Life of Christ I: Matthew

Tom Wacaster

Take notes:

-Occasionally instructor will ask about certain points of the lessons. We should answer according
to the notes we’ve been taking.

Assignments:

-Read the Gospel of Matthew and Mcgarvy commentary.

-Research paper on one topic.

-Arguments on all the discussions.

-Four or more sources.

-Memory: Memorizing the sermon of the mount.

Introduction
Background material
I. Paramount features: Majesty and kingship of Christ.
1. Kingdom (162 times in NT and 55 of those in Matthew)
2. Kingdom of God is used only 4 times: it is used over Mark, Luke and John.
3. Jesus King and Reign is frequently mention: Royalty
4. The unique nature of Matthew. For the purpose it is unique
i. every book is unique.
5. Matthew incorporates most of the basic doctrines of the Church. Root form.
James is kind of a commentary on the Sermon on the Mount
Adam Clarke.
II. Author of Matthew
1. Matthew was with Jesus early in his ministry.
2. The role of the Holy Spirit: Inspiration. A different approach but guided through
God.
3. The Church Fathers: All attribute this book to Matthew.
III. Purpose and design
1. Convince the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah: each gospel accounts was written to
a different group of people.
 2. Genealogy: a record to show the description of the OT
3. A Gospel presented through Jewish eyes
Matthew records certain aspects of the Jesus life that give particular interest
of Jesus towards Jewish people (Matt 15)
IV. Interesting features (structure)
1. A phrase that runs through the book: this was to fulfill what the Lord said in the
scripture (Birthplace, Egypt 2:14-15, the slaughter of the children 2:16-18, joseph
settle in Nazareth, Parables, 13:34-35, Triumphant entry to the city, the betray of
Judas, 27:35)
2. The only Gospel that uses the word Church (17:18)
3. Uses the term “Son of Man” (Prophet Ezekiel): relates to his humanity, he was
confined to his human nature: He identifies with us. Stresses his relation to us. Both
sides of Jesus are open in this book.
V. Matthew the man:
1. Son of Alpheas. Jew by bith.
2. Known as Levi
3. Was a tax collector for the Roman Empire: a big problem in the eyes of the Jews.
4. Native of Galilee.
5. Ideal man to write the biography of Jesus.
VI. Matthew’s call
1. He received Jesus’s call early in his ministry.
2. Because he was with Jesus in an early state he was qualified to write an adequate
account of Jesus’s life.
3.- When he was called he left everything to follow Jesus.
VII. Date
1. Matthew’s account is probably the most ancient writings recognized canonical by
the Church.
2. Clarke points that few manuscripts resembles a date over 44 AD.
3. Some suggest that it was first written first in Hebrew and translated into Greek.
4. Reasons why not (Wacaster):
i) There is no evidence in the early writings, or Christian literature.
 ii) uses a play on words characteristic on Greek that is difficult on Hebrew.
iii) The Gospels were written intended for a wider audience united by the
Greek language
iv) There is no copy or quotations from the early church writers.
VIII. Organization, theme, structure:
1. Matthew is a teaching Gospel: there is historical accounts but is focused on the
teaching.
2. There are large blokes of information
i) Sermon on the mount (three whole chapters)
ii) Mathew 10
iii) Ch. 13: Parables
iv) Ch. 8 greatness and forgiveness
v) Ch. 24 and 25 second coming of Jesus
3. Systematic character
i) Ch. 1: memorization.
ii) Barclay: arranges things in threes and sevens. 3 messages to Joseph, 3
denials of Peter, 3 questions of Pilate, 7 parables of the Kingdom, 7 woes to
the scribes and Pharisees.
iii) Correlation between the narratives and teachings.
Narratives Teachings
Ch 1 – 4:25 Ch 5: 1 -7:27
Ch. 8:1 – 9:38 10:1-42
11:1-12:50 13:1-52
13:53-17:27 18:1-35
19:2-22:46 23:1-25:46
26:2-28.

Architecture of the Gospel.

