Clase 3 Cuatro evangelios Mateo parte 2

Clase 3 Cuatro evangelios Mateo parte 2

Understanding the Kingdom of God in Matthew

Overview of Jesus' Ministry and Its Implications

  • Mateo describes the spread of the kingdom through Jesus' powerful works and instructions to His disciples, providing a model for modern church ministry.
  • The third division of Matthew presents the king and his kingdom through signs and parables, focusing on chapters 11:2 to 13:53.
  • The narrative emphasizes Jesus' signs as evidence of His messianic identity while correcting misconceptions about the kingdom's nature.

Key Episodes in Jesus’ Ministry

  • In Matthew 11:2-19, Jesus reassures John the Baptist that His signs fulfill Old Testament prophecies, urging crowds to respond with repentance.
  • Chapters 11:20-30 highlight Jesus warning unrepentant cities while offering rest to those who come to Him, emphasizing His gentle authority.
  • Chapter 12 begins episodes focused on Pharisees' reactions; it includes disputes over Sabbath laws where Jesus asserts its purpose for healing.

Reactions from Religious Leaders

  • Pharisees accuse Jesus of using Beelzebub's power despite public admiration for His miracles; they fail to recognize Him as Messiah.
  • They hypocritically demand another sign, but Jesus states they will only receive Jonah's sign—His resurrection after three days.

Teachings Through Parables

  • Transitioning to parables in chapter 13 (1-53), these stories correct misunderstandings about God's kingdom.
  • Examples include:
  • The Sower (13:1-23)
  • The Weeds (13:24-30)
  • Mustard Seed & Yeast (13:31-43)
  • Hidden Treasure & Pearl (13:44-46)
  • The Net (13:47-53)

Insights on Acceptance and Rejection

  • Parables illustrate that while God's kingdom is invaluable, many will reject it. This theme is reinforced by obstacles faced by believers.
  • The parable of the Sower indicates widespread rejection among people; similar messages are echoed in other parables like Weeds and Net.

Call for Continuous Repentance

  • Christians are reminded that Christ has fulfilled prophecies and established a kingdom that awaits culmination; ongoing self-evaluation is essential.

Living Under Kingdom Authority

  • Emphasizes personal submission to God's authority as central to living a life aligned with spiritual goals.
  • Encourages believers to seek God’s values actively within their lives.

Understanding the Redemptive Plan of God

The Unification of Scripture

  • The teachings of the Kingdom of Heaven unify the Old and New Testaments, revealing God's redemptive plan.
  • Understanding this plan helps us grasp God's complete purpose for humanity.

A Biblical Perspective on Ownership

  • The Kingdom of Heaven provides a correct biblical worldview, emphasizing that all things belong to God.
  • It asserts that God will ultimately judge and remove all evil powers from the earth, affirming His absolute kingship.

Our Responsibility in Society

  • Believers are called to appreciate their neighbors and society, focusing on global well-being rather than self-interest.
  • Engagement in societal transformation is presented as a duty for followers of Christ.

Faith and Greatness in Discipleship

Overview of Matthew's Fourth Division

  • This section spans from Matthew 13:54 to 18:35, illustrating what it means to be a faithful disciple who achieves greatness in Jesus' kingdom.

Rejection of Jesus

  • Initial episodes highlight how faith was rejected by many, including Jesus' own hometown in Nazareth (Matthew 13:54–58). Their lack of faith limited miracles performed there.

Herod's Response

  • In Matthew 14:1–12, Herod hears reports about Jesus but does not dispute them; instead, he fears Jesus might be John the Baptist returned from the dead.

Lessons on Faith from Disciples

  • The feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13–21) shows disciples doubting despite witnessing miracles; Jesus demonstrates His power by providing abundantly.

Peter’s Doubts

  • When Peter walks on water (Matthew 14:22–36), he initially shows faith but falters due to fear; Jesus rebukes him for his doubt (Matthew 14:31).

