Navigating the Bible: Matthew

God blesses [music] those who are poor God blesses [music] those who are poor and realize their need for him for the and realize their need for him for the and realize their need for him for the kingdom [music] of heaven is theirs. God kingdom [music] of heaven is theirs. God kingdom [music] of heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn for [music] they blesses those who mourn for [music] they blesses those who mourn for [music] they will be comforted. will be comforted. will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble for God blesses those who are humble for God blesses those who are humble for they will inherit the whole earth. they will inherit the whole earth. they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who are hungry [music] God blesses those who are hungry [music] God blesses those who are hungry [music] and thirsty for justice, for they will and thirsty for justice, for they will and thirsty for justice, for they will be satisfied. be satisfied. be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for God blesses those who are merciful, for God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses they will be shown mercy. God blesses they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, [music] for those whose hearts are pure, [music] for those whose hearts are pure, [music] for they will see God. God blesses those who they will see God. God blesses those who they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called work for peace, for they will be called work for peace, for they will be called the children [music] of God. God blesses the children [music] of God. God blesses the children [music] of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right those who are persecuted for doing right those who are persecuted for doing right for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. [music] [music] [music] Matthew 5:es 3-10. The Gospel [music] according to Matthew The Gospel [music] according to Matthew kicks off the New Testament. kicks off the New Testament. kicks off the New Testament. It chronicles [music] the life of Jesus It chronicles [music] the life of Jesus It chronicles [music] the life of Jesus of Nazareth from his birth to his of Nazareth from his birth to his of Nazareth from his birth to his teachings to his death and resurrection.

teachings to his death and resurrection. teachings to his death and resurrection. Each of the four gospels work together Each of the four gospels work together Each of the four gospels work together to paint a picture of Jesus. [music] And to paint a picture of Jesus. [music] And to paint a picture of Jesus. [music] And Matthew's gospel shows us Jesus as Matthew's gospel shows us Jesus as Matthew's gospel shows us Jesus as [music] teacher. This book is filled [music] teacher. This book is filled [music] teacher. This book is filled with the teachings of Jesus focusing on with the teachings of Jesus focusing on with the teachings of Jesus focusing on what relationship with God is really what relationship with God is really what relationship with God is really like and how that relationship is like and how that relationship is like and how that relationship is embodied in him. To help us navigate the embodied in him. To help us navigate the embodied in him. To help us navigate the book of Matthew is Dr. book of Matthew is Dr. book of Matthew is Dr. Janine Brown, a professor of New Janine Brown, a professor of New Janine Brown, a professor of New Testament at Bethl Seminary and author Testament at Bethl Seminary and author Testament at Bethl Seminary and author of multiple commentaries on Matthew. of multiple commentaries on Matthew. of multiple commentaries on Matthew. My name is Jason Wheeland [music] My name is Jason Wheeland [music] My name is Jason Wheeland [music] and this is a doable disciplehip and this is a doable disciplehip and this is a doable disciplehip navigating the Bible Matthew. All right, I'm joined by Janine [music] All right, I'm joined by Janine [music] Brown. Janine, thank you for being here Brown. Janine, thank you for being here Brown. Janine, thank you for being here and being our guide through the Gospel and being our guide through the Gospel and being our guide through the Gospel of Matthew today. I really appreciate of Matthew today. I really appreciate of Matthew today. I really appreciate it. it. it. >> Happy to be with you today.

>> Happy to be with you today. >> Happy to be with you today. >> So, Matthew, we're starting the New >> So, Matthew, we're starting the New >> So, Matthew, we're starting the New Testament. This is really exciting. We Testament. This is really exciting. We Testament. This is really exciting. We had last week's episode on the had last week's episode on the had last week's episode on the Intertestamental period. I know people Intertestamental period. I know people Intertestamental period. I know people have just been like clamoring, when is have just been like clamoring, when is have just been like clamoring, when is the New Testament starting? When is the the New Testament starting? When is the the New Testament starting? When is the New Testament starting? Well, here we New Testament starting? Well, here we New Testament starting? Well, here we are. I'm really excited to dive into are. I'm really excited to dive into are. I'm really excited to dive into this book with you. So before we get this book with you. So before we get this book with you. So before we get into the meat and potatoes of it, let's into the meat and potatoes of it, let's into the meat and potatoes of it, let's start with the basic details, let's start with the basic details, let's start with the basic details, let's let's get our stage set. Let's get let's get our stage set. Let's get let's get our stage set. Let's get ready. So ready. So ready. So I always ask, do we know who wrote this I always ask, do we know who wrote this I always ask, do we know who wrote this book and when it was written? And how book and when it was written? And how book and when it was written? And how does knowing these things or not knowing does knowing these things or not knowing does knowing these things or not knowing these things affect how we read this these things affect how we read this these things affect how we read this book? book? book? >> Well, you've been in the Old Testament >> Well, you've been in the Old Testament >> Well, you've been in the Old Testament where there are a lot of anonymous where there are a lot of anonymous where there are a lot of anonymous books, right? We don't know who wrote books, right? We don't know who wrote books, right? We don't know who wrote them. them. them. um Matthew the the text itself doesn't um Matthew the the text itself doesn't um Matthew the the text itself doesn't tell us who wrote it but the title says tell us who wrote it but the title says tell us who wrote it but the title says according to Matthew um which is at according to Matthew um which is at according to Matthew um which is at probably an early um addition when the probably an early um addition when the probably an early um addition when the four gospels came together likely we had four gospels came together likely we had four gospels came together likely we had added according to Matthew according to added according to Matthew according to added according to Matthew according to Mark according to Luke according to John Mark according to Luke according to John Mark according to Luke according to John and and they're all the same and they and and they're all the same and they and and they're all the same and they distinguish one from the other so it's distinguish one from the other so it's distinguish one from the other so it's anonymous in the text it's been anonymous in the text it's been anonymous in the text it's been attributed to Matthew from early days um attributed to Matthew from early days um attributed to Matthew from early days um those titles probably early second those titles probably early second those titles probably early second century. Later, Ucius talks about Papus century. Later, Ucius talks about Papus century. Later, Ucius talks about Papus who is a church father from the second who is a church father from the second who is a church father from the second century who who attributed to Matthew.

century who who attributed to Matthew. century who who attributed to Matthew. So, you can certainly think of it as So, you can certainly think of it as So, you can certainly think of it as from Matthew and um just like I could from Matthew and um just like I could from Matthew and um just like I could pick up a novel today by somebody I do pick up a novel today by somebody I do pick up a novel today by somebody I do not know and read it or a history today not know and read it or a history today not know and read it or a history today and pick it up about um well, not about and pick it up about um well, not about and pick it up about um well, not about but by someone I don't know and read it but by someone I don't know and read it but by someone I don't know and read it really quite well. I think we can do really quite well. I think we can do really quite well. I think we can do that with Matthew. We don't have to that with Matthew. We don't have to that with Matthew. We don't have to think, okay, how how do I take what I think, okay, how how do I take what I think, okay, how how do I take what I know about Matthew and insert it into know about Matthew and insert it into know about Matthew and insert it into the narrative. In fact, I think that the narrative. In fact, I think that the narrative. In fact, I think that sometimes leads us astray because sometimes leads us astray because sometimes leads us astray because >> the gospel is about Jesus. Yeah. >> the gospel is about Jesus. Yeah. >> the gospel is about Jesus. Yeah. >> Matthew doesn't want to say, "Hey, look >> Matthew doesn't want to say, "Hey, look >> Matthew doesn't want to say, "Hey, look at me. Look at me." [laughter] at me. Look at me." [laughter] at me. Look at me." [laughter] Be why he doesn't put his name on the Be why he doesn't put his name on the Be why he doesn't put his name on the front of it um in terms of this is from front of it um in terms of this is from front of it um in terms of this is from Matthew like we have in letters. So, I Matthew like we have in letters. So, I Matthew like we have in letters. So, I think reading the gospel um to hear um think reading the gospel um to hear um think reading the gospel um to hear um what I call the implied author. It's the what I call the implied author. It's the what I call the implied author. It's the author we hear as we walk along. go author we hear as we walk along. go author we hear as we walk along. go that's so interested in the Old that's so interested in the Old that's so interested in the Old Testament. Um, of course, so interested Testament. Um, of course, so interested Testament. Um, of course, so interested in Jesus as the Messiah, as God's in Jesus as the Messiah, as God's in Jesus as the Messiah, as God's Messiah. So, paying attention to that Messiah. So, paying attention to that Messiah. So, paying attention to that level of the writer as they write. level of the writer as they write. level of the writer as they write. Great. I think we don't have to sort of Great. I think we don't have to sort of Great. I think we don't have to sort of worry about inserting Matthew into it.

worry about inserting Matthew into it. worry about inserting Matthew into it. Um, Matthew uh as a character or as a Um, Matthew uh as a character or as a Um, Matthew uh as a character or as a person shows up in chapter 9, but other person shows up in chapter 9, but other person shows up in chapter 9, but other than that, this story is about Jesus. than that, this story is about Jesus. than that, this story is about Jesus. >> Great. So then in in terms of the timing >> Great. So then in in terms of the timing >> Great. So then in in terms of the timing of this gospel as opposed in relation of this gospel as opposed in relation of this gospel as opposed in relation with the other gospels, where does with the other gospels, where does with the other gospels, where does Matthews fit in? Matthews fit in? Matthews fit in? >> Yeah, I mean it certainly sits at the >> Yeah, I mean it certainly sits at the >> Yeah, I mean it certainly sits at the front of the New Testament and it has front of the New Testament and it has front of the New Testament and it has been throughout church history kind of been throughout church history kind of been throughout church history kind of seen as this the kind of the primary seen as this the kind of the primary seen as this the kind of the primary gospel or the the gospel of primacy, the gospel or the the gospel of primacy, the gospel or the the gospel of primacy, the one that has sort of the most attention one that has sort of the most attention one that has sort of the most attention given to it by all sorts of church given to it by all sorts of church given to it by all sorts of church fathers. Um certainly more than Mark. Um fathers. Um certainly more than Mark. Um fathers. Um certainly more than Mark. Um scholars will often talk about Mark scholars will often talk about Mark scholars will often talk about Mark likely have been written first. likely have been written first. likely have been written first. >> Yeah. and Matthew and Luke draw upon >> Yeah. and Matthew and Luke draw upon >> Yeah. and Matthew and Luke draw upon some of what's in Mark. Um, but I um, some of what's in Mark. Um, but I um, some of what's in Mark. Um, but I um, and I think it's probably written, you and I think it's probably written, you and I think it's probably written, you know, sometime later first century. And know, sometime later first century. And know, sometime later first century. And I think it's for a Jew Jewish audience. I think it's for a Jew Jewish audience. I think it's for a Jew Jewish audience. We see signs of that in the text itself. We see signs of that in the text itself. We see signs of that in the text itself. He doesn't explain things that Mark He doesn't explain things that Mark He doesn't explain things that Mark explains, for example. But, um, in terms explains, for example. But, um, in terms explains, for example. But, um, in terms of uh, how we read it, I think um, of uh, how we read it, I think um, of uh, how we read it, I think um, paying attention to the just reading the paying attention to the just reading the paying attention to the just reading the gospel as a whole, kind of looking gospel as a whole, kind of looking gospel as a whole, kind of looking across the whole, reading it through, across the whole, reading it through, across the whole, reading it through, listening to it. um paying attention to listening to it. um paying attention to listening to it. um paying attention to what we hear kind of emerging um on its what we hear kind of emerging um on its what we hear kind of emerging um on its own terms. I've written a book called own terms. I've written a book called own terms. I've written a book called Gospels as Stories and and I encourage Gospels as Stories and and I encourage Gospels as Stories and and I encourage people um there's there's value in people um there's there's value in people um there's there's value in comparing Gospels, but there's something comparing Gospels, but there's something comparing Gospels, but there's something really valuable about reading Matthew really valuable about reading Matthew really valuable about reading Matthew from beginning to end or Matthew. So from beginning to end or Matthew. So from beginning to end or Matthew. So that's kind of my heartbeat to say let's that's kind of my heartbeat to say let's that's kind of my heartbeat to say let's read Matthew.