August 26, 2019
IX. The synoptic problem
1. Mathew, Mark and Luke: the synoptic Gospels
i) Synoptic: to see together.
 ii) Harmony of the Synoptic Gospels (Kerr, A. T. Mcgarvy): there is great
advantages to study the Gospels in harmony.
iii) John is more chronological: Mathew has no intention to put everything
chronological.
2. There is value and danger in harmony:
i) Value.
ii) Critics: High criticism look for contradictions.
3.There are similarities, but this shouldn’t confuse.
4. The two source theory
i) The synoptic problem: claims the Gospel narratives copied from one
another or from one common source.
ii) The two source theory is a departure from early Church tradition
(Theology).
iii) Holds the idea of a third source (Q) used by Mathew and Luke
iv) There is a complete lack of evidence.
There is no copy, quotations or manuscript.
5. Did Luke used Mathew?
i) Why is there dissimilarities if it was just a copy? R. C. Foster
X. The theme of Mathew
1. The Majesty of Jesus.
i) Acts 2:33
ii) 1 Tim 6:15
2. Relationships.
i) Teacher/Disciples.
ii) Head of the Church/Body.
iii) Shepard/Sheeps-Flock.
iv) Mediator/New Covenant.
v) King/kindom
Lesson 1
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ
 The genealogy of Jesus the Messiah
Matthew 1:1-17
Introduction
1. Mathew begins his account with a long list of names: the genealogy. This was important
for the Jews.
i) Jews were looking for the Messiah.
ii) Genealogy from Joseph: legal inheritance (legal line).
iii) Luke traces genealogy through Mary (seed line).
iv)
Matthew’s genealogy (1:1-17) Luke’s genealogy (3:23-38)
1 At the beginning of the book. 1 Located after Jesus’s baptism
2 Three divisions 2 No divisions
3 Abraham to Jesus 3 Jesus to Adam
4 The father of… (descendant) 4 The son of (ascending)
5 Women and brothers 5 Only ancestors
6 Through David’s son: Solomon 6 Through David’s son: Nathan

Discussion
I. The title of the list (v. 1).
1. “The book of the generations of Jesus Christ”.
i) The words describe only the first chapter of the book.
ii) 2-18.
iii) descending order: starting with Abraham to set the legal line
2. “Jesus”
i) Equivalent of OT names: means savior
ii) Personal name
3. “Christ”
i) The official designation.
ii) Means: Anointed: Messiah
4. “The Son of David, The son Abraham”
i) As the Son of David he is the kingly Messiah.
 ii) As the Son of Abraham he qualifies the seed promised in Genesis 12 to
Abraham.
II. First division (2-6a)
1. Preliminary remarks
i) Some names omitted.
ii) The names are taken from the Septuagint record: transliterate into Greek.
1 Chr 1-3
iii) The Birth of Christ is the goal of the genealogy.
iv) The History of Israel: indicates the high point in Israel’s history as well
as the low point of Egyptian captivity.
2. Trace the history: historical background for the study of Matthew
III. Second division (v. 6b-11)
Jeremiah 22:30: Coniah would never have a kingly seed. A proof against
premillennialism.
IV Third division (v. 12-16)
The period of the last division of names doesn’t come from inspired writings. For it
was in the intertestamental period.
V. Summary (v. 17):
1. A learning tool.
2. Not a detailed historical record.
Lesson 2
Thou shalt call his name Jesus
The birth of Christ
Matthew: 1:18-25
Introduction
1. Verse 18 sets the tone for the rest of this chapter.
i) Straightforward historical account.
ii) A fundamental an essential element of all Christianity: Virgin birth of Christ.
2. Virgin birth.
i) Is it important to viability of the Gospel?
 ii) If Jesus wasn’t birth of virgin is suspect at best.
iii) Every word in every chapter depends on the authenticity of the virgin birth of
Christ.
iv) If the virgin birth is a lie, how can I trust the whole of Matthew’s account?
v) It is absolute essential
iv) How else would it be possible for God to say “Emmanuel” other than a virgin
birth.
DISCUSSION
I. The announcement of the upcoming Birth of Christ (1:18-23).
1. 18a “The birth of Jesus was of this wise”
i) The simplicity of the statement.
ii) Historicity of Jesus.
iii) Unbiased account.
2. 18b “When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph”
Doesn’t mean engage!
3. 18c “she was found with child of the Holy Ghost”.
i) Reference to the virgin birth: power of the H.S.
ii) How that could happen? The only viable Biblical explanation.
iii) Luke 1:35
iv) The rejection of the virgin birth is the rejection of the supernatural power
of God.
v) Is no little thing to deny the virgin birth.
vi) In order to represent man to God he had to come through virgin birth
vii) In order to forgive sins he had to come on V.B.
viii) Is the only way that God could accomplish the union between Man and
God.
4. v. 19 (Explains that the relation between Joseph and Mary was more than engage)
Joseph Righteous man.
5. v. 20a “But while he thought on these things”.
6. v. 20b It takes a divine revelation for Joseph to believe Mary.
 7. Joseph being the son of David.
The royal line of Jesus.
8. “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of
the Holy Ghost”. Reaffirmation to Joseph that the Son is of the Holy Spirit.
9. v. 21: call his name Jesus: Savior.
“Bring forth a Son” not Joseph’s son. (Luke 1:13)
10. Save people of his sin: the very purpose for his coming.
11. v. 23 Inspired meaning of the original word for “virgin”.
II. Joseph takes Mary and the Child is born
1. v. 24 “did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him” responding in complete
obedience.
2. v. 25 “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called
his name JESUS”. We cannot believe of Mary as a perpetual virgin.
Conclusion
To remember after chapter 1:
 Genealogy
 Birth of Christ
 Joseph and Mary
Lesson 3
Where is he that is born King of the Jews?
The birth, infancy and early childhood of Jesus
Matthew 2:1-23
Introduction
1. 4 parts.
2. Each one has to do with prophecy and fulfillment.
3. Historical and prophetic.
4. Historical view of the chapter:
i) Visit from the east (v.1-12).
ii) The journey unto Egypt (v. 13-15).
iii) The slaying of the children (v. 16-18).
 iv) Journey to Nazareth (v. 19-23).
5. Prophetic:
i) Micah
ii) Hosea
iii) Jeremiah
iv) Compilation of several OT passages
6. The coming of the King is a fulfillment of the prophecy. The spiritual aspect of the
prophecies.
Discussion
I. Visit from the wise man from the east
1. The announcement of Bethlehem (v. 1a).
i) “Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea” (Luke 2:1ff)
ii) Bethlehem:
a) located about 6 miles down the south of Jerusalem.
b). different names: Ephrat.
c) house of bread (Gen 48:7).
d) Gen 45:19.
e) Ruth lived in Bethlehem.
f) The city of David (1 Sam 16:1; 17:12).
g) 2 Sam 43:14-15.
h) The ruler of Israel will be born there (Micah 5:2).
2. Born in the days of Herod (the great)
The entire Herodian family was an ungodly family.
Died about 4 B.C. (Johnsons commentary)
Insanely jealous of his position.
3. The wise men
4. Herod’s response
5. Herod’s false intentions
i. Privily called
 ii. The time of the appearance of the star.
iii. This evil king had no desire to worship.
6. The wise men go to Bethlehem and offer gifts.
i. They heard the king.
ii. The star in the east.
iii. A miraculous star
iv. Vs. 10
v. They come into the house
vi. Saw the young child: he was no longer a baby.
vii. Worship! Indicates the Deity of Christ.
viii. Gold, frankincense and Myrrh.
ix. no adoration to Mary.
7. A warning to the Wise men to go in a different way:
i. being warned of God in a dream
II. Journey into Egypt (13-15)
1. It was in a quick way.
2. The obedience of Joseph
3. A promise from God.
4. The danger.
5. They would leave in secrecy.
6. Until the death of Herod: a fulfillment of the prophecy. A recurring theme in
Matthew (Hosea 11:1: referring to Israel. Exodus: Echo of the words of Moses).
Dual fulfillment: the real one is the NT.
III. Herod slays the children (2:16-18).
1. The character of Herod is shown
The slaughter would be in a small scale, considering the population of Bethlehem.
Critics.
“Ramah” six miles up to the north. The burial place of Samuel.
 Jeremiah 31:15 “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping;
Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were
not”. Concerning the Babylonian captivity.
The soul of Rachel weeping for her children: application or allegory from a
prophecy for what is going on in here. Not a prediction but an application.
IV. Journey to Nazareth (2:19-23)
Every time we study a passage is better to go first to the text itself and after to a
commentary. Stick to the facts attested in the Scripture.
1. Herod died shortly after.
2. An Angel of the world: providence gives place to divine revelation.
3. A liberty to return.
4. Providence makes Joseph go to Nazareth.
5. Fulfillment of another prophecy out of God’s providence.
Words to remember:
Wise men, Herod, Archelaus,
Lesson 4
“Repent Ye: For the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand”
The ministry of John the Baptist
3:1-12
I. The man: John the Baptist
1. The days when John came, 3:1
i. The “days”: The fulfillment of time.
ii. John the Baptist: son of Zachariah and Elisabeth (Luke 2)
Priestly tribe: probably a Priest. Born six months before Jesus.
iii. Preaching in the Wilderness of Judaea: over the Jordan.
He had a message to preach: The role John played (Mark 1:4; 1 Cor
12: 8-11). The group was set by the preaching of John into the
Church. Acts 19:4-5 shows, however, that the baptism of John had
its time and place and it was not authoritative for after the Cross.
2. Key message of John (3:2)
i. Fearless character.
 ii. Repent ye: Godly sorrow produces repentance, by it is shown through
fruits of repentance: actions.
iii. Heaven’s call to repentance was not new (Isiah 55:7; Ezekiel 33:11, 15;
Joel Zachariah 1:3) Change in life!
iv. “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand”.
3. OT prophecy concerning John 3:3
i. Isiah 40:3
ii. The purpose is to prepare the people for the arrival of Christ
iii. People set in the church; no need for re-baptize.
II. John’s message.
1. All through Judea: Making a great impact.
2. There has been no prophet for 400 years: great response
3. Pharisees: The elitist group.
Believed in the spiritual life: resurrection and miracles.
Sadducees: Materialistic views.
Both parties condemned by John.
4. Repentance: change of mindset produced by a godly sorrow. The fruits of
this is repentance.
5. The message of the Pharisees believed in the physical seed of Abraham as
a privilege above people.
6. God is powerful to
Verse 10. A pronouncement of judgement against them. Not bearing fruit comes
with judgement.
III. The message about the One that is coming
1. Baptism unto repentance.
2. John always viewed himself as a servant: he was always pointing to Christ (John
3:29-30)
3. Baptism in the H.S. and fire: The beginning and end of Christ’s reign.
Baptism in H.S: Pentecost.
Fire: Judgement in the last day.
Books: Franklin Camps- The work of the H.S. in the Scheme of Redemption.