Conflicts and Confessions

Confrontations with Pharisees

  • In Matthew 15:1–20, a conflict arises where Peter seeks clarification from Jesus about His teachings; Jesus expresses disappointment at their lack of understanding.

Unique Faith Encounter

  • A Canaanite woman displays great faith when seeking help for her demonized daughter (Matthew 15:21–28); her request is met with approval by Jesus due to her strong belief.

Continued Struggles with Faith

  • Despite witnessing miracles like feeding the 4,000 (Matthew 15:29–39), disciples still question provision due to their weak faith (Matthew 16:8).

Peter’s Confession and Its Consequences

Recognition and Rebuke

  • Peter acknowledges Jesus as "the Christ" (Matthew 16:16), receiving praise for his revelation but later faces severe rebuke when opposing Christ's suffering prediction (Matthew 16:23).

Transfiguration Insight

  • During the transfiguration event (Matthew 17:1–13), disciples witness Christ's glory but are reminded that true glory follows death and resurrection (Matthew 17:12).

Final Lessons on Faith

  • After failing to cast out a demon from a boy (Matthew 17:14–23), disciples learn that their inability stems from "little faith" as emphasized by Jesus’ teaching on reliance upon Him.( t =856 s )

Understanding True Greatness in the Kingdom of God

The Concept of Greatness

  • The discourse focuses on true greatness within God's kingdom, emphasizing humble service among believers.
  • Matthew introduces a pivotal question: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responds through instructions and parables.

Living in Humility

  • Jesus encourages His disciples to adopt childlike humility, preparing them for future challenges as children of God.
  • He teaches them to care for the weak, paralleling God's care for lost sheep, highlighting their value in God's eyes.

Relationships and Forgiveness

  • Jesus instructs followers to treat each other as family members, even amidst sin that disrupts relationships.
  • He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, urging them to forgive others as they have been forgiven by God.

Gifts from God Amidst Opposition

  • Despite growing resistance against God today, He continues performing miracles and providing gifts like perseverance and peace.
  • Our relationship with God as our Father is highlighted; He understands our weaknesses and provides a supportive church community.

Opposition to the Kingdom

Context of Opposition

  • The narrative spans from Matthew 19:1 to 22:46, illustrating how Jesus faced opposition during this period.

Encounters with Pharisees

  • In Judea (Matthew 19:1 - 20:16), Jesus confronts Pharisees regarding divorce and misunderstandings about wealth and power.
  • Tensions between Jesus and Jewish leaders escalate; Pharisees often attempt to trap Him with questions (e.g., Matthew 19:3).

Direct Confrontations

  • Conflicts are not limited to verbal exchanges; notable incidents include Jesus overturning tables in the temple (Matthew 21:12).

Warnings Against Hypocrisy

  • Jesus rebukes religious leaders for their hypocrisy, stating they make converts twice as much a child of hell (Matthew 23:15).

The Path to Glory Through Suffering

Perspective on Discipleship

  • Amidst hostility towards Him, Jesus reassures His disciples that they will share in His glory after enduring suffering (Matthew 19:27).

Repeated Teachings on Humility

  • Emphasizing humility before glory, Jesus states that many who are first will be last (Matthew 19:30; 20:16).

Servanthood Defined by Christ's Example

  • He defines greatness through servanthood—"the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28).

The Journey Towards Jerusalem

Final Steps Toward Jerusalem

  • The next segment details Jesus' ascent toward Jerusalem amid increasing opposition.

Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem and His Teachings

Jesus' Prophetic Entry into Jerusalem

  • Jesús clearly stated his intention to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die, facing resistance primarily from the mother of two disciples seeking authority for her sons in the kingdom.
  • Upon arrival, Jesus was welcomed by crowds fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding his triumphant entry.

Opposition in Jerusalem

  • In Matthew 21:12 - 22:46, Jesus faced opposition while moving within Jerusalem and the temple, expelling money changers and sharing parables warning of God's impending judgment.
  • He engaged in theological disputes with religious leaders about taxes owed to Caesar and the resurrection of the dead.