read Matthew. read Matthew. >> I love it. And so, so especially with >> I love it. And so, so especially with >> I love it. And so, so especially with that emphasis on story in reading the that emphasis on story in reading the that emphasis on story in reading the book as a whole, I'm going to pose a book as a whole, I'm going to pose a book as a whole, I'm going to pose a challenge to you that is one of my challenge to you that is one of my challenge to you that is one of my favorites in all of the questions that I favorites in all of the questions that I favorites in all of the questions that I ask, which is, how would you describe ask, which is, how would you describe ask, which is, how would you describe the book of Matthew in one sentence? the book of Matthew in one sentence? the book of Matthew in one sentence? >> Yeah, that's tough. >> Yeah, that's tough. >> Yeah, that's tough. >> It can be a run-on sentence. I've had >> It can be a run-on sentence. I've had >> It can be a run-on sentence. I've had many. many. many. >> Thank you. [laughter] I appreciate that. >> Thank you. [laughter] I appreciate that. >> Thank you. [laughter] I appreciate that. Um, I've challenged myself at the end of Um, I've challenged myself at the end of Um, I've challenged myself at the end of all commentary writing on Matthew. I all commentary writing on Matthew. I all commentary writing on Matthew. I have a small little commentary embedded have a small little commentary embedded have a small little commentary embedded in the Baker illustrated one volume in the Baker illustrated one volume in the Baker illustrated one volume commentary in the Bible and I have teach commentary in the Bible and I have teach commentary in the Bible and I have teach the um teach the text Bible commentary the um teach the text Bible commentary the um teach the text Bible commentary on Matthew and I also have two horizons on Matthew and I also have two horizons on Matthew and I also have two horizons Bible commentary Matthew and each time I Bible commentary Matthew and each time I Bible commentary Matthew and each time I forced myself to write a paragraph that forced myself to write a paragraph that forced myself to write a paragraph that said here's what's Matthew's about. said here's what's Matthew's about. said here's what's Matthew's about. Here's what is Matthew's about. So this Here's what is Matthew's about. So this Here's what is Matthew's about. So this is my sentence I guess. [laughter] is my sentence I guess. [laughter] is my sentence I guess. [laughter] An account of Jesus as God's chosen An account of Jesus as God's chosen An account of Jesus as God's chosen Messiah who brings the kingdom of God to Messiah who brings the kingdom of God to Messiah who brings the kingdom of God to this world through his self-giving this world through his self-giving this world through his self-giving ministry, death, and through his ministry, death, and through his ministry, death, and through his resurrection.

resurrection. resurrection. And people need to respond to that good And people need to respond to that good And people need to respond to that good news of Jesus through trust, loyalty, news of Jesus through trust, loyalty, news of Jesus through trust, loyalty, and obedience as Jesus is with us and obedience as Jesus is with us and obedience as Jesus is with us >> to the very end of the age. Yeah. So, >> to the very end of the age. Yeah. So, >> to the very end of the age. Yeah. So, that was a run-on sentence, but there that was a run-on sentence, but there that was a run-on sentence, but there you go. you go. you go. >> That that's all right. It sets the >> That that's all right. It sets the >> That that's all right. It sets the picture for us of what we're getting picture for us of what we're getting picture for us of what we're getting into. And again, this is our first book into. And again, this is our first book into. And again, this is our first book into the New Testament. So, really, it's into the New Testament. So, really, it's into the New Testament. So, really, it's an introduction into this is the life of an introduction into this is the life of an introduction into this is the life of Jesus. And we're going to cover four Jesus. And we're going to cover four Jesus. And we're going to cover four books that are really focused on on books that are really focused on on books that are really focused on on painting this whole picture of the life painting this whole picture of the life painting this whole picture of the life of Jesus. And you mentioned a phrase of Jesus. And you mentioned a phrase of Jesus. And you mentioned a phrase that I think we'll come back to probably that I think we'll come back to probably that I think we'll come back to probably as we talk about themes, which is the as we talk about themes, which is the as we talk about themes, which is the kingdom of God, which is a big theme in kingdom of God, which is a big theme in kingdom of God, which is a big theme in the Gospel of Matthew. So, I'm excited the Gospel of Matthew. So, I'm excited the Gospel of Matthew. So, I'm excited to get to that. But first, let's talk to get to that. But first, let's talk to get to that. But first, let's talk about the flow of this book. We have um about the flow of this book. We have um about the flow of this book. We have um what 28 chapters that walks through from what 28 chapters that walks through from what 28 chapters that walks through from chapter 1 through 28. So, what is chapter 1 through 28. So, what is chapter 1 through 28. So, what is happening through the course of this happening through the course of this happening through the course of this book? book? book? >> That's a good good question. Uh, and >> That's a good good question. Uh, and >> That's a good good question. Uh, and again, I love reading as whole, so I again, I love reading as whole, so I again, I love reading as whole, so I like to make a big outline. Sometimes I like to make a big outline. Sometimes I like to make a big outline. Sometimes I do a visualization of what's going on.

do a visualization of what's going on. do a visualization of what's going on. >> So, as I think about it, I think about >> So, as I think about it, I think about >> So, as I think about it, I think about it in a picture in my head. it in a picture in my head. it in a picture in my head. >> Um, of course, we have the um >> Um, of course, we have the um >> Um, of course, we have the um introductory chapters. Jesus's birth is introductory chapters. Jesus's birth is introductory chapters. Jesus's birth is narrated, not not in Mark, but in narrated, not not in Mark, but in narrated, not not in Mark, but in Matthew. Yes. Couple chapters. And then Matthew. Yes. Couple chapters. And then Matthew. Yes. Couple chapters. And then his baptism as he prepares for ministry, his baptism as he prepares for ministry, his baptism as he prepares for ministry, his temptation, and then chapter 4 has his temptation, and then chapter 4 has his temptation, and then chapter 4 has his coming on the scene. And a really his coming on the scene. And a really his coming on the scene. And a really important point comes in 4:17 where we important point comes in 4:17 where we important point comes in 4:17 where we have the first of two kind of formulas have the first of two kind of formulas have the first of two kind of formulas that set maybe the overall structure of that set maybe the overall structure of that set maybe the overall structure of the gospel at least according to some the gospel at least according to some the gospel at least according to some and it's at that time Jesus began to and and it's at that time Jesus began to and and it's at that time Jesus began to and then what it says after that then what it says after that then what it says after that >> he began to I have to go back to 17 to >> he began to I have to go back to 17 to >> he began to I have to go back to 17 to read it exactly as it said u from that read it exactly as it said u from that read it exactly as it said u from that time on Jesus began to preach repent for time on Jesus began to preach repent for time on Jesus began to preach repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near and the kingdom of heaven has come near and the kingdom of heaven has come near and for the next for the next for the next 12 chapters all the way up to chapter 12 chapters all the way up to chapter 12 chapters all the way up to chapter 16, we see Jesus preaching in Galilee. 16, we see Jesus preaching in Galilee. 16, we see Jesus preaching in Galilee. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> To primarily Jewish crowds, repent for >> To primarily Jewish crowds, repent for >> To primarily Jewish crowds, repent for the kingdom has come has come near. He the kingdom has come has come near. He the kingdom has come has come near. He preaches the kingdom. Now, we hear preaches the kingdom. Now, we hear preaches the kingdom. Now, we hear preaching and teaching. We see healing.

preaching and teaching. We see healing. preaching and teaching. We see healing. We see other miracles. And then in 1621, We see other miracles. And then in 1621, We see other miracles. And then in 1621, we have that same kind of introduction. we have that same kind of introduction. we have that same kind of introduction. Again, from that time on, Jesus began to Again, from that time on, Jesus began to Again, from that time on, Jesus began to show show show his disciples that he must go to his disciples that he must go to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the Jerusalem and suffer many things at the Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and hands of the elders, chief priests, and hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law. That he must be teachers of the law. That he must be teachers of the law. That he must be killed and on the third day be raised to killed and on the third day be raised to killed and on the third day be raised to life. For me, those uh the two life. For me, those uh the two life. For me, those uh the two structural hinges of Matthew structural hinges of Matthew structural hinges of Matthew >> rejecting Kingsbury emphasize that other >> rejecting Kingsbury emphasize that other >> rejecting Kingsbury emphasize that other people. So, we have the story um that people. So, we have the story um that people. So, we have the story um that sets up sets it up 4:17 Galilean sets up sets it up 4:17 Galilean sets up sets it up 4:17 Galilean ministry. Jesus is preaching, teaching, ministry. Jesus is preaching, teaching, ministry. Jesus is preaching, teaching, healing ministry, a restoration ministry healing ministry, a restoration ministry healing ministry, a restoration ministry to the Jewish people. And then um from to the Jewish people. And then um from to the Jewish people. And then um from 16:21 on, he starts to move to 16:21 on, he starts to move to 16:21 on, he starts to move to Jerusalem. And he gets to Jerusalem and Jerusalem. And he gets to Jerusalem and Jerusalem. And he gets to Jerusalem and then comes his depriving for a new then comes his depriving for a new then comes his depriving for a new reader death. reader death. reader death. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know um and then resurrection. So we >> You know um and then resurrection. So we >> You know um and then resurrection. So we have um Galilean ministry to Jerusalem have um Galilean ministry to Jerusalem have um Galilean ministry to Jerusalem to um to um to um complete his mission mission which is to complete his mission mission which is to complete his mission mission which is to become a servant to um kind of ransom become a servant to um kind of ransom become a servant to um kind of ransom for many. Chapter 20 verse 28 is really for many. Chapter 20 verse 28 is really for many. Chapter 20 verse 28 is really crucial to hearing why he comes crucial to hearing why he comes crucial to hearing why he comes >> um not to be served but to serve and to >> um not to be served but to serve and to >> um not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. So I give his life a ransom for many. So I give his life a ransom for many. So I mean that's kind of the narrative mean that's kind of the narrative mean that's kind of the narrative structure with the storyline. Galilee to structure with the storyline. Galilee to structure with the storyline. Galilee to Jerusalem. But what Matthew is so Jerusalem. But what Matthew is so Jerusalem. But what Matthew is so interesting, Matthew um has five large interesting, Matthew um has five large interesting, Matthew um has five large discourses of Jesus teachings spread discourses of Jesus teachings spread discourses of Jesus teachings spread across the gospel. So right after 4:17

across the gospel. So right after 4:17 across the gospel. So right after 4:17 where that Gallian ministry gets started where that Gallian ministry gets started where that Gallian ministry gets started after he said he's going to be healing, after he said he's going to be healing, after he said he's going to be healing, teaching, preaching, teaching, preaching, teaching, preaching, >> we hear him teaching sermon on the >> we hear him teaching sermon on the >> we hear him teaching sermon on the mount. Five chapters, right? Matthew 5 mount. Five chapters, right? Matthew 5 mount. Five chapters, right? Matthew 5 through7 a sermon that's about the through7 a sermon that's about the through7 a sermon that's about the kingdom and about covenant faithfulness kingdom and about covenant faithfulness kingdom and about covenant faithfulness in light of the coming kingdom. in light of the coming kingdom. in light of the coming kingdom. >> Yeah. So then in chapter 10 we have the >> Yeah. So then in chapter 10 we have the >> Yeah. So then in chapter 10 we have the mission discourse. Jesus gives mission discourse. Jesus gives mission discourse. Jesus gives instructions to send out the 12 and uh instructions to send out the 12 and uh instructions to send out the 12 and uh that then um leads us up to chapter 13 that then um leads us up to chapter 13 that then um leads us up to chapter 13 another big section of teaching the another big section of teaching the another big section of teaching the parables chapter all about the kingdom parables chapter all about the kingdom parables chapter all about the kingdom already not yet. already not yet. already not yet. >> Yeah >> Yeah >> Yeah >> both and and then as Jesus heads to >> both and and then as Jesus heads to >> both and and then as Jesus heads to Jerusalem 16:21 again pushes us toward Jerusalem 16:21 again pushes us toward Jerusalem 16:21 again pushes us toward thinking about Jesus now moving to thinking about Jesus now moving to thinking about Jesus now moving to Jerusalem. Then we have the community Jerusalem. Then we have the community Jerusalem. Then we have the community discourse chapter 18 all about how does discourse chapter 18 all about how does discourse chapter 18 all about how does the church live well with one another? the church live well with one another? the church live well with one another? How do they take care of the most How do they take care of the most How do they take care of the most vulnerable? How do they address sin in vulnerable? How do they address sin in vulnerable? How do they address sin in their midst? How they do to become the their midst? How they do to become the their midst? How they do to become the forgiving community? forgiving community? forgiving community? >> And then the final discourse is chapters >> And then the final discourse is chapters >> And then the final discourse is chapters 24 and 25 called the esqueological 24 and 25 called the esqueological 24 and 25 called the esqueological discourse by scholars which means the discourse by scholars which means the discourse by scholars which means the stuff about the end but also um for stuff about the end but also um for stuff about the end but also um for Jesus still in the future the fall of Jesus still in the future the fall of Jesus still in the future the fall of the temple. So the fall of the temple the temple. So the fall of the temple the temple. So the fall of the temple and the final return of Jesus are paired and the final return of Jesus are paired and the final return of Jesus are paired in those chapters. So lots of teaching.

in those chapters. So lots of teaching. in those chapters. So lots of teaching. So you can structure the gospel around So you can structure the gospel around So you can structure the gospel around those. And then of course Jesus's those. And then of course Jesus's those. And then of course Jesus's passion, his death, resurrection come passion, his death, resurrection come passion, his death, resurrection come after that final teaching moment. And um after that final teaching moment. And um after that final teaching moment. And um there are five formulas that end up there are five formulas that end up there are five formulas that end up these five teaching sections. Um and these five teaching sections. Um and these five teaching sections. Um and after Jesus had finished saying these after Jesus had finished saying these after Jesus had finished saying these things essentially something like that things essentially something like that things essentially something like that come five times right after these and 26 come five times right after these and 26 come five times right after these and 26 verse one when Jesus had finished saying verse one when Jesus had finished saying verse one when Jesus had finished saying all these things he says to his all these things he says to his all these things he says to his disciples. So it's Matthew has very disciples. So it's Matthew has very disciples. So it's Matthew has very carefully shown us how Jesus is teacher carefully shown us how Jesus is teacher carefully shown us how Jesus is teacher and but also healer and deliverer. Jesus and but also healer and deliverer. Jesus and but also healer and deliverer. Jesus acts and teaches. But if you were to acts and teaches. But if you were to acts and teaches. But if you were to think about Matthew in comparison to think about Matthew in comparison to think about Matthew in comparison to Mark and Luke, you'd say, "Oh my Mark and Luke, you'd say, "Oh my Mark and Luke, you'd say, "Oh my goodness, Jesus teacheth a lot of goodness, Jesus teacheth a lot of goodness, Jesus teacheth a lot of Matthew." as we hear these five Matthew." as we hear these five Matthew." as we hear these five prominent prominent prominent >> discourses as they're called which are >> discourses as they're called which are >> discourses as they're called which are exciting to read and to study. People exciting to read and to study. People exciting to read and to study. People studied the sermon on mount for eons, studied the sermon on mount for eons, studied the sermon on mount for eons, right? right? right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What is this about? What is all this? >> What is this about? What is all this? >> What is this about? What is all this? How does this all this hang together?

How does this all this hang together? How does this all this hang together? What does Jesus mean? Um some amazing What does Jesus mean? Um some amazing What does Jesus mean? Um some amazing things in the sermon on the So, you got things in the sermon on the So, you got things in the sermon on the So, you got me excited there. That's kind [laughter] me excited there. That's kind [laughter] me excited there. That's kind [laughter] of how I see the flow of the whole. Um, of how I see the flow of the whole. Um, of how I see the flow of the whole. Um, and Graham Staten, a scholar from years and Graham Staten, a scholar from years and Graham Staten, a scholar from years back, said there are so many places in back, said there are so many places in back, said there are so many places in Matthew sort of to stop and start if Matthew sort of to stop and start if Matthew sort of to stop and start if you're reading it aloud, which you you're reading it aloud, which you you're reading it aloud, which you imagine the early church doing. imagine the early church doing. imagine the early church doing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, I've just given you some of those, >> So, I've just given you some of those, >> So, I've just given you some of those, but there are more than that. Kind of but there are more than that. Kind of but there are more than that. Kind of these lovely these lovely these lovely >> bracketing parts, parts that are >> bracketing parts, parts that are >> bracketing parts, parts that are bracketed together, parts that have, you bracketed together, parts that have, you bracketed together, parts that have, you know, five discourses and then these um know, five discourses and then these um know, five discourses and then these um formula that repeat so you go, "Oh, this formula that repeat so you go, "Oh, this formula that repeat so you go, "Oh, this is really important, too." So, um you is really important, too." So, um you is really important, too." So, um you could tell that it's meant for oral could tell that it's meant for oral could tell that it's meant for oral delivery. delivery. delivery. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> As in the early church when people you >> As in the early church when people you >> As in the early church when people you did a lot of people didn't um read, they did a lot of people didn't um read, they did a lot of people didn't um read, they weren't literate, but they they knew how weren't literate, but they they knew how weren't literate, but they they knew how to listen super well. They were to listen super well. They were to listen super well. They were >> um wonderfully attuned to hearing things >> um wonderfully attuned to hearing things >> um wonderfully attuned to hearing things read out. read out. read out. >> I'm a huge fan of encouraging kind of a >> I'm a huge fan of encouraging kind of a >> I'm a huge fan of encouraging kind of a readoption of an oral tradition a little readoption of an oral tradition a little readoption of an oral tradition a little bit here. So I I I so so that focus and bit here. So I I I so so that focus and bit here. So I I I so so that focus and and just encouraging people and just encouraging people and just encouraging people >> to read Matthew out loud together and >> to read Matthew out loud together and >> to read Matthew out loud together and make it a part of of what what your make it a part of of what what your make it a part of of what what your small group is doing or your family can small group is doing or your family can small group is doing or your family can read out loud together and you have read out loud together and you have read out loud together and you have these section breaks to kind of help to these section breaks to kind of help to these section breaks to kind of help to separate it. Um separate it. Um separate it. Um >> I love that emphasis. So So thank you >> I love that emphasis. So So thank you >> I love that emphasis. So So thank you for making note of that. And it's it's for making note of that. And it's it's for making note of that. And it's it's it's helpful to paint Matthew almost in it's helpful to paint Matthew almost in it's helpful to paint Matthew almost in this light of is really putting the this light of is really putting the this light of is really putting the spotlight on Jesus as teacher.

spotlight on Jesus as teacher. spotlight on Jesus as teacher. Jesus as preacher. And that's and and so Jesus as preacher. And that's and and so Jesus as preacher. And that's and and so each of the gospels kind of paints a each of the gospels kind of paints a each of the gospels kind of paints a little bit of a different picture of little bit of a different picture of little bit of a different picture of Jesus with a a different focus or a Jesus with a a different focus or a Jesus with a a different focus or a different facet that is emphasized. And different facet that is emphasized. And different facet that is emphasized. And this one really does emphasize Jesus as this one really does emphasize Jesus as this one really does emphasize Jesus as preacher teacher. And I I I love getting preacher teacher. And I I I love getting preacher teacher. And I I I love getting to focus it on that. So now I think to focus it on that. So now I think to focus it on that. So now I think we're going to get into what I I imagine we're going to get into what I I imagine we're going to get into what I I imagine might be your favorite topic to talk might be your favorite topic to talk might be your favorite topic to talk about, which is the themes that we get about, which is the themes that we get about, which is the themes that we get in this in this book because I've been in this in this book because I've been in this in this book because I've been hearing them already come out. So let's hearing them already come out. So let's hearing them already come out. So let's let's let's set you up here. What are let's let's set you up here. What are let's let's set you up here. What are the major themes that we get from the the major themes that we get from the the major themes that we get from the Gospel of Matthew? Gospel of Matthew? Gospel of Matthew? >> Oh yes, so many. I mean I I encourage my >> Oh yes, so many. I mean I I encourage my >> Oh yes, so many. I mean I I encourage my students um to identify multiple themes students um to identify multiple themes students um to identify multiple themes in a gospel and and not you know you can in a gospel and and not you know you can in a gospel and and not you know you can prioritize and say which are more prioritize and say which are more prioritize and say which are more important but that let's work way down important but that let's work way down important but that let's work way down the pike because just enjoy the themes the pike because just enjoy the themes the pike because just enjoy the themes because Matthew intended all of them. because Matthew intended all of them. because Matthew intended all of them. You know all the ones that you're seeing You know all the ones that you're seeing You know all the ones that you're seeing that really start to pile up. Yeah. that really start to pile up. Yeah. that really start to pile up. Yeah. clear themes across this gospel. So, um, clear themes across this gospel. So, um, clear themes across this gospel. So, um, one that isn't, uh, one that just shows one that isn't, uh, one that just shows one that isn't, uh, one that just shows up by sheer repetition, but by careful up by sheer repetition, but by careful up by sheer repetition, but by careful placement is the theme of God's presence placement is the theme of God's presence placement is the theme of God's presence in Jesus and God and Jesus's presence in Jesus and God and Jesus's presence in Jesus and God and Jesus's presence with his disciples.

with his disciples. with his disciples. >> So, Jesus with us. Jesus says, God with >> So, Jesus with us. Jesus says, God with >> So, Jesus with us. Jesus says, God with us. 123 us. 123 us. 123 >> citing Isaiah. And he will be named >> citing Isaiah. And he will be named >> citing Isaiah. And he will be named Emanuel. Emanuel. Emanuel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> God with us. Very last verse of the >> God with us. Very last verse of the >> God with us. Very last verse of the gospel 28:20. gospel 28:20. gospel 28:20. and I will be with you to the very end and I will be with you to the very end and I will be with you to the very end of the age. So, uh it it's just it's of the age. So, uh it it's just it's of the age. So, uh it it's just it's this what's called an inclusio or a this what's called an inclusio or a this what's called an inclusio or a bracket that says this is important. I bracket that says this is important. I bracket that says this is important. I do it I say it at the beginning. I say do it I say it at the beginning. I say do it I say it at the beginning. I say it at the end right in 1820 we have and it at the end right in 1820 we have and it at the end right in 1820 we have and where two or three are gathered there I where two or three are gathered there I where two or three are gathered there I am in their midst and with them there am in their midst and with them there am in their midst and with them there too. So there's this interesting too. So there's this interesting too. So there's this interesting placement theme, but then in terms of placement theme, but then in terms of placement theme, but then in terms of sheer repetition, you know, language of sheer repetition, you know, language of sheer repetition, you know, language of kingdom all over the place, kingdom all over the place, kingdom all over the place, >> um language of um >> um language of um >> um language of um um the Torah or the law. um the Torah or the law. um the Torah or the law. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And the importance of faithfulness to >> And the importance of faithfulness to >> And the importance of faithfulness to the law. Um and that that's one of the the law. Um and that that's one of the the law. Um and that that's one of the things that we as Christians who are things that we as Christians who are things that we as Christians who are Gentiles, many of Christians today are Gentiles, many of Christians today are Gentiles, many of Christians today are Gentiles, right? Not Jewish. um kind of Gentiles, right? Not Jewish. um kind of Gentiles, right? Not Jewish. um kind of get stopped up on a little bit. It's get stopped up on a little bit. It's get stopped up on a little bit. It's like how do we kind of grapple with that like how do we kind of grapple with that like how do we kind of grapple with that when Jesus says unless your when Jesus says unless your when Jesus says unless your righteousness, your data, which is a righteousness, your data, which is a righteousness, your data, which is a covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty exceeds that of the Pharisees and the exceeds that of the Pharisees and the exceeds that of the Pharisees and the scribes, you will never even enter the scribes, you will never even enter the scribes, you will never even enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5 some 20 17 kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5 some 20 17 kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5 some 20 17 20 20 20 that's just like what what what Jesus that's just like what what what Jesus that's just like what what what Jesus what Matthew then has done is given us what Matthew then has done is given us what Matthew then has done is given us all this teaching of Jesus so that we all this teaching of Jesus so that we all this teaching of Jesus so that we hear the the Torah or the law refracted hear the the Torah or the law refracted hear the the Torah or the law refracted through Jesus's teachings Jesus always through Jesus's teachings Jesus always through Jesus's teachings Jesus always teaches in line with the Torah