Lesson 5
Jesus Baptism
Matt 3:13-17
Introduction
1. Consciousness of sin and of a savior.
a. The expectation of the messiah
b. The public baptism to show the world that he was
I. Verse 13.
1. Comes from Galilee to Jordan to be baptize.
2. John refuses: John sees himself in the need of repentance when he saw Jesus.
3. fulfill the righteousness:
4. Why baptism? Identification with humanity. Very God, very Man.
II. The anointing of the King.
1. Obedience.
2. Public and open action.
3. Heavens open.
4. Symbol of the dove: peace. Other than politics.
III. The voice of approval
1. The three persons of the Trinity.
Conclusion
John, Pharisees, Sadducees, Baptism of water and the holy spirit and fire, Baptism of Jesus,
Holy Spirit.
LESSON 6
AND THE TEMPTER CAME
4:1-11
Introduction
God allows to tempt Jesus. God cannot tempt anyone.
Tempted according to his manhood.
1. Satan portrayed as a real being. A personality with his own consciousness.
2. If he failed he would be no King
3. Breakdown:
Three temptations
I. Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit:
1. Compels Jesus to go to the wilderness (Mark 1:12).
2. to be tempted: before the ministry came the proof. A complete man: A high priest
that understands our afflictions and temptations.
i. The devil has certain authority over the man.
II. Fasts forty days and forty nights.
1. He could feel a real famine. He could feel all needs of a human. “Even in the
most extreme situation, we can overcome sin”.
III. Three temptations
Background: 1 John 2:15ff “and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.
1. “since you are the messiah, turns the stones into bread”: lust of the flesh.
The exit for Jesus is referring to the word: It is written.
2. A complete identification with mankind: “man shall not live by bread alone”.
IV the second temptation:
1. The pride of life: He is daring God.
V. Third temptation
1. Promises all the kingdoms of the world in exchange of worship.
2. The absolute dare.
VI. The devils leave and angels serve Jesus.
1. Service of physical food
2. Luke says that the devil left him only for a season
Lesson seven
“He withdrew into Galilee”
Ministry in Galilee
4:12-25
1. Gap between v. 11-12.
Several events not recorded by Matthew.
Discussion
I.
II.
Sermon on the Mount
Temptation, Galilee, Jesus’s preaching, Multitudes
Lesson 8
Beatitudes (5:3-12)
1. Poor in Spirit: recognizing the need of God for salvation.
2. Mourning: A Godly sorrow produced by the recognition of oneself condition.
3. Meek: The brave vulnerability.
4. Hunger and thirst: doing anything it takes to get justice.
5. Merciful: the requisite to receive mercy.
6. Purity: All parts of life should become pure.
7. Peacemakers: the relationship with the fellowman.
8. The result can be persecution: there is a blessing inside the persecution.
Rejoice and gladness.
Role of the Christian in the world (5:13-16)
Salt (value) and light (purity)
This doesn’t imply only example, but work of evangelism.
17-20
Jesus gives the way to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.
Jesus comes to fulfill the law: the law is not destroyed but fulfilled. (Eph 2; Col 2).
Jesus is the only one who can fulfill the law, and for that, he can put it out of the way.
21ff
The law of Jesus contrasts with the old by changing the heart: by changing the heart the actions of
the man are changed.
The anger can spoil the worship.
The root of all sin is in the heart. An inward source of Ethics: The codes are meaningless as long as
the heart of man isn’t changed.
Chapter 6
Legit motives to do righteousness.
The inward and sincere aspect of the piety: it has a value when it is done with a sincere heart.
The piety isn’t done to be seen by others.
Prayer: an intimate dialogue between God and man. The personal relational aspect of the piety
taught by Jesus.
A pattern to prayer, not a specific prayer.
An address and glorification of the Father.
Chapter 5, Words to remember: beatitudes, salt and light, the law fulfilled, contrast (you heard it
was said, but I say unto you…).
Chapter 6: ALMS, Prayer, fasting, Mammon, anxiety.
Chapter 7: Judging (proper discernment), asking, entering, applying.
Chapter 8
1. Unity between 8 and 9
2. structure
Nine miracles in three groups of three
The effect on the multitudes.
3. Jesus starts with the physical needs and then moved to the spiritual needs.
4. From the mountain he went to the marketplace.
5. Jesus attending the cries of the people.

