The Structure of the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is carefully structured, blending narrative and discourse to present Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the King of the Kingdom of Heaven. Its design is intentional, drawing from Jewish literary traditions and emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
Two Broad Divisions
Matthew can be divided into two main sections:
Jesus’ Presentation and Ministry (Matthew 1–16)
This section focuses on Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, His teachings, and His works, leading to Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16).
Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection (Matthew 17–28)
The second section shifts to Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, His suffering, death, and resurrection, fulfilling His mission as the Savior.
The Five Major Discourses
A defining feature of Matthew is its five major discourses, which alternate with narrative sections. This structure echoes the five books of Moses, reinforcing Jesus as the new and greater Moses. Each discourse ends with the phrase “When Jesus had finished these sayings” (e.g., Matthew 7:28, 11:1), marking the transition to the next narrative section.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
Jesus begins His public ministry by teaching the ethics of the Kingdom. He explains the true meaning of the Law and calls His followers to live as citizens of Heaven, characterized by humility, mercy, and righteousness.
The Mission Discourse (Matthew 10)
Jesus commissions the twelve apostles to go to the lost sheep of Israel, preaching the message of the Kingdom and performing signs of its arrival. He prepares them for opposition and persecution, emphasizing reliance on God’s provision.
The Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)
Through parables, Jesus reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. These parables describe the Kingdom’s nature, growth, and ultimate fulfillment, highlighting both its hiddenness and its power.
The Discourse on the Church (Matthew 18)
This discourse focuses on life in the Kingdom community, emphasizing humility, forgiveness, and the restoration of sinners. Jesus provides instructions on handling conflicts and reminds His followers of the Father’s mercy.
The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25)
Jesus addresses the future, including the destruction of Jerusalem, His second coming, and the final judgment. He warns His disciples to stay vigilant, using parables to illustrate readiness and faithfulness.
Additional Structural Features
The Prologue: Jesus’ Birth and Preparation (Matthew 1–4)
The Gospel begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage to Abraham and David, highlighting His Messianic credentials. It moves through His miraculous birth, the visit of the Magi, His baptism, and His temptation in the wilderness, all affirming His identity as the promised Savior.
The Narrative of Jesus’ Ministry (Matthew 8–12)
This section focuses on Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and growing opposition from religious leaders. These chapters demonstrate His authority over nature, sickness, demons, and sin.
The Turning Point: Peter’s Confession (Matthew 16)
Peter’s declaration that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” marks a shift in the Gospel. From this point, Jesus begins to reveal His coming suffering, death, and resurrection.
The Passion Narrative (Matthew 26–27)
This section details Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial. Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus’ role as the suffering servant who bears the sins of His people.
The Resurrection and the Great Commission (Matthew 28)
The Gospel concludes with Jesus’ victory over death and His command to make disciples of all nations, assuring His presence with His people until the end of the age.
Chiastic Patterns and Parallelism
Matthew employs chiastic structures to emphasize key points, such as the centrality of the Kingdom of Heaven and the authority of Jesus. For example, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) begins and ends with references to the Kingdom, framing the discourse as a description of Kingdom life.
Conclusion
The structure of Matthew is both literary and theological, designed to reveal Jesus as the Messiah and King. Its careful organization highlights His fulfillment of the Old Testament, His teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven, and His work of redemption. By alternating between narrative and discourse, Matthew invites readers to not only understand who Jesus is but also to respond to His call to follow Him as Lord and Savior.
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