Confrontation with Religious Leaders

  • Despite their attempts to challenge him, no one could respond effectively to Jesus, leading them not to question him further (Matthew 22:46).

The Discourse on Future Victory

  • From Matthew 23:1 - 25:46, Jesus delivered a discourse outlining the future victory of the kingdom of heaven, starting with seven woes against his opponents (Matthew 23:1 - 38).

Focus on Pharisees

  • This section particularly criticized Pharisees for their false teachings, abuse of God’s people, and hypocrisy.
  • Jesus lamented over Jerusalem's rejection of prophets (Matthew 23:37-38), expressing a desire to gather its children like a hen gathers her chicks.

The Olivet Discourse

  • Known as the Sermon on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1 - 25:46), this sermon is divided into three main sections:
  • Birth Pangs: Describing early signs before full manifestation (Matthew 24:4 - 28).
  • The Coming Kingdom: Foretelling Christ's return in glory (Matthew 24:29 - 31).
  • Readiness for His Return: Urging vigilance as no one knows when he will return (Matthew 24:32 - Matthew 25).

Anticipation of Christ's Return

  • Emphasizing that only God knows the timing of His return; speculation is seen as disobedience.
  • Teaching about Christ’s second coming aims primarily at providing comfort and hope for holy living while awaiting His return.

Living in Expectation

  • Believers should be ready for Christ’s imminent return with joy and confidence.
  • Instead of being passive spectators post-resurrection, Christians are called to actively spread the Gospel and disciple new believers.

Rejection by Jewish Leaders

  • The fifth division highlights Jewish leaders’ rejection plans against Jesus but asserts that such plans cannot thwart God's kingdom growth.

Conclusion Narrative in Matthew's Gospel

  • Spanning from Matthew 26:1 to Matthew 28:20, this section details Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Themes Explored:

  1. Conflict:
  • The kingdom brought by Jesus differed significantly from Jewish expectations leading to direct conflict throughout Matthew’s narrative.
  1. Discipleship:
  • Emphasis on following Christ amidst challenges.
  1. Victory:
  • Assurance that despite opposition or death faced by Jesus, His kingdom will ultimately triumph.

Narrative of Conclusion in the Gospel of Matthew

Plans Against Jesus

  • The narrative highlights various plans against Jesus, including his arrest and trial as seen in Matthew 26:3-4, 14-16, 47, and 57-68.
  • The crowd's call for crucifixion is documented in Matthew 27:20-25, culminating in the Jews accepting responsibility for His death.

Mockery During Crucifixion

  • As Jesus suffered on the cross, Jewish leaders mocked Him for claiming to be Israel's messianic king (Matthew 27:41-42).
  • They challenged Him to save Himself if He truly was the king, ironically rejecting their only hope for salvation.

Themes of Discipleship and Conflict

  • The difficulty of following a suffering Messiah is emphasized through the failures of Jesus' disciples during critical moments (e.g., Judas' betrayal in Matthew 26:14-16; Peter's denial in Matthew 26:69-75).
  • All disciples abandoned Jesus at His moment of need (Matthew 26:56), illustrating that true discipleship often involves hardship and temptation.

Victory Theme in the Kingdom

Resurrection as Proof of Victory

  • The resurrection signifies that the messianic king has triumphed over all enemies, even death itself. This victory theme is reinforced by Jesus’ final words before His ascension found in Matthew 28:18-20.

Great Commission

  • In these concluding instructions, Jesus claims all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18), establishing His legitimacy as ruler.

Power Coupled with Love

  • Emphasizes that true power must be motivated by love; without it, power can lead to destruction. Only Christ embodies this perfect balance between love and authority.

The Foundation of Evangelism

New Era Initiated by Christ

  • Christ’s resurrection marks a new era where hope is brought to nations through His reign; thus evangelism and discipleship are rooted in this foundational truth.