I. The Leper
a. Jesus coming down… humility
b. The leper worshiping: recognizing his divinity.
c. Jesus touched him: the human contact and affection shown to the leper for the first time
II The centurion servant
a. A pagan man: universal salvation.
b. The door opened to the whole world.
III The healing of Peter’s mother in law.
IV. Fulfillment of prophecies
a. Isiah 53:4
V. The effect: the would-be-followers

Lesson 10
Series of miracles.
I. The stilling of the storm.
a. A lesson on trusting God
b. “What manner of man is this?”
II. The casting out of the demons
a. Gergenses – Gadarenes: same city
b. The demons went to the swine: the power of the devil is strong, but the mere presence of
God is enough to destroy his deeds.
III. Forgiveness of the man with palsy
Remember words:
Leper, Centurion, Mother in law, would-be-followers, great tempest, 2 demoniacs.
Lesson eleven
Follow me
Introduction
Three sets of three miracles.

I. The call of Matthew (9:9)

1. Despise the religious followers but calls a tax collector.
2. “Jesus passed by”: Jesus never forces anybody to follow him.
3. Jesus sees individuals, he had in mind Matthew.
4. He saw the potential in him
5. Matthew never uses his name Levi.
6. “arose and follow him”: the readiness to follow Christ.
II. The criticism of Pharisees (10-13)
1. Criticism and inquiry.
2. The fact that Jesus was associated with sinners doesn’t mean that he was in support of
their way of life, but that he was concerned for his souls.
3. “he sat in the house”: he was with them.
 4. “they said unto his disciples”: they didn’t approach Jesus himself.
5. Publicans: involved in a corrupt system, they were considered as sinners.
6. v 12 McGarvey ‘s comments: The call of Jesus was a call of repentance, neither of
judgement, neither condescendence.
III. The curiosity of John’s disciples 9:14-17
*Fasting was a practice of sorrow, not a common ordinance to be incorporated into our lives or
worship.
The illustration of Jesus contrasts the joy and the mourning of his ministry. There is no need to be
sad to serve God, we can serve them in joy and mourning.

Lesson 12: it was never so seen in Israel.

Introduction
The last group of three miracles.
It is to be noted the faith in the people who received the miracle
I. Healing of the ruler’s daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood.
Words for chapter 9:
Palsy, Matthew, fasting, Rulers daughter, issue of blood, two blind men, dumb and demon
possessed, the harvest.

Chapter 10
The background for the selection of the apostles is given in 9:35-38: laborers for the Kingdom.

Lesson 14
Chapter 11
Introduction:
4 kinds of people:

 The honest people who are confused (2-15)

 Those who criticize (16-19)
 Those who are stubborn and rebellious (20-24)
 The babes: those who are desiring to follow Christ (25-30)
v. 1: Jesus keeps preaching.
v. 2-3: The doubt of John and his disciples.
v. 4-6: probably Jesus performs the miracles that he is talking about.
v. 7ff: Jesus reaffirms the faith of John
v. 11: The greatness of John is in the message that he brings: no other prophet had that chance. The
message of the Church is even greater than John’s.
v. 12: Trying to bring the kingdom with violence.
v. 16-19: Immature people who don’t want to receive the kingdom.
v. 20-24: the more chance we have to learn, the bigger will be the judgement. Even Capernaum, the
city of Jesus! The sin, the ungodliness, the rebellion against God is in the religious life.
v. 25-26: The heart of the Christian is one of a babe, a heart who can receive the invitation given by
Jesus.
v. 28-30: Invitation but also a responsibility.

 An action: come
 An Authority: unto me
 The Condition: labor heavy laden
 The rest
 The responsibility that brings rest
Chapter 12
Disputations of Jesus with the Pharisees: controversy and increasingly hostility that ends in the
crucifixion of Christ. The general condition of the Pharisees was evil.
We see three movements on this controversy.
1. Sabbath
2. Lord’s power
3. Asking for a sign.
Focus on the text (v. 1-8)
1. Sabbath
-Lawful: according to the tradition, not the law as such.
- “HE said to them”: 1Sa_21:3-6. Jesus is not justifying David; he broke the law. He is pointing out
the inconsistencies of the Pharisees.
v. 6: An affirmation of the Deity of Jesus. There is no religion or law that could be on part with
Jesus. Hosea 7. The purpose of the law had been corrupted, instead of mercy they were putting
burdens on people.
Eph 2:11-15; Col 2: 11-16
v. 9-21
- IS it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days?
v. 11: The value of human life over the animals. The law wasn’t supposed to hurt life, but to heal it.
v. 14: They were trying to kill him. A political move against the truth.
Jesus needs to move away out from the Pharisees least to permit a premature arrest.
v. 15: Jesus withdrew out of the way: a mature response to violent acting against him.
v. 19: Jesus wasn’t going to preach loudly. Not a radical performance, but a radical message. The
need of silence and sober attitude.
v. 22-37
2. Lord’s power
The accusation of demonic powers of Jesus.
-The people’s reaction and the Pharisees reaction to the miracles of Jesus
-Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit:

 Jesus doesn’t accuse them to commit blasphemy, but gives a warning.

 A sin that cannot be forgiven.
Not necessarily an action but an attitude of the heart.
1 John 5: a sin unto death is a sin that is not confessed.
The sin that can’t be forgiven is a sin that hardens the heart of man and hinders him to repent.
There can be a historical interpretation: What’s left after the coming of the H.S.? Judgement.
Gnostic (Hegelian) view of the History?
v. 38-45
The sign problem: the last opportunity to turn from the evil generation: the resurrection. The
fundamental truth of Christianism is the resurrection. Sign visible to all mankind.
Final judgement.
Illustration: 2 Pet 2:20-22
Three days and three nights:
The need to think in the Jewish way of thinking: The phrase on th third day would be equivalent to
after three days. The phrase three days and three nights is interchangeable with three full days.
v. 46-50
The concern of his family had more to do with the danger he was putting himself into with Jewish
leaders. He was only concerned with his mission.
WORDS 12
Plucking of grain, withered hand, demon possessed, Jesus’s withdrawal, request for sign, Christ’s
family.
Parables
There is a special occasion for parables.
Plants a seed in the mind that will clarify many aspects of our lives.
Purpose of the parables (13: 9-17; 34-35; 51): An appropriate way of instruction.
Revealing and concealing: is it the purpose of Christ to conceal the revelation? A more appropriate
way to look at it is to think at responsibility of the individual who answers the call of the Word.
Chapter 14
Historical information: the courage of John.
Opinions lead to action
Chapter 15
The attacks of the enemies of Christ start to increase.
G. Campbell Morgan
Early stages of Christ’s ministry the Pharisees were interested in him, the realization of the message
of Christ was the point where they started to be aggressive.
Outline
The meeting: people, peter
Miracles.
v. 1-2: The accusation.
The breaking of a religious tradition: not a hygienic action, but a purity washing. (The idea of the
physical purity with holiness).
v. 3-9: the answer
The tradition of the elders was opposed to the commandment of God.
The religious tradition was over the commandments of God of social justice.
The recall of the prophecy.
The obligation to the religious practice will never opposed to social justice.
v. 10ff: The teaching of Jesus for the people
What contaminates man?
Not what enters into a man, but what comes out of him.
v. 12: The offence against the Pharisees.
v. 13: What is not planted by God, shall be rooted up. Every religious dogma which do not have the
origin in God.
v. 15-20: The explanation of the sayings:
The inwardly character of Christian ethics. There is no direct prohibition of any aspect of life, but
an affirmation of a good heart.
The miracles
v. 21ff
Tyre and Sidon: a woman of Canaan: gentile, the interest of Jesus is for all.
She recognizes him as the son of David.
v. 23-28: The Jewish attitude of Jesus towards the gentiles is of mercy. He recognizes her faith and
her poverty of Spirit. The gentiles strive for the blessings of Israel, and Jesus comes down to us.
v. 29-39: The feeding of the multitude.

Chapter 16
First 12 verses: transition from the public ministry to the secret and personal ministry with his
disciples. The public opinion about Jesus was affected by the Pharisees.
v. 1-4
Asking for a sign. The rebuke of Jesus is about the prophecies that point to him.
The sign of Jonah: the resurrection.
v. 5ff
The disciples still don’t understand the spiritual message of Jesus.
Jesus tries to warns his disciples of the influence of the Pharisees.
v. 13ff
Who is Jesus Christ?
Different opinions among the people (The core of any Christology)
This passage is a fundamental for the Church. Who the people think today is Jesus Christ?
“Who do you say that I am?”
His promises rests upon He is. If He is not the Son of God, He is a liar.
Peter’s confession: not the product of human speculation: is of divine revelation! The historic Jesus
and the Christ: not a conflict, but a paradox.
Upon the confession that Jesus is the Son of God the Church is built.
Jesus is the authority of the Church: the three persons of the Trinity are in the creation of the
Church.
“My Church”: a special possession. The govern of the Church in entirely subjected to Christ.
He purchased it with his blood.
Church:
1. Singular Church: one body (Eph 4:4; 1:23; Col 1:18; 1:24)
2. Called out: The people separated from this world
“The gates of hell/hades will not prevail against it”: The Church shall never disappear.
v. 19
The apostolic authority. The rock, the ground on which the Church is standing is Christ, Peter is not
the founder.
v. 21ff
The announcement of the passion and resurrection
He is blaming not the civil authorities, but the religious.
The personality of Peter
Every time he announces his death, he also demands sacrifice of his disciples: death to our lives
according to the world.
v. 27-28
The coming of the kingdom:
-Destruction of the temple
-Final judgement
Verse 27: refers to the final judgement
Verse 28: the coming of the Church.
In the context it is suggested that He speaks about the Church.
Chapter 17
Peter, James and John: Special friends of Jesus.
They are brought to see the glory of Jesus in its splendor.
In this passage is affirmed the absolute authority of Jesus over the law and the prophets.
The pious action of Peter is meaningless to what this really means: Jesus is the only one that we are
commanded to listen.
v. 13: Elijah is identified with John the Baptist.
Romans 7
The law has been abolished. We have been freed from the bondage of the law, unto the law of the
freedom. The flesh (law) and the Sprit (Christ). Spirit and letter.
Law includes the ten commandments: there is no part of the mosaic law that can bind us today in
the Chruch.
v. 14ff
The word lunatic is better translated as “epileptic”
Is shown the lack of faith of the disciples: Jesus rebukes them. To whom was he speaking? Probably
the disciples, probably all the multitude.
A general application: the helpless generation in need of a savior.
v. 19-20: the reason why they couldn’t cast the demon.
The limitation of what things can be accomplished: those who are under the will of God.
v. 22-23: New prediction off his death.
v. 24: The questions about the taxes: Jesus rules over all.
v. 27: The astonishing miracle of Jesus. The specificity of the indications.

Chapter 18
Transition from a public ministry to a more personal one with his disciples:
-The characteristics of governor of the Kingdom of heaven.
Greatness and forgiveness.
The idea of a child:
- Innocence
- Forgiveness
- Humility
- Receptivity
v. 6: an illustration of his disciples. There is a clear warning against making others fall.
Make any sacrifice you need to do to stop the sin.
Church discipline 15-17: keep it as secrete as possible (1 John 1:9; James 5:16; 1 John 5:15). The
idea is to deal with your sin to the extent that is required.
18-20: the context is discipline: God is assuring the value of discipline.
21-35: How should I forgive my brother?
A complete and endless forgiveness: we have to recognize when a sincere heart is trying to improve
his Christian life.
The parable: the unpayable was paid.
Chapter 19
Jesus last stop in Galilee: he is in his road to Jerusalem. This is the traveling ministry of Jesus
(Crain)
The highest point in popularity in his ministry.
This chapter deals with social and ethical issues in the context of the Kingdom of God.
The complete authority of Jesus over the physical (19:1-2)
The authority on the ethical: the marriage is a sacred institution.
v. 16-30
the problem of the deity of Jesus in verse 17. Why did Jesus reject the title that belonged to God?
v. 18-19
there is one commandment that Jesus does not mentions: covet. The very sin that was the problem
for the young man.
v. 23-30
How hard it is for a rich to enter into the Kingdom of heaven. It is almost impossible.
v. 26: For man it is impossible to be saved: for God it is not.
The last shall be first: The connections with the next chapter is more than evident with the repetition
of this phrase.
Chapter 19:
Marriage and divorce, little children (humility), rich ruler, needle’s eye.
Chapter 20
Parable of the laborers, prediction of his death in more detail (the evidence of his
foreknowledge).
v. 20-29 The government in the kingdom.
v. 26: it shall not be so among you: the absurdity of the service. There’s no way in the world to
make this a political statement, is an ethical one. It is the source of all ethical practice.
v. 29-34: The two blind men.
Harmony of the Gospels: Kerr
Chapter 21: the beginning of the passion week.
The triumphant entry in Jerusalem.
-A King entering in his kingdom in an ass and a colt, such a meek, humble, and beautiful attitude,
defeating all ambition of men.
Chapter 22
the disputations of the temple:
parables and questions:
-two sons wicked husbandmen, royal weeding.
-tribute to Caesar, resurrection, great commandment, Lordship of Christ.
It’s still Tuesday.
Busiest day of the las week
Parable of the royal weeding:
Only recorded by Matthew: about the kingdom of heaven. Judgement of the religious leaders.
v. 1-3: illustration of the weeding
v. 3-10: The invitation to the weeding.
Is remarkable how the invitation is expanded to all them that want to come to the weeding. The
Gospel is specially for those who have always been the outsiders.
v. 11-14: the proper dressing for the weeding.
Those who accept the invitation but are not willing to change their garments.
Four questions (v. 15-46).
1. Tribute to Caesar.
v. 15: the attitude of the Pharisees is to catch Jesus in a wrong move.
Herodian and Pharisees are together in their bad intentions. The Herodian is the party allied with
government.
The trick is to put Jesus in a logical dilemma
Jesus answer: Whose is this image and superscription?
Jesus is trying to separate the material from the spiritual: we have to admit that we have to interact
with the political and material world.
“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are
God's”: As citizens we hold the image of our land, but as humans we hold the image of God.
2. The question about the resurrection
The absurdity of the question: a curiosity that leads nowhere. IS like asking if the angels are sexual
beings. It’s almost a reduction ad absurdum.
Jesus question is simple and logical: there has to be a resurrection for God is a God of the living,
not of the dead.
3. The great commandment
The attitude of this lawyer seems a little sincerer.
The answer of Jesus is straightforward: Love is the ground of all other law.
4. Whose son is the Christ?
They’re asking what type of Messiah is to come.
The Messiah is David’s son: Kingly nature.
The Messiah is David’s Lord: God himself!
The humanity and the deity of Jesus exposed.
Chapter 23
Woes to the Pharisees:
-Moral inconsistencies and religious ostentation: the core of legalism in the church.
The speech is directed to the disciples, not to the Pharisees themselves.
The seat of Moses: the position of power and wisdom.
Jesus does not condemn the obedience but the hypocrisy: how much of the Christian liberty can be
bound by hypocritical thinking? How much control is the Church holding hidden in the face of
disobedience?
How much of our obedience can turn into an ostentation?
The position that is held in the kingdom should not be a charge of ostentation but of service.
The oaths: for a Christian his word is the oath.
Chapter 24
One of the most misunderstood chapters of the new testament.
The influence of premillennialism makes this chapter a very problematic one.
v. 1-2: Indictment upon Jerusalem
Divine indictment had already been done upon Jerusalem (Matthew 3:7-10; 8:11-12)
Divine judgement against the nation of Israel.
Key word: “see ye not all these things” and “that day”
v. 3: Disciples may have identified the destruction of the temple with the end of this world
Jesus speaks of two comings and two destructions.
v. 4: Indicators
-false indicators and true indicators (4-14)
This eschatological tension has to permeate the whole life of the Christian and not a particular
event. Living a life in the already-but-not-yet.
Jesus did not describe specific events: but the condition of the man upon this world.
v. 15-28: Instructions.
What’s the real sign?
-flee into the mountains: sign of a local destruction.
Description of the situation of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
v. 30: A sign that points to Jesus reigning in heaven.
The apocalyptical language does not necessarily express the end of times. It can be applied to
physical signs of divine judgement.
The prophecies about Babylon’s destruction.
In order to be consistent with what says in v. 34, we should consider this as signs of the destruction
of Jerusalem.
“The elect”: at this point it can mean as Christians who will be protected against the destruction.
v. 36: a complete change of subject: he is referring to “that day”: the day of the passing of heaven
and earth.

v. 37ff accentuates the uncertainty of the Lord’s coming.

The days of Noah, an unexpected and unthinkable happening.
Chapter 25
True religion
The religious leaders are plotting to kill the savior, and the sinners are anointing him: what a king
would be anointed in a small house that nobody sees?
Chapter 26
v. 31-35: desertion and denial prediction.
v. 36-46: Agony in Gethsemane: probably a place of meditation, and a popular place to pray for
Jesus. Accompanied with his close friends: Peter, James, John.
The temptation of Jesus and his prayer: if it be possible. Was there another way? Is God bounded to
his own decisions? Probably the answer is in his final response: not my will but thine.
Close to midnight, his apostles are sleeping.
Very close to his hour of death.
v. 47-75: The arrest and trial.
The height of hypocrisy: the kiss of friendship.
v. 54: Are the scriptures binding Jesus to its fulfillment?
Trial of Jesus: 5 trials: Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, Herod, Pilate.
Every trial was illegal.
False witness
Peter’s denial
The intensity of his denial increased every time.