Mateus 1-13 || Bible Project Português ||

Summary

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the continuation and fulfillment of the Old Testament story. It introduces Jesus as the Messiah from the line of David, the new Moses, and Emmanuel, 'God with us.' Matthew structures the book in five clear sections, focusing on Jesus' teachings and miracles. The first half emphasizes the arrival of God's kingdom, Jesus' healing and salvation, and the call for people to follow him. Matthew contrasts the acceptance of Jesus by the marginalized with rejection by religious leaders, setting the stage for deeper tensions in the second half of the Gospel.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Gospel of Matthew is one of the first official accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, traditionally attributed to Matthew, a tax collector and one of the twelve apostles.
• 😀 Matthew's Gospel shows Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, positioning Him as the Messiah from the lineage of David, and emphasizing His divine nature as 'Emmanuel' (God with us).
• 😀 The book is structured with an introduction, five main sections, and a conclusion, with each section ending with a major teaching of Jesus, intentionally highlighting His role as a teacher.
• 😀 Matthew draws a parallel between Jesus and Moses, showing that Jesus, like Moses, is a deliverer who establishes a new covenant, offering salvation and a new way of life.
• 😀 The first three chapters of Matthew focus on linking Jesus’ story to Old Testament events, emphasizing His divine birth, His connection to prophecy, and His role as the fulfillment of God's promises.
• 😀 The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 4-7) introduces the ethics of the Kingdom of God, where Jesus teaches that all are invited to follow Him, regardless of social or religious status.
• 😀 Jesus’ teachings are not meant to abolish the Old Testament law but to fulfill it, transforming hearts to love God and others, including enemies.
• 😀 The healing and miracles of Jesus demonstrate the power of God’s Kingdom at work in the world, showing His authority and compassion.
• 😀 Matthew emphasizes that following Jesus and becoming a disciple is necessary to experience the full power of God's Kingdom, which involves spreading the message and accepting God's rule.
• 😀 The tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of Israel is central, as many reject Him, and Jesus warns of persecution, showing how different groups respond to His message.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Gospel of Matthew?

The Gospel of Matthew is one of the earliest official accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It is traditionally attributed to Matthew, the tax collector and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

How was the Gospel of Matthew transmitted before it was written down?

For 30 to 40 years, the apostles taught orally, transmitting eyewitness accounts of Jesus and His teachings. Matthew then organized these teachings and narratives into the Gospel.

What are the key themes emphasized in the Gospel of Matthew?

Matthew highlights that Jesus is the continuation and fulfillment of the biblical story of God and Israel. He emphasizes that Jesus is the Messiah from the lineage of David, a new Moses, and 'God with us' (Emmanuel).

What is the structure of the Gospel of Matthew?

The Gospel is structured with an introduction and conclusion that frame five distinct sections, each of which ends with a long block of teachings from Jesus. This structure emphasizes Jesus as a teacher and the fulfillment of the Torah.

How does Matthew connect Jesus to Moses?

Matthew draws parallels between Jesus and Moses, such as both coming from Egypt, crossing waters, and spending 40 days in the wilderness. Jesus is depicted as a new Moses who will liberate Israel and establish a new covenant.

What is the importance of Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel?

Matthew begins with Jesus' genealogy to highlight that Jesus is from the messianic line of David and the descendant of Abraham. This shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations.

How does Jesus' birth fulfill Old Testament prophecies?

The events surrounding Jesus' birth, including His conception by the Holy Spirit and the visit of the nations, fulfill several Old Testament prophecies. His name, Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us,' emphasizes His divine nature.

What is the message of the Sermon on the Mount?

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 4 to 7, presents the values of the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that the Kingdom is open to all, including the poor and the oppressed, and calls for repentance, love for God, and love for others.

What does the Gospel of Matthew reveal about Jesus' authority?

Matthew emphasizes that Jesus has the authority as a new teacher, greater than Moses. He teaches that Jesus fulfills the Torah and transforms hearts to truly love God and others.

How does Matthew describe the response of people to Jesus?

Matthew shows diverse reactions to Jesus. Some accept Him as the Messiah, while others, including the leaders of Israel, reject Him. These varied responses illustrate the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities of Israel.