20)–King dynasty descended from David –King defined

Theme: Jesus Christ

King–Disciples would have a role in his

Messianic Kingdom–Called himself Israel’s King–Disciples claimed he was the Messiah–Executed as King – “King of the Jews”–Triumphant Entry for a King

Theme: Jesus Christ

Son of God–Equivalent to “Christ” (Mt 16:16)–God-given Authority–Unique Relationship with the Father

(Mk 14:36)–Jesus refers to himself as the Son of

God.• OT References - 2 Sam 7:14; Ps 2:7

Theme: Jesus Christ

Son of Man–Christological term

• Daniel 7:13-14• Jesus alludes to Daniel 7 in Mt 24:30

(to Disciples)• Jesus alludes to Daniel 7 in Mt 26:64

(to Opponents)• Term used by Jesus to refer to Self

Theme: Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom Meaning

One scholar wrote, “If indeed Jesus is Messiah,” a Jew would ask, “what happened to the promised kingdom?”

OT –God would reign unchallenged (Isa 24:23)

How Jesus viewed the Kingdom and Rule (Daniel 7; 2:30, 44)

Theme: Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew supports God’s original promise

First verse reveals Christ’s Summary

Kingdom Timeline