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

In Matthew 24, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus addresses profound questions posed by His disciples regarding the destruction of the temple, the signs of His return, and the end of the age. After leaving the temple, Jesus prophesies its destruction, which astonishes His followers. They privately ask Him about the timing of these events and the signs to look for. Jesus warns them to be vigilant, indicating that many will come claiming to be the Messiah, leading many astray. He forewarns of wars, famines, and natural disasters, describing these as the beginnings of birth pains. The discourse highlights the persecution that His followers will face, emphasizing that they will be hated by all nations for His name's sake. A crucial aspect of His teaching is the exhortation to endure to the end, assuring them that salvation awaits those who withstand trials. Jesus also references the 'abomination of desolation' foretold by Daniel, signaling a serious warning for the people in Judea. He urges them to flee when they see these signs, stressing the urgency of their response, particularly for mothers with young children. This chapter not only serves as a prophetic warning but also as a call to remain steadfast in faith amidst impending tribulations. Jesus concludes with a proclamation that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached to all nations before the end comes, reinforcing the hope and mission of His followers even in times of distress.

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

In Matthew 24, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus addresses profound questions posed by His disciples regarding the destruction of the temple, the signs of His return, and the end of the age. After leaving the temple, Jesus prophesies its destruction, which astonishes His followers. They privately ask Him about the timing of these events and the signs to look for. Jesus warns them to be vigilant, indicating that many will come claiming to be the Messiah, leading many astray. He forewarns of wars, famines, and natural disasters, describing these as the beginnings of birth pains. The discourse highlights the persecution that His followers will face, emphasizing that they will be hated by all nations for His name's sake. A crucial aspect of His teaching is the exhortation to endure to the end, assuring them that salvation awaits those who withstand trials. Jesus also references the 'abomination of desolation' foretold by Daniel, signaling a serious warning for the people in Judea. He urges them to flee when they see these signs, stressing the urgency of their response, particularly for mothers with young children. This chapter not only serves as a prophetic warning but also as a call to remain steadfast in faith amidst impending tribulations. Jesus concludes with a proclamation that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached to all nations before the end comes, reinforcing the hope and mission of His followers even in times of distress.