teaches in line with the Torah teaches in line with the Torah >> it's so very clear he's echoing his >> it's so very clear he's echoing his >> it's so very clear he's echoing his themes he's citing its texts and then themes he's citing its texts and then themes he's citing its texts and then what it comes at the very end of Matthew what it comes at the very end of Matthew what it comes at the very end of Matthew about this the idea of the Torah or about this the idea of the Torah or about this the idea of the Torah or Jesus's teachings the last um couple Jesus's teachings the last um couple Jesus's teachings the last um couple verses. You are to go and baptize, make verses. You are to go and baptize, make verses. You are to go and baptize, make disciples, baptizing them and teaching disciples, baptizing them and teaching disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded them to obey everything I have commanded them to obey everything I have commanded you. you. you. The movement goes from Torah to Jesus as The movement goes from Torah to Jesus as The movement goes from Torah to Jesus as the embodiment of the Torah, as the the embodiment of the Torah, as the the embodiment of the Torah, as the teacher of the Torah, as the one who teacher of the Torah, as the one who teacher of the Torah, as the one who knows it perfectly and prioritizes it knows it perfectly and prioritizes it knows it perfectly and prioritizes it well because he says, "Don't neglect the well because he says, "Don't neglect the well because he says, "Don't neglect the weightiest matters of the Torah, which weightiest matters of the Torah, which weightiest matters of the Torah, which are justice, mercy, faithfulness, and are justice, mercy, faithfulness, and are justice, mercy, faithfulness, and pay attention to the ones that aren't as pay attention to the ones that aren't as pay attention to the ones that aren't as weighty. Do both. Do all." But that's weighty. Do both. Do all." But that's weighty. Do both. Do all." But that's chapter 23:23. So this sense of Jesus as chapter 23:23. So this sense of Jesus as chapter 23:23. So this sense of Jesus as the Torah instructor and then at the end the Torah instructor and then at the end the Torah instructor and then at the end is the one who now we follow his is the one who now we follow his is the one who now we follow his teachings as Gentiles we follow his teachings as Gentiles we follow his teachings as Gentiles we follow his teachings because they in their in in in teachings because they in their in in in teachings because they in their in in in essence fulfill the Torah. So that can essence fulfill the Torah. So that can essence fulfill the Torah. So that can be a tricky one as we come and read it be a tricky one as we come and read it be a tricky one as we come and read it as Gentiles. But we are to listen to as Gentiles. But we are to listen to as Gentiles. But we are to listen to Jesus and then we're to follow his ways.

Jesus and then we're to follow his ways. Jesus and then we're to follow his ways. And how do we do that? That's another And how do we do that? That's another And how do we do that? That's another theme is this idea of Jesus's God with theme is this idea of Jesus's God with theme is this idea of Jesus's God with us. because he doesn't say go and do us. because he doesn't say go and do us. because he doesn't say go and do stuff and I'll, you know, follow up with stuff and I'll, you know, follow up with stuff and I'll, you know, follow up with you next week. He's like, I will be with you next week. He's like, I will be with you next week. He's like, I will be with you. That's the final promise of the you. That's the final promise of the you. That's the final promise of the gospel. gospel. gospel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Jesus's presence with us is that >> Jesus's presence with us is that >> Jesus's presence with us is that empowerment, is that guide, is that empowerment, is that guide, is that empowerment, is that guide, is that wisdom for us. He is everything to the wisdom for us. He is everything to the wisdom for us. He is everything to the believing community. So, I mean, those believing community. So, I mean, those believing community. So, I mean, those are just a few of the themes that I hear are just a few of the themes that I hear are just a few of the themes that I hear in Matthew. Well, what it made me think in Matthew. Well, what it made me think in Matthew. Well, what it made me think of and I don't think the account is of and I don't think the account is of and I don't think the account is actually in Matthew, but the account of actually in Matthew, but the account of actually in Matthew, but the account of Jesus as a boy when he stayed in the Jesus as a boy when he stayed in the Jesus as a boy when he stayed in the temple and was talking in Luke Luke. temple and was talking in Luke Luke. temple and was talking in Luke Luke. >> It's in Luke, right? It was and he was >> It's in Luke, right? It was and he was >> It's in Luke, right? It was and he was talking and and they're amazed at his talking and and they're amazed at his talking and and they're amazed at his knowledge of the Torah and his questions knowledge of the Torah and his questions knowledge of the Torah and his questions and he's all this and so taking and he's all this and so taking and he's all this and so taking >> that that account of his boyhood and >> that that account of his boyhood and >> that that account of his boyhood and then as you said how how he teaches all then as you said how how he teaches all then as you said how how he teaches all of his teaching is in line with the of his teaching is in line with the of his teaching is in line with the Torah. But it's but it's not just like Torah. But it's but it's not just like Torah. But it's but it's not just like any other rabbi. It's not just like any any other rabbi. It's not just like any any other rabbi. It's not just like any other uh scholar or Pharisee at the other uh scholar or Pharisee at the other uh scholar or Pharisee at the time. It's it's a it's presenting a new time. It's it's a it's presenting a new time. It's it's a it's presenting a new way of understanding what every what way of understanding what every what way of understanding what every what they all had grown up being taught. And they all had grown up being taught. And they all had grown up being taught. And so I find and and that when you tie it so I find and and that when you tie it so I find and and that when you tie it together with the presence piece, together with the presence piece, together with the presence piece, >> yes, >> yes, >> yes, >> is he's it's it's a literal I in the >> is he's it's it's a literal I in the >> is he's it's it's a literal I in the Torah embodied with you and I am Torah embodied with you and I am Torah embodied with you and I am teaching you what it's really saying and teaching you what it's really saying and teaching you what it's really saying and I'm going to paint these pictures and

I'm going to paint these pictures and I'm going to paint these pictures and tell these stories and every all the all tell these stories and every all the all tell these stories and every all the all the wonderful ways that Jesus teaches is the wonderful ways that Jesus teaches is the wonderful ways that Jesus teaches is a as you were pointing out is in not a as you were pointing out is in not a as you were pointing out is in not just in line with the Torah and just in line with the Torah and just in line with the Torah and referencing the Torah, but making it referencing the Torah, but making it referencing the Torah, but making it almost a new and f and and here's here's almost a new and f and and here's here's almost a new and f and and here's here's a here's a new way to think about a here's a new way to think about a here's a new way to think about everything that the Torah was has been everything that the Torah was has been everything that the Torah was has been teaching you for teaching you for teaching you for years for millenn you know for hundreds years for millenn you know for hundreds years for millenn you know for hundreds of years of years of years >> because I'm I'm at the center of it I am >> because I'm I'm at the center of it I am >> because I'm I'm at the center of it I am the emment of it the emment of it the emment of it >> well and if you want to go to Matthew >> well and if you want to go to Matthew >> well and if you want to go to Matthew for that idea go to Matthew 11 for that idea go to Matthew 11 for that idea go to Matthew 11 >> oh yeah >> oh yeah >> oh yeah >> where themes of Torah show up themes of >> where themes of Torah show up themes of >> where themes of Torah show up themes of wisdom show up um for example um Jesus wisdom show up um for example um Jesus wisdom show up um for example um Jesus is teaching and preaching and he um is teaching and preaching and he um is teaching and preaching and he um Matthew says at the beginning um when Matthew says at the beginning um when Matthew says at the beginning um when John who was in prison heard about the John who was in prison heard about the John who was in prison heard about the deeds of the Messiah deeds of the Messiah deeds of the Messiah >> the actions of Messiah and then later on >> the actions of Messiah and then later on >> the actions of Messiah and then later on that's paired in this nice bracket with that's paired in this nice bracket with that's paired in this nice bracket with um but wisdom is proved right by her um but wisdom is proved right by her um but wisdom is proved right by her deeds. So the deeds of the Messiah are deeds. So the deeds of the Messiah are deeds. So the deeds of the Messiah are wisdom deeds. Jesus is that wisdom wisdom deeds. Jesus is that wisdom wisdom deeds. Jesus is that wisdom figure in Matthew. And then in the very figure in Matthew. And then in the very figure in Matthew. And then in the very end of that chapter, some of my favorite end of that chapter, some of my favorite end of that chapter, some of my favorite verses in Matthew um are just dripping verses in Matthew um are just dripping verses in Matthew um are just dripping with um language from proverbs and from with um language from proverbs and from with um language from proverbs and from Jewish wisdom literature Jewish wisdom literature Jewish wisdom literature um about yoke, about being burdened, um about yoke, about being burdened, um about yoke, about being burdened, about having rest. And he says this, about having rest. And he says this, about having rest. And he says this, Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you weary and burdened and I will give you weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke." Yoke is associated

rest. Take my yoke." Yoke is associated rest. Take my yoke." Yoke is associated with Torah. Take my yoke upon you and with Torah. Take my yoke upon you and with Torah. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I'm gentle and humble learn from me for I'm gentle and humble learn from me for I'm gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your in heart and you will find rest for your in heart and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light. And the problem in chapter 23 light. And the problem in chapter 23 light. And the problem in chapter 23 they'll say with Pharisees and scribes they'll say with Pharisees and scribes they'll say with Pharisees and scribes is they put a heavy yoke is they put a heavy yoke is they put a heavy yoke >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> on people. They don't practice what they >> on people. They don't practice what they >> on people. They don't practice what they preach. They don't really show people preach. They don't really show people preach. They don't really show people how to do. They haven't walked the path how to do. They haven't walked the path how to do. They haven't walked the path first. Jesus walks the path first to first. Jesus walks the path first to first. Jesus walks the path first to show us what we ought to be and do. And show us what we ought to be and do. And show us what we ought to be and do. And then he is our with us as our presence then he is our with us as our presence then he is our with us as our presence to give us the power to do that. to give us the power to do that. to give us the power to do that. >> But I always say that's not about just >> But I always say that's not about just >> But I always say that's not about just me as an individual. That's about a me as an individual. That's about a me as an individual. That's about a community because that still sounds community because that still sounds community because that still sounds daunting. But if we think about it as a daunting. But if we think about it as a daunting. But if we think about it as a community, we are empowered as a community, we are empowered as a community, we are empowered as a community to walk the step in the steps community to walk the step in the steps community to walk the step in the steps of Jesus. And Jesus is our he is with us of Jesus. And Jesus is our he is with us of Jesus. And Jesus is our he is with us with that yoke that we share. Jesus is with that yoke that we share. Jesus is with that yoke that we share. Jesus is the power behind us. He says the power behind us. He says the power behind us. He says >> learn from me. Yeah. >> learn from me. Yeah. >> learn from me. Yeah. >> Beautiful invitation. learn from me. >> Beautiful invitation. learn from me. >> Beautiful invitation. learn from me. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that takes work. Learning takes work. My >> that takes work. Learning takes work. My >> that takes work. Learning takes work. My students will tell you that this next students will tell you that this next students will tell you that this next semester. I have some things lined up semester. I have some things lined up semester. I have some things lined up for them that are hard work. [laughter] for them that are hard work. [laughter] for them that are hard work. [laughter] >> But but the kind of work >> But but the kind of work >> But but the kind of work >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's a kind of work that's light because >> It's a kind of work that's light because >> It's a kind of work that's light because our teacher is right there with us. our teacher is right there with us. our teacher is right there with us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And empowering us, you know, and more >> And empowering us, you know, and more >> And empowering us, you know, and more than a teacher, right? Jesus in Matthew than a teacher, right? Jesus in Matthew than a teacher, right? Jesus in Matthew is a teacher, but of course so much more is a teacher, but of course so much more is a teacher, but of course so much more than a teacher. So than a teacher. So than a teacher. So >> there's just something about we if we >> there's just something about we if we >> there's just something about we if we lose sight of that, you know, who Jesus lose sight of that, you know, who Jesus lose sight of that, you know, who Jesus can be for us, has promised to be for us can be for us, has promised to be for us can be for us, has promised to be for us as a community. as a community. as a community. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's just powerful. >> That's just powerful. >> That's just powerful. >> Which ties right really well into my >> Which ties right really well into my >> Which ties right really well into my next question, which is what does this next question, which is what does this next question, which is what does this book teach us about God? book teach us about God? book teach us about God? >> Yeah. Yes. And if we if we want to think >> Yeah. Yes. And if we if we want to think >> Yeah. Yes. And if we if we want to think about Jesus as God's Messiah, in other about Jesus as God's Messiah, in other about Jesus as God's Messiah, in other words, we want to take a kind of a, you words, we want to take a kind of a, you words, we want to take a kind of a, you know, really two truly trinitarian. So know, really two truly trinitarian. So know, really two truly trinitarian. So we don't just collapse Jesus into God. we don't just collapse Jesus into God. we don't just collapse Jesus into God. You know, that's whatever I learn about You know, that's whatever I learn about You know, that's whatever I learn about Jesus, I learn about God. That's true. Jesus, I learn about God. That's true. Jesus, I learn about God. That's true. There's something true there. But I I There's something true there. But I I There's something true there. But I I want to think about sort of Israel's want to think about sort of Israel's want to think about sort of Israel's God. God. God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That has set up >> That has set up >> That has set up uh and promised from old days of old uh and promised from old days of old uh and promised from old days of old throughout the Old Testament um uh a throughout the Old Testament um uh a throughout the Old Testament um uh a restoration for God's people, for restoration for God's people, for restoration for God's people, for Israel. um and um this one who will come Israel. um and um this one who will come Israel. um and um this one who will come like David who will lead them and guide like David who will lead them and guide like David who will lead them and guide them you know in the best of sort of the them you know in the best of sort of the them you know in the best of sort of the messianic vision of the Old Testament messianic vision of the Old Testament messianic vision of the Old Testament in Matthew God is the one who is now in Matthew God is the one who is now in Matthew God is the one who is now making those promises come to making those promises come to making those promises come to fulfillment he's you know the Old fulfillment he's you know the Old fulfillment he's you know the Old Testament that gets cited all the way Testament that gets cited all the way Testament that gets cited all the way through that this is God's plan so kind through that this is God's plan so kind through that this is God's plan so kind of that picture of God having planned of that picture of God having planned of that picture of God having planned from from all time um this one who will from from all time um this one who will from from all time um this one who will restore Israel and in the process says, restore Israel and in the process says, restore Israel and in the process says, "Bring light to the nations." That's how

"Bring light to the nations." That's how "Bring light to the nations." That's how I always think of what's going on in I always think of what's going on in I always think of what's going on in Matthew is that it's very much a Jewish Matthew is that it's very much a Jewish Matthew is that it's very much a Jewish gospel and Jesus has come to the Jewish gospel and Jesus has come to the Jewish gospel and Jesus has come to the Jewish people. I have come to the um lost sheep people. I have come to the um lost sheep people. I have come to the um lost sheep of the house of Israel. We hear this of the house of Israel. We hear this of the house of Israel. We hear this language twice in Matthew, Matthew 15. language twice in Matthew, Matthew 15. language twice in Matthew, Matthew 15. >> So, what do we say? Aren't Gentiles >> So, what do we say? Aren't Gentiles >> So, what do we say? Aren't Gentiles important? Yes. There's this theme of important? Yes. There's this theme of important? Yes. There's this theme of gentile inclusion that keeps on popping gentile inclusion that keeps on popping gentile inclusion that keeps on popping up that Matthew tells us about up that Matthew tells us about up that Matthew tells us about >> and Jesus encounters just a couple >> and Jesus encounters just a couple >> and Jesus encounters just a couple Gentiles who have great faith. And so he Gentiles who have great faith. And so he Gentiles who have great faith. And so he heals those who they advocate for. Um heals those who they advocate for. Um heals those who they advocate for. Um and so you have this picture of Jesus and so you have this picture of Jesus and so you have this picture of Jesus coming to do what Israel could not do coming to do what Israel could not do coming to do what Israel could not do >> because they had strayed. >> because they had strayed. >> because they had strayed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and so he comes to do what they could >> Um and so he comes to do what they could >> Um and so he comes to do what they could not do and he does it so that they can not do and he does it so that they can not do and he does it so that they can be restored. So Israel restored and when be restored. So Israel restored and when be restored. So Israel restored and when Israel restored is restored the nations Israel restored is restored the nations Israel restored is restored the nations then come in. That's the Old Testament then come in. That's the Old Testament then come in. That's the Old Testament picture, right? And that's really what picture, right? And that's really what picture, right? And that's really what we have in Matthew except the the the we have in Matthew except the the the we have in Matthew except the the the direction is going out. direction is going out. direction is going out. >> Yeah. you know the the direction has >> Yeah. you know the the direction has >> Yeah. you know the the direction has changed but the promises have stayed the changed but the promises have stayed the changed but the promises have stayed the same. same. same. >> So God has promised all this. That's >> So God has promised all this. That's >> So God has promised all this. That's what we hear about the theology of what we hear about the theology of what we hear about the theology of Matthew. Who is God in Matthew? God is Matthew. Who is God in Matthew? God is Matthew. Who is God in Matthew? God is faithful to the promises made and God's faithful to the promises made and God's faithful to the promises made and God's plan to reach all peoples through Israel plan to reach all peoples through Israel plan to reach all peoples through Israel is now completed through this one is now completed through this one is now completed through this one faithful Israelite. Mhm.

faithful Israelite. Mhm. faithful Israelite. Mhm. >> It's like the whole um wide picture of >> It's like the whole um wide picture of >> It's like the whole um wide picture of Israel we hear in in Isaiah coming down Israel we hear in in Isaiah coming down Israel we hear in in Isaiah coming down to a remnant and then what I think Ray to a remnant and then what I think Ray to a remnant and then what I think Ray Dillard has called it now in Jesus it's Dillard has called it now in Jesus it's Dillard has called it now in Jesus it's the remnant of one the remnant of one the remnant of one >> and now in the remnant of one not only >> and now in the remnant of one not only >> and now in the remnant of one not only does Israel get offered restoration but does Israel get offered restoration but does Israel get offered restoration but all all the world gets to be brought in. all all the world gets to be brought in. all all the world gets to be brought in. So it's just kind of my bow tie I make a So it's just kind of my bow tie I make a So it's just kind of my bow tie I make a picture of a bow tie from the Old picture of a bow tie from the Old picture of a bow tie from the Old Testament then um so that God is doing Testament then um so that God is doing Testament then um so that God is doing all of that. So God behind the scenes. all of that. So God behind the scenes. all of that. So God behind the scenes. Also, the father shows up, the father's Also, the father shows up, the father's Also, the father shows up, the father's voice shows up in chapter 3 and chapter voice shows up in chapter 3 and chapter voice shows up in chapter 3 and chapter 17 with the baptism and the 17 with the baptism and the 17 with the baptism and the transfiguration. So you could look at transfiguration. So you could look at transfiguration. So you could look at what God is kind of explicitly saying. what God is kind of explicitly saying. what God is kind of explicitly saying. Yeah. Two points. Yeah. Two points. Yeah. Two points. >> But you can also say, well, this is all >> But you can also say, well, this is all >> But you can also say, well, this is all of God's plan, right? That's what we of God's plan, right? That's what we of God's plan, right? That's what we learn is that God is now bringing to learn is that God is now bringing to learn is that God is now bringing to fulfillment all those plans in his fulfillment all those plans in his fulfillment all those plans in his chosen Messiah, Jesus. chosen Messiah, Jesus. chosen Messiah, Jesus. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. in and keeping in front of us that this in and keeping in front of us that this in and keeping in front of us that this is that that we as we talked about last is that that we as we talked about last is that that we as we talked about last week with the Intertestamental period, week with the Intertestamental period, week with the Intertestamental period, we had 400 years since the prophets had we had 400 years since the prophets had we had 400 years since the prophets had been speaking on behalf of God. And so been speaking on behalf of God. And so been speaking on behalf of God. And so the people of Israel at this, you know, the people of Israel at this, you know, the people of Israel at this, you know, at this time with with all all of the at this time with with all all of the at this time with with all all of the political ramific this this prophet, this new person on this this prophet, this new person on the scene, if you will, and it started the scene, if you will, and it started the scene, if you will, and it started with John the Baptist who started to with John the Baptist who started to with John the Baptist who started to pave the way, uh, you know, repentance pave the way, uh, you know, repentance pave the way, uh, you know, repentance come. And so, just imagine the people at come. And so, just imagine the people at come. And so, just imagine the people at the time being like,

the time being like, the time being like, >> whoa, is something stirring back up? >> whoa, is something stirring back up? >> whoa, is something stirring back up? Like, what's happening here? Yeah. Like, what's happening here? Yeah. Like, what's happening here? Yeah. >> And then you have Jesus come and and I >> And then you have Jesus come and and I >> And then you have Jesus come and and I I'm still harping on this because I find I'm still harping on this because I find I'm still harping on this because I find it so it so it so >> interesting to me this embodiment of >> interesting to me this embodiment of >> interesting to me this embodiment of Torah who's just rebringing that back Torah who's just rebringing that back Torah who's just rebringing that back and saying everything that happened. and saying everything that happened. and saying everything that happened. Yes. And God is faithful and here's what Yes. And God is faithful and here's what Yes. And God is faithful and here's what that means and here's what that looks that means and here's what that looks that means and here's what that looks like in me. And I I just love that that like in me. And I I just love that that like in me. And I I just love that that picture. um especially in light of you picture. um especially in light of you picture. um especially in light of you know the 400 years of quote silence or know the 400 years of quote silence or know the 400 years of quote silence or whatever you know and whatnot and and so whatever you know and whatnot and and so whatever you know and whatnot and and so in just this in this invitation of of in just this in this invitation of of in just this in this invitation of of with of follow of be with me I will be with of follow of be with me I will be with of follow of be with me I will be with you with you with you >> is this is this is a whole different >> is this is this is a whole different >> is this is this is a whole different thing that is that's taking the fruit thing that is that's taking the fruit thing that is that's taking the fruit from Torah taking all the fruit of the from Torah taking all the fruit of the from Torah taking all the fruit of the old testament of God with Israel and now old testament of God with Israel and now old testament of God with Israel and now it's saying you know I'm with you in the it's saying you know I'm with you in the it's saying you know I'm with you in the flesh here or follow do this with me flesh here or follow do this with me flesh here or follow do this with me with me. Um it's just it's a really with me. Um it's just it's a really with me. Um it's just it's a really beautiful picture that God is tainting beautiful picture that God is tainting beautiful picture that God is tainting through this gospel that really sets it through this gospel that really sets it through this gospel that really sets it sets in motion everything from the time sets in motion everything from the time sets in motion everything from the time of Jesus until now even is this picture of Jesus until now even is this picture of Jesus until now even is this picture of what it's look of what it looks like of what it's look of what it looks like of what it's look of what it looks like Jesus with us.

Jesus with us. Jesus with us. >> Yes. Yeah. I've done a project recently >> Yes. Yeah. I've done a project recently >> Yes. Yeah. I've done a project recently and it's still finishing up in terms of and it's still finishing up in terms of and it's still finishing up in terms of publication, but it's it's looking at publication, but it's it's looking at publication, but it's it's looking at every every every >> um citation illusion or even echo of the >> um citation illusion or even echo of the >> um citation illusion or even echo of the Old Testament in Matthew. So, how and Old Testament in Matthew. So, how and Old Testament in Matthew. So, how and there's over I had to create over 150 there's over I had to create over 150 there's over I had to create over 150 panels. [laughter] panels. [laughter] panels. [laughter] I mean, so we're talking, you know, I mean, so we're talking, you know, I mean, so we're talking, you know, close getting closer to 200 somewhere. close getting closer to 200 somewhere. close getting closer to 200 somewhere. >> Yeah. 150s to 200 um places where the >> Yeah. 150s to 200 um places where the >> Yeah. 150s to 200 um places where the Old Testament is is used. Yeah. even in Old Testament is is used. Yeah. even in Old Testament is is used. Yeah. even in little bits and um echoes it and and little bits and um echoes it and and little bits and um echoes it and and Matthew's doing something particular Matthew's doing something particular Matthew's doing something particular with it. So I you know I for me that's with it. So I you know I for me that's with it. So I you know I for me that's an exciting thing to study is how much an exciting thing to study is how much an exciting thing to study is how much the Old Testament shows up and and the Old Testament shows up and and the Old Testament shows up and and Matthew's a favorite phrase not just the Matthew's a favorite phrase not just the Matthew's a favorite phrase not just the Torah or the law but the law and the Torah or the law but the law and the Torah or the law but the law and the prophets. prophets. prophets. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Those are just those come together to >> Those are just those come together to >> Those are just those come together to explain God's whole uh set of work you explain God's whole uh set of work you explain God's whole uh set of work you know prior to the time of Jesus what God know prior to the time of Jesus what God know prior to the time of Jesus what God is up to. Um because the law and is up to. Um because the law and is up to. Um because the law and prophets always go hand in hand. prophets always go hand in hand. prophets always go hand in hand. >> Yes. you know, and Jesus is handinhand >> Yes. you know, and Jesus is handinhand >> Yes. you know, and Jesus is handinhand with the law and the prophets. So, with the law and the prophets. So, with the law and the prophets. So, there's just this amazing sense of God there's just this amazing sense of God there's just this amazing sense of God has been consistently working on behalf has been consistently working on behalf has been consistently working on behalf of of of >> Israel. I love it.

>> Israel. I love it. >> Israel. I love it. >> And now for the nations. >> And now for the nations. >> And now for the nations. >> Yes, I love it. So, what does Matthew >> Yes, I love it. So, what does Matthew >> Yes, I love it. So, what does Matthew teach us about us, about people? teach us about us, about people? teach us about us, about people? >> Yeah, that's such a great question. Um, >> Yeah, that's such a great question. Um, >> Yeah, that's such a great question. Um, I I when I read that question you sent I I when I read that question you sent I I when I read that question you sent me. me. me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, full disclosure, I get these >> Um, full disclosure, I get these >> Um, full disclosure, I get these questions ahead of time, right? questions ahead of time, right? questions ahead of time, right? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um, uh, you know, I I thought, okay, >> Um, uh, you know, I I thought, okay, >> Um, uh, you know, I I thought, okay, what does it teach about ourselves what does it teach about ourselves what does it teach about ourselves through Jesus? And that that's kind of through Jesus? And that that's kind of through Jesus? And that that's kind of an interesting question because like, an interesting question because like, an interesting question because like, well, I'm not like Jesus. No, but well, I'm not like Jesus. No, but well, I'm not like Jesus. No, but Matthew does call us to emulate Jesus in Matthew does call us to emulate Jesus in Matthew does call us to emulate Jesus in some very important ways. some very important ways. some very important ways. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, if anyone um comes after me, >> You know, if anyone um comes after me, >> You know, if anyone um comes after me, let them deny themselves, take up their let them deny themselves, take up their let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. What is Jesus cross, and follow me. What is Jesus cross, and follow me. What is Jesus going to do? He's going to do all of going to do? He's going to do all of going to do? He's going to do all of that, right? Um, but there are, of that, right? Um, but there are, of that, right? Um, but there are, of course, ways where we can't be like course, ways where we can't be like course, ways where we can't be like Jesus, and we wouldn't, and we Jesus, and we wouldn't, and we Jesus, and we wouldn't, and we shouldn't. you know, his unique offering shouldn't. you know, his unique offering shouldn't. you know, his unique offering of um ransom for many. That's not of um ransom for many. That's not of um ransom for many. That's not something we do. So, um but seeing Jesus something we do. So, um but seeing Jesus something we do. So, um but seeing Jesus really as someone we emulate, but does really as someone we emulate, but does really as someone we emulate, but does that show me who I am? Well, often shows that show me who I am? Well, often shows that show me who I am? Well, often shows me who I'm not. Yeah. me who I'm not. Yeah. me who I'm not. Yeah. >> You know, by comparison. Um so, >> You know, by comparison. Um so, >> You know, by comparison. Um so, sometimes I go to the disciples. And I sometimes I go to the disciples. And I sometimes I go to the disciples. And I did my dissertation on the disciples in did my dissertation on the disciples in did my dissertation on the disciples in Matthew. So, I feel very close to them.

Matthew. So, I feel very close to them. Matthew. So, I feel very close to them. And Peter's a very prominent one in And Peter's a very prominent one in And Peter's a very prominent one in Matthew. And you know, when you look at Matthew. And you know, when you look at Matthew. And you know, when you look at them, the disciples, we tend to identify them, the disciples, we tend to identify them, the disciples, we tend to identify them if we come to the text as believers them if we come to the text as believers them if we come to the text as believers in Jesus because it's like they're the in Jesus because it's like they're the in Jesus because it's like they're the ones most like our category, right? ones most like our category, right? ones most like our category, right? >> And um they drop everything to follow. >> And um they drop everything to follow. >> And um they drop everything to follow. We're like, "Oh, that's really great." We're like, "Oh, that's really great." We're like, "Oh, that's really great." We're like cheering them on. They're We're like cheering them on. They're We're like cheering them on. They're doing good. We're And then they start to doing good. We're And then they start to doing good. We're And then they start to do things like not get things and get do things like not get things and get do things like not get things and get confused and then have little faith. confused and then have little faith. confused and then have little faith. Matthew emphasizes five times their Matthew emphasizes five times their Matthew emphasizes five times their little faith. And like and we can both little faith. And like and we can both little faith. And like and we can both go, I think we're not supposed to be go, I think we're not supposed to be go, I think we're not supposed to be like that. But there's part of us that's like that. But there's part of us that's like that. But there's part of us that's like, "Oh, that's the way I am. Thank like, "Oh, that's the way I am. Thank like, "Oh, that's the way I am. Thank goodness Jesus sticks with them." So goodness Jesus sticks with them." So goodness Jesus sticks with them." So there's this interesting interplay as we there's this interesting interplay as we there's this interesting interplay as we watch the disciples between emulating watch the disciples between emulating watch the disciples between emulating them feeling that, you know, the call to them feeling that, you know, the call to them feeling that, you know, the call to emulate them when we see them doing emulate them when we see them doing emulate them when we see them doing things rightly things rightly things rightly >> and often when because we see them often >> and often when because we see them often >> and often when because we see them often doing things not rightly. Um going, "Oh, doing things not rightly. Um going, "Oh, doing things not rightly. Um going, "Oh, not to be like that, but oh, thank not to be like that, but oh, thank not to be like that, but oh, thank goodness that Jesus says, tell my goodness that Jesus says, tell my goodness that Jesus says, tell my brothers I'll meet them in Galilee." brothers I'll meet them in Galilee." brothers I'll meet them in Galilee." Right? when they're all flying, you Right? when they're all flying, you Right? when they're all flying, you know, fleeing and flying away from him know, fleeing and flying away from him know, fleeing and flying away from him um at his um right before his arrest, um at his um right before his arrest, um at his um right before his arrest, they all go. Um but he has said, "Tell they all go. Um but he has said, "Tell they all go. Um but he has said, "Tell my brothers to meet me." He tells the my brothers to meet me." He tells the my brothers to meet me." He tells the women, the women followers in chapter women, the women followers in chapter women, the women followers in chapter 20, "Tell my brothers to meet me in 20, "Tell my brothers to meet me in 20, "Tell my brothers to meet me in Galilee." And then he has said, "And Galilee." And then he has said, "And Galilee." And then he has said, "And when it's all over, I'll we'll meet in when it's all over, I'll we'll meet in when it's all over, I'll we'll meet in Galilee." You know, so he's there's Galilee." You know, so he's there's Galilee." You know, so he's there's these moments of ohh thank goodness these moments of ohh thank goodness these moments of ohh thank goodness Jesus is forgiving and kind and Jesus is forgiving and kind and Jesus is forgiving and kind and restorative. Um, and if he did that with restorative. Um, and if he did that with restorative. Um, and if he did that with those disciples, maybe that's also my

those disciples, maybe that's also my those disciples, maybe that's also my journey with him, right? So, I think journey with him, right? So, I think journey with him, right? So, I think there's this really interesting ways to there's this really interesting ways to there's this really interesting ways to read a narrative and figure out who read a narrative and figure out who read a narrative and figure out who you're identifying with. Think about who you're identifying with. Think about who you're identifying with. Think about who am I identifying with and why. What does am I identifying with and why. What does am I identifying with and why. What does Matthew want us to take from that Matthew want us to take from that Matthew want us to take from that connection that we're feeling? So, I connection that we're feeling? So, I connection that we're feeling? So, I think that's part of the beauty of think that's part of the beauty of think that's part of the beauty of narrative is we do that. We identify narrative is we do that. We identify narrative is we do that. We identify with without even thinking. We identify with without even thinking. We identify with without even thinking. We identify and then that does something to us. So, and then that does something to us. So, and then that does something to us. So, think about how Matthew wants to not think about how Matthew wants to not think about how Matthew wants to not just leave us where we're at. just leave us where we're at. just leave us where we're at. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But also assure us that that Jesus has >> But also assure us that that Jesus has >> But also assure us that that Jesus has our back. our back. our back. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I just think that's that's a reality in >> I just think that's that's a reality in >> I just think that's that's a reality in my life. And what I see in Matthew is my life. And what I see in Matthew is my life. And what I see in Matthew is well, Jesus has their back. I don't know well, Jesus has their back. I don't know well, Jesus has their back. I don't know if they deserved it or not. [laughter] if they deserved it or not. [laughter] if they deserved it or not. [laughter] If I deserve it or not, but but I will If I deserve it or not, but but I will If I deserve it or not, but but I will be with you. He says to these people who be with you. He says to these people who be with you. He says to these people who worship him and still doubt. worship him and still doubt. worship him and still doubt. >> Yeah. right at the end of the gospel >> Yeah. right at the end of the gospel >> Yeah. right at the end of the gospel 28:17 they're still doubting. Yeah, 28:17 they're still doubting. Yeah, 28:17 they're still doubting. Yeah, that's where my mind was going is is is that's where my mind was going is is is that's where my mind was going is is is this I will be with you that that this I will be with you that that this I will be with you that that withness and that and we see Jesus withness and that and we see Jesus withness and that and we see Jesus continue to point people to this is your continue to point people to this is your continue to point people to this is your relationship with God your father like relationship with God your father like relationship with God your father like like you know God the father like you know God the father like you know God the father >> takes care of the birds and the plants >> takes care of the birds and the plants >> takes care of the birds and the plants can he take care would he take care of can he take care would he take care of can he take care would he take care of you he he g a good gift you know all you he he g a good gift you know all you he he g a good gift you know all these is is it's painting this this these is is it's painting this this these is is it's painting this this picture of relationship of relationship picture of relationship of relationship picture of relationship of relationship of relationship of relationship of relationship >> which um which is a little bit you know >> which um which is a little bit you know >> which um which is a little bit you know of a different thing than what we you of a different thing than what we you of a different thing than what we you know saw from the Old Testament. It was know saw from the Old Testament. It was know saw from the Old Testament. It was very structures, you know, about about a

very structures, you know, about about a very structures, you know, about about a constant atonement with sacrifices and constant atonement with sacrifices and constant atonement with sacrifices and having a structure with a temple system having a structure with a temple system having a structure with a temple system and whatnot or the tabernacle back in and whatnot or the tabernacle back in and whatnot or the tabernacle back in the in the day. And when Jesus is saying the in the day. And when Jesus is saying the in the day. And when Jesus is saying you this is your relationship with God you this is your relationship with God you this is your relationship with God the Father. He's with you and and he the Father. He's with you and and he the Father. He's with you and and he treat you and this is how he thinks of treat you and this is how he thinks of treat you and this is how he thinks of you. And Jesus is presenting this um and you. And Jesus is presenting this um and you. And Jesus is presenting this um and again just picturing him you know up on again just picturing him you know up on again just picturing him you know up on this hillside talking to all these this hillside talking to all these this hillside talking to all these people seeing all these faces of people people seeing all these faces of people people seeing all these faces of people who God loves imagebearers all the you who God loves imagebearers all the you who God loves imagebearers all the you know all all of what this means and know all all of what this means and know all all of what this means and Jesus having you know been saying this Jesus having you know been saying this Jesus having you know been saying this is what God thinks of you. Um I just is what God thinks of you. Um I just is what God thinks of you. Um I just love the love the love the >> reaffirming what Yeah. what is already >> reaffirming what Yeah. what is already >> reaffirming what Yeah. what is already there in the Old Testament right because there in the Old Testament right because there in the Old Testament right because >> Yes. It's all reaffirm Yes. Yeah, >> Yes. It's all reaffirm Yes. Yeah, >> Yes. It's all reaffirm Yes. Yeah, because it's, you know, covenant is is because it's, you know, covenant is is because it's, you know, covenant is is relational at his heart. God has always relational at his heart. God has always relational at his heart. God has always been calling out in relationship and now been calling out in relationship and now been calling out in relationship and now the what Jesus embodies, he embodies the what Jesus embodies, he embodies the what Jesus embodies, he embodies Torah, temple, um those structures you Torah, temple, um those structures you Torah, temple, um those structures you mentioned, atonement. So there sense of mentioned, atonement. So there sense of mentioned, atonement. So there sense of now in a person now in a person now in a person >> 100% >> 100% >> 100% >> and it was always in God, but now in a >> and it was always in God, but now in a >> and it was always in God, but now in a person, you know, the embodiedness of person, you know, the embodiedness of person, you know, the embodiedness of Jesus as God with us Jesus as God with us Jesus as God with us >> is is powerful. I mean, that's a shift >> is is powerful. I mean, that's a shift >> is is powerful. I mean, that's a shift in So it's not that old was bad, new is in So it's not that old was bad, new is in So it's not that old was bad, new is good. It's that now in the person of good. It's that now in the person of good. It's that now in the person of Jesus, we get to experience God in a Jesus, we get to experience God in a Jesus, we get to experience God in a whole different way.

whole different way. whole different way. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And then Old Testament believers would >> And then Old Testament believers would >> And then Old Testament believers would be like, "Wow, give me some of that." be like, "Wow, give me some of that." be like, "Wow, give me some of that." You know, as God came upon the temple or You know, as God came upon the temple or You know, as God came upon the temple or the tabernacle in Exodus 40. Wow, that's the tabernacle in Exodus 40. Wow, that's the tabernacle in Exodus 40. Wow, that's amazing. God with us, but now God with amazing. God with us, but now God with amazing. God with us, but now God with us in the person of Jesus. That's just a us in the person of Jesus. That's just a us in the person of Jesus. That's just a whole different level. whole different level. whole different level. >> Yes. Love it. Are there no I I imagine a >> Yes. Love it. Are there no I I imagine a >> Yes. Love it. Are there no I I imagine a lot of the listeners have engaged with lot of the listeners have engaged with lot of the listeners have engaged with Matthew in some way either reading all Matthew in some way either reading all Matthew in some way either reading all of it hopefully or reading parts of it of it hopefully or reading parts of it of it hopefully or reading parts of it or hearing it whatnot but uh for anybody or hearing it whatnot but uh for anybody or hearing it whatnot but uh for anybody who's maybe hasn't gotten into Matthew who's maybe hasn't gotten into Matthew who's maybe hasn't gotten into Matthew hasn't really dug in in and read the hasn't really dug in in and read the hasn't really dug in in and read the whole book are there specific verses or whole book are there specific verses or whole book are there specific verses or passages or chapters that you would want passages or chapters that you would want passages or chapters that you would want to to highlight for them as as as saying to to highlight for them as as as saying to to highlight for them as as as saying hey as you're digging into this these hey as you're digging into this these hey as you're digging into this these are some ones to pay a little extra are some ones to pay a little extra are some ones to pay a little extra attention too. attention too. attention too. I I I >> think you might know my answer to that >> think you might know my answer to that >> think you might know my answer to that [laughter] question initially was no [laughter] question initially was no [laughter] question initially was no read the whole thing. read the whole thing. read the whole thing. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. But I mean, yeah, I'm uh go into >> Yeah. But I mean, yeah, I'm uh go into >> Yeah. But I mean, yeah, I'm uh go into the stories, read the whole But you the stories, read the whole But you the stories, read the whole But you know, then then I pushed myself further know, then then I pushed myself further know, then then I pushed myself further and said, "Okay, so um one answer would and said, "Okay, so um one answer would and said, "Okay, so um one answer would be go where you're where you tend not to be go where you're where you tend not to be go where you're where you tend not to go." That might mean reading the go." That might mean reading the go." That might mean reading the genealogy of chapter.

genealogy of chapter. genealogy of chapter. >> Yeah. The very beginning, right? >> Yeah. The very beginning, right? >> Yeah. The very beginning, right? >> It got me thinking of, "Okay, so if I >> It got me thinking of, "Okay, so if I >> It got me thinking of, "Okay, so if I introduce you to my four grandchildren introduce you to my four grandchildren introduce you to my four grandchildren and say you can only spend time with one and say you can only spend time with one and say you can only spend time with one of them, I mean, I'm not going to of them, I mean, I'm not going to of them, I mean, I'm not going to suggest one of [laughter] the four. suggest one of [laughter] the four. suggest one of [laughter] the four. They're all amazing. Spend time with all They're all amazing. Spend time with all They're all amazing. Spend time with all of them." But I got to thinking, okay, of them." But I got to thinking, okay, of them." But I got to thinking, okay, press myself. Um, you know, that press myself. Um, you know, that press myself. Um, you know, that juncture in chapter 4:17 when we move juncture in chapter 4:17 when we move juncture in chapter 4:17 when we move from from from >> um Jesus's uh uh temptation and then his >> um Jesus's uh uh temptation and then his >> um Jesus's uh uh temptation and then his relocation from to Galilee from Nazareth relocation from to Galilee from Nazareth relocation from to Galilee from Nazareth to Capernaum and then that 4:17 from to Capernaum and then that 4:17 from to Capernaum and then that 4:17 from that time on right into chapter 5. So I that time on right into chapter 5. So I that time on right into chapter 5. So I thought if we're going to read two thought if we're going to read two thought if we're going to read two chapters together, read chapters four chapters together, read chapters four chapters together, read chapters four and five and you're going to see the and five and you're going to see the and five and you're going to see the narrative turn into the sermon on the narrative turn into the sermon on the narrative turn into the sermon on the mount and the biatitudes which mount and the biatitudes which mount and the biatitudes which >> you know there's a lot in the sermon on >> you know there's a lot in the sermon on >> you know there's a lot in the sermon on the mount that says don't do this and do the mount that says don't do this and do the mount that says don't do this and do this, don't do this and do this. Is this, don't do this and do this. Is this, don't do this and do this. Is Jesus saying this? But the biatitudes Jesus saying this? But the biatitudes Jesus saying this? But the biatitudes tell us here's what God is doing. So tell us here's what God is doing. So tell us here's what God is doing. So chapters four to five I thought I can't chapters four to five I thought I can't chapters four to five I thought I can't very often do just one chapter but very often do just one chapter but very often do just one chapter but chapters four to five. chapters four to five. chapters four to five. >> Okay. Yeah. um chapters chapter 16, >> Okay. Yeah. um chapters chapter 16, >> Okay. Yeah. um chapters chapter 16, chapter 18 because again you're getting chapter 18 because again you're getting chapter 18 because again you're getting a narrative peak at what's going on at a narrative peak at what's going on at a narrative peak at what's going on at the beginning of that turn to Jerusalem the beginning of that turn to Jerusalem the beginning of that turn to Jerusalem and that chapter 18 is a community and that chapter 18 is a community and that chapter 18 is a community discourse. So discourse. So discourse. So >> I like think of reading in pairs 4 and 5 >> I like think of reading in pairs 4 and 5 >> I like think of reading in pairs 4 and 5 16 and 18 and then read Matthew 27:28 16 and 18 and then read Matthew 27:28 16 and 18 and then read Matthew 27:28 Jesus's death and resurrection. I Jesus's death and resurrection. I Jesus's death and resurrection. I remember when I was working on my first remember when I was working on my first remember when I was working on my first commentary in Matthew reading chapter 27 commentary in Matthew reading chapter 27 commentary in Matthew reading chapter 27 really closely is, you know, the dead, really closely is, you know, the dead, really closely is, you know, the dead, the crucifixion scene particularly with the crucifixion scene particularly with the crucifixion scene particularly with Psalm 22 in hand because it shows up all Psalm 22 in hand because it shows up all Psalm 22 in hand because it shows up all over the place. My God, my God, why you over the place. My God, my God, why you over the place. My God, my God, why you save me? But also other places along the

save me? But also other places along the save me? But also other places along the way where Matthew shapes a narrative way where Matthew shapes a narrative way where Matthew shapes a narrative with that text and where other people with that text and where other people with that text and where other people are speaking things that flow out of are speaking things that flow out of are speaking things that flow out of that text. Um, I was just profoundly that text. Um, I was just profoundly that text. Um, I was just profoundly struck by this struck by this struck by this >> single righteous individual in the midst >> single righteous individual in the midst >> single righteous individual in the midst of this awful, awful antagonism and of this awful, awful antagonism and of this awful, awful antagonism and opposition opposition opposition >> and >> and >> and how he stands alone and how he stands alone and how he stands alone and you know in Jesus case goes to his you know in Jesus case goes to his you know in Jesus case goes to his death. The psalmist doesn't have that death. The psalmist doesn't have that death. The psalmist doesn't have that same but you know the um ah that was same but you know the um ah that was same but you know the um ah that was just something really profound. So I say just something really profound. So I say just something really profound. So I say Matthew 27:28 as well. Matthew 27:28 as well. Matthew 27:28 as well. >> Mhm. You can't go wrong. [laughter] >> Mhm. You can't go wrong. [laughter] >> Mhm. You can't go wrong. [laughter] >> As you said, read the whole book. You >> As you said, read the whole book. You >> As you said, read the whole book. You can't go wrong. But these are skip can't go wrong. But these are skip can't go wrong. But these are skip around. around. around. >> Um, in terms of out of order, like try >> Um, in terms of out of order, like try >> Um, in terms of out of order, like try to stay in order. Even if you read to stay in order. Even if you read to stay in order. Even if you read different parts, keep it in order so you different parts, keep it in order so you different parts, keep it in order so you can kind of start to feel the can kind of start to feel the can kind of start to feel the >> the the hole. >> the the hole. >> the the hole. >> Yeah, the trajectory of it for sure. Are >> Yeah, the trajectory of it for sure. Are >> Yeah, the trajectory of it for sure. Are there any what I call sticky parts in there any what I call sticky parts in there any what I call sticky parts in this book or things that are this book or things that are this book or things that are challenging, confusing, hard to read, challenging, confusing, hard to read, challenging, confusing, hard to read, things that a new reader you you might things that a new reader you you might things that a new reader you you might want to say, hey, just be aware you're want to say, hey, just be aware you're want to say, hey, just be aware you're going to run into this.

going to run into this. going to run into this. >> Well, always, you know, scripture >> Well, always, you know, scripture >> Well, always, you know, scripture >> at least a couple thousand years ago, >> at least a couple thousand years ago, >> at least a couple thousand years ago, some parts of it more, we don't have some parts of it more, we don't have some parts of it more, we don't have that same historical context. So, we'll that same historical context. So, we'll that same historical context. So, we'll run into those. It's also a case that run into those. It's also a case that run into those. It's also a case that Jesus told riddles. Jesus told riddles. Jesus told riddles. >> One of my books, I have a chapter on >> One of my books, I have a chapter on >> One of my books, I have a chapter on Jesus and his riddling. M Jesus and his riddling. M Jesus and his riddling. M >> um so um he a riddles are told >> um so um he a riddles are told >> um so um he a riddles are told intentional ambiguity told to help you intentional ambiguity told to help you intentional ambiguity told to help you think more deeply about something to think more deeply about something to think more deeply about something to reflect to ruminate to kind of really reflect to ruminate to kind of really reflect to ruminate to kind of really chew on something now Matthew when he chew on something now Matthew when he chew on something now Matthew when he shares Jesus's riddles will often help shares Jesus's riddles will often help shares Jesus's riddles will often help us kind of disambiguate the riddle us kind of disambiguate the riddle us kind of disambiguate the riddle understand it so that's the nice part is understand it so that's the nice part is understand it so that's the nice part is as readers we often get we don't even as readers we often get we don't even as readers we often get we don't even recognize the riddle sometimes like oh recognize the riddle sometimes like oh recognize the riddle sometimes like oh no I get it no I get it no I get it >> but you know um if you lose your life >> but you know um if you lose your life >> but you know um if you lose your life you'll gain it if you gain your life you'll gain it if you gain your life you'll gain it if you gain your life you'll lose it that's a riddle you'll lose it that's a riddle you'll lose it that's a riddle >> yeah you know, but it gets explained a >> yeah you know, but it gets explained a >> yeah you know, but it gets explained a bit more and it fits in the context of bit more and it fits in the context of bit more and it fits in the context of the whole, right? So, so, um, there'll the whole, right? So, so, um, there'll the whole, right? So, so, um, there'll be places where gift to Caesar, what is be places where gift to Caesar, what is be places where gift to Caesar, what is Caesar's, God, what is God's, which Caesar's, God, what is God's, which Caesar's, God, what is God's, which thing goes under which category? That's thing goes under which category? That's thing goes under which category? That's not, you know, there God owns not, you know, there God owns not, you know, there God owns everything. everything. everything. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, what are you going to do with that >> So, what are you going to do with that >> So, what are you going to do with that one? Um, all to say, um, that sometimes one? Um, all to say, um, that sometimes one? Um, all to say, um, that sometimes creates these little sticky parts, but I creates these little sticky parts, but I creates these little sticky parts, but I think more as I thought about it, it's think more as I thought about it, it's think more as I thought about it, it's like the sticky parts are the parts like like the sticky parts are the parts like like the sticky parts are the parts like I can't do that. That's too hard. So, I can't do that. That's too hard. So, I can't do that. That's too hard. So, let me give you my example from Matthew let me give you my example from Matthew let me give you my example from Matthew 25, careful the sheep and the goats 25, careful the sheep and the goats 25, careful the sheep and the goats where Jesus the king says, where Jesus the king says, where Jesus the king says, "Come, take your inheritance. For I was "Come, take your inheritance. For I was "Come, take your inheritance. For I was hungry, you gave me something to eat. I hungry, you gave me something to eat. I hungry, you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, you gave me something to was thirsty, you gave me something to was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited drink. I was a stranger and you invited drink. I was a stranger and you invited me and I needed clothes and you clothed

me and I needed clothes and you clothed me and I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. me. I was sick and you looked after me. me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit I was in prison and you came to visit I was in prison and you came to visit me." me." me." >> Wow, that's a tall order. I mean, that's >> Wow, that's a tall order. I mean, that's >> Wow, that's a tall order. I mean, that's a lot of activity. a lot of activity. a lot of activity. >> Um, that takes a lot of commitment. that >> Um, that takes a lot of commitment. that >> Um, that takes a lot of commitment. that takes a lot of resources out of my takes a lot of resources out of my takes a lot of resources out of my resource bucket into someone else's. resource bucket into someone else's. resource bucket into someone else's. Okay, I have to sit with that one. Okay, I have to sit with that one. Okay, I have to sit with that one. That's a sticky one to kind of sit with That's a sticky one to kind of sit with That's a sticky one to kind of sit with and digest. And however you interpret and digest. And however you interpret and digest. And however you interpret this, this, this, >> and I have a blog post on this somewhere >> and I have a blog post on this somewhere >> and I have a blog post on this somewhere about, you know, who where did the poor about, you know, who where did the poor about, you know, who where did the poor go in this passage and some people's go in this passage and some people's go in this passage and some people's interpretation, but in any event, interpretation, but in any event, interpretation, but in any event, >> wow, >> wow, >> wow, >> that's where it's sticky. >> that's where it's sticky. >> that's where it's sticky. >> Where you know what it means or you >> Where you know what it means or you >> Where you know what it means or you know, at least close enough to know what know, at least close enough to know what know, at least close enough to know what it means and it's like, I have to obey it means and it's like, I have to obey it means and it's like, I have to obey that. Wow. Jesus empowering the that. Wow. Jesus empowering the that. Wow. Jesus empowering the community to do those kinds of acts of community to do those kinds of acts of community to do those kinds of acts of obedience. obedience. obedience. >> That's a great note. You have walked >> That's a great note. You have walked >> That's a great note. You have walked through so much with us through this through so much with us through this through so much with us through this Gospel of Matthew. We've talked through Gospel of Matthew. We've talked through Gospel of Matthew. We've talked through so many great themes, so many great so many great themes, so many great so many great themes, so many great ideas or notes or thoughts. Is there one ideas or notes or thoughts. Is there one ideas or notes or thoughts. Is there one thing that you would like to leave thing that you would like to leave thing that you would like to leave people thinking about with this book people thinking about with this book people thinking about with this book right now?

I think if you as you're reading through I think if you as you're reading through Matthew, you will hear a lot of Matthew, you will hear a lot of Matthew, you will hear a lot of expectations for disciplehip. expectations for disciplehip. expectations for disciplehip. >> Do this, don't do this. Um, so I would >> Do this, don't do this. Um, so I would >> Do this, don't do this. Um, so I would encourage people to uh listen to those encourage people to uh listen to those encourage people to uh listen to those and then listen for all the ways those and then listen for all the ways those and then listen for all the ways those are shaped or surrounded or um uh are shaped or surrounded or um uh are shaped or surrounded or um uh informed by who Jesus is for the people informed by who Jesus is for the people informed by who Jesus is for the people of God of God of God >> for the church. Um >> for the church. Um >> for the church. Um >> what God is doing. God is the great >> what God is doing. God is the great >> what God is doing. God is the great initiator. I think Matthew would be on initiator. I think Matthew would be on initiator. I think Matthew would be on board with that statement. God in Christ board with that statement. God in Christ board with that statement. God in Christ is the one who initiates. We do not is the one who initiates. We do not is the one who initiates. We do not initiate. So, we don't it's this isn't a initiate. So, we don't it's this isn't a initiate. So, we don't it's this isn't a book about pulling yourself up by your book about pulling yourself up by your book about pulling yourself up by your book bootstraps. Yeah. book bootstraps. Yeah. book bootstraps. Yeah. >> You know, getting the work done. Um >> You know, getting the work done. Um >> You know, getting the work done. Um being a good disciple. Um even though being a good disciple. Um even though being a good disciple. Um even though being a good disciple would be something being a good disciple would be something being a good disciple would be something Matthew wants you to do. Um but it's Matthew wants you to do. Um but it's Matthew wants you to do. Um but it's it's it's framed with Jesus as God with it's it's framed with Jesus as God with it's it's framed with Jesus as God with us. is framed by what God in the kingdom us. is framed by what God in the kingdom us. is framed by what God in the kingdom is now accomplishing and turning wrongs is now accomplishing and turning wrongs is now accomplishing and turning wrongs uh right side up and um uh acting on uh right side up and um uh acting on uh right side up and um uh acting on behalf of those who have been behalf of those who have been behalf of those who have been disenfranchised on and on and on. So um disenfranchised on and on and on. So um disenfranchised on and on and on. So um I love what Saurin Kirkagard wrote when I love what Saurin Kirkagard wrote when I love what Saurin Kirkagard wrote when he talked about um he talked about um he talked about um this the truth that God has loved us this the truth that God has loved us this the truth that God has loved us first.

first. first. >> He said but then sometimes we think it's >> He said but then sometimes we think it's >> He said but then sometimes we think it's just that one time in Christ. just that one time in Christ. just that one time in Christ. >> Sure. Historically, God loved us first. >> Sure. Historically, God loved us first. >> Sure. Historically, God loved us first. But no, you love us first all the time. But no, you love us first all the time. But no, you love us first all the time. So he says, "When I wake up in the So he says, "When I wake up in the So he says, "When I wake up in the morning, I turn my thoughts to you and I morning, I turn my thoughts to you and I morning, I turn my thoughts to you and I you are too quick for me. You have loved you are too quick for me. You have loved you are too quick for me. You have loved me first." me first." me first." >> That's the God of Matthew. The God who >> That's the God of Matthew. The God who >> That's the God of Matthew. The God who has loved first, who has called first, has loved first, who has called first, has loved first, who has called first, who has acted first. So anything we do who has acted first. So anything we do who has acted first. So anything we do is only response. is only response. is only response. >> Sometimes I like to lead when dancing. >> Sometimes I like to lead when dancing. >> Sometimes I like to lead when dancing. >> Um but you can't do that with God. You >> Um but you can't do that with God. You >> Um but you can't do that with God. You can never out lead God. God is always can never out lead God. God is always can never out lead God. God is always initiating. So if you're feeling like, initiating. So if you're feeling like, initiating. So if you're feeling like, as you're reading Matthew, that's a lot as you're reading Matthew, that's a lot as you're reading Matthew, that's a lot of opts in that section, remember of opts in that section, remember of opts in that section, remember God is out there first, calling you, God is out there first, calling you, God is out there first, calling you, redeeming you, saving you, you and your redeeming you, saving you, you and your redeeming you, saving you, you and your Christian community that you're a part Christian community that you're a part Christian community that you're a part of and the church around the world and of and the church around the world and of and the church around the world and the church throughout history. God has the church throughout history. God has the church throughout history. God has been the initiator. been the initiator. been the initiator. >> I love it. Thank you so much for being >> I love it. Thank you so much for being >> I love it. Thank you so much for being our guide through the book of Matthew our guide through the book of Matthew our guide through the book of Matthew today. I I really really appreciate it.

today. I I really really appreciate it. today. I I really really appreciate it. Would you mind closing us in prayer? Would you mind closing us in prayer? Would you mind closing us in prayer? Specifically praying for people as they Specifically praying for people as they Specifically praying for people as they read the Gospel of Matthew. read the Gospel of Matthew. read the Gospel of Matthew. >> I would love to. Let's pray. >> I would love to. Let's pray. >> I would love to. Let's pray. Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, we love this book where you are on full we love this book where you are on full we love this book where you are on full display. display. display. Thank [music] you for teaching Thank [music] you for teaching Thank [music] you for teaching um teaching us how to be in this world um teaching us how to be in this world um teaching us how to be in this world and teaching [music] and teaching [music] and teaching [music] and and and showing us what that looks like. And showing us what that looks like. And showing us what that looks like. And thank you most of all that you came thank you most of all that you came thank you most of all that you came [music] [music] [music] and you brought redemption and you and you brought redemption and you and you brought redemption and you continue to bring redemption through continue to bring redemption through continue to bring redemption through your um death and resurrection. Might we your um death and resurrection. Might we your um death and resurrection. Might we read Matthew with eyes to see you as read Matthew with eyes to see you as read Matthew with eyes to see you as alive and well and in our midst. We alive and well and in our midst. We alive and well and in our midst. We trust that you today love us and guide trust that you today love us and guide trust that you today love us and guide us and we will follow you. us and we will follow you. us and we will follow you. We pray all these things in the name of We pray all these things in the name of We pray all these things in the name of the father and the son and [music] the the father and the son and [music] the the father and the son and [music] the holy spirit. Amen.