Final Promise

  • Concludes with a promise from Jesus to be with His followers until the end of time, reinforcing His ongoing presence and support as they spread His message.

Themes from Old Testament Heritage

Anticipation of Jesus' Coming

  • Highlights how the Old Testament foreshadows Jesus’ arrival; He embodies Israel’s identity while fulfilling its mission (e.g., going to Egypt and being tempted).

Responsibility Over Privilege

  • Discusses Israel’s election not merely as privilege but as a responsibility to bless nations—a theme echoed throughout Matthew’s gospel narrative.

The Role of Jesus in the Fulfillment of Old Testament Promises

The Significance of Jesus as the Incarnate Israel

  • Jesus is presented as the embodiment of what Israel was meant to be, fulfilling its role for itself and other nations.
  • The entire narrative of Israel, including its choices and failures, serves to anticipate the coming of Jesus rather than merely finding isolated verses that reference him.

God's Faithfulness and Promises

  • The Bible narrates God's unwavering commitment to His people through love and faithfulness, emphasizing that they can still trust in ancient promises through Jesus.
  • Matthew frequently references the Old Testament to validate claims about Jesus' messianic ministry, showcasing a deep connection between both testaments.

Matthew's Use of Old Testament Citations

  • Matthew cites the Old Testament more than any other Gospel writer, with at least 40 direct citations and numerous mentions throughout his text.
  • He employs phrases like "to fulfill" to create explicit connections between Old Testament prophecies and events in Jesus' life.

Understanding Healing Through Prophecy

  • In Matthew 8:17, he illustrates how Jesus’ healings are not just acts of compassion but fulfillments of prophetic promises from Isaiah.
  • The anticipation for God’s kingdom was not merely about specific predictions but a longing for freedom, restoration, and salvation embodied by the Messiah.

Kingdom of Heaven Emphasis

  • Matthew emphasizes that blessings from God's kingdom come through David's royal lineage; thus, Jesus represents the fulfillment of these ancient promises.
  • Despite suffering and unfulfilled prophecies during his time on earth, Jesus reassures his followers that they must trust in God’s ultimate plan as outlined in the Old Testament.

The Messianic Kingdom and Jesus' Authority

The Promise of Renewal

  • The anticipation of God's renewal inspires believers to maintain hope and strength while awaiting the complete fulfillment of His kingdom.

Jesus as the Expected Messiah

  • Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the awaited messianic king, frequently referring to Him as "son of David," more than any other Gospel writer.
  • Unique royal titles for Jesus in Matthew include "king of the Jews" and "king of Israel," with specific verses not found in other Gospels, highlighting His messianic reign.

Conflict with Jewish Leaders

  • Matthew addresses potential doubts about Jesus' messiahship due to conflicts with non-believing Jewish leaders, clarifying that God fulfills His promises through Jesus despite their lack of faith.
  • Throughout various teachings, including fasting (Matthew 9:14-17), Sabbath observance (Matthew 12:1-13), and handwashing (Matthew 15:1-20), Jesus corrects Pharisaical interpretations.

Interpretation of the Law

  • In the Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus states, "You have heard it said... but I say to you," He contrasts traditional interpretations with His authoritative teaching.
  • This method does not annul Old Testament law; rather, it establishes Jesus’ authority as a sovereign interpreter who fulfills its true intent.

Fulfillment and Misunderstanding

  • The theme emerges that understanding Old Testament law requires viewing it through Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ministry.
  • Many Jews rejected Jesus because their expectations did not align with scriptural prophecies. This serves as a caution against limiting God’s capabilities based on personal assumptions.

Humility and Compassion in Ministry

  • Matthew highlights that God's liberation is rooted in compassion rather than militaristic power.
  • Quoting Jeremiah (Matthew 11:29), Jesus invites those burdened to find rest in Him by embodying humility and gentleness.

Jesus: The Gