Purpose

To present Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, especially to Jewish readers.

Author

Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before Jesus called him. As a tax collector, he was skilled in record-keeping and would have been literate in multiple languages, making him perfect to write for Jewish audiences.

Historical Context

Written: 50-70 AD. Written to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Significance

Bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

Key Themes

Jesus as Messiah, Kingdom of Heaven, Fulfillment of Prophecy, Discipleship, Great Commission

Interesting Facts

• Matthew quotes the Old Testament more than any other Gospel (over 60 times)
• The phrase 'Kingdom of Heaven' appears 32 times - only in Matthew
• Matthew includes 5 major teaching sections, paralleling the 5 books of Moses

Prophecies

• Over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled every Messianic prophecy perfectly

Matthew Chapter 12 presents a critical confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the observance of the Sabbath, emphasizing the clash between Jesus' teachings and the rigid interpretations of the law upheld by the religious leaders of the time. The chapter opens with Jesus and His disciples walking through grainfields on the Sabbath, where the disciples pluck heads of grain to eat, prompting the Pharisees to accuse them of breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus responds by referencing the actions of David when he was hungry, illustrating a principle of mercy that transcends ritual law. He argues that while the Law is important, human need and compassion take precedence. The narrative continues as Jesus enters a synagogue where He encounters a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees again question Him about the legality of healing on the Sabbath, seeking to trap Him in His words. Jesus skillfully responds by asking about the worth of a man compared to a sheep, highlighting the importance of doing good, even on the Sabbath. He heals the man, showcasing His authority over the Sabbath and His compassion for human suffering. The hostility of the Pharisees escalates as they conspire to destroy Jesus because of His actions and teachings. In response, Jesus withdraws but continues to heal many, instructing them not to reveal His identity, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about the gentle and just nature of the Messiah. This chapter serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, revealing the themes of mercy, the true purpose of the law, and the fulfillment of prophetic scripture.

The second part of the Bible, written after Jesus came to earth, containing 27 books that tell the story of Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and the early Christian church.

Purpose

To show us who Jesus is, how to have a relationship with God, and how to live as followers of Christ in the world today.

Significance

The New Testament is where we meet Jesus personally and learn how His love changes everything! It shows us the fulfillment of God's promises and how to live in relationship with Him.

The four accounts of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, each written from a unique perspective to show different aspects of who Jesus is.

Purpose

To present Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, providing the foundation for Christian faith and the good news of salvation.

Significance

These books are the heart of the Christian faith, showing us who Jesus is, what He accomplished through His death and resurrection, and how we can have eternal life through faith in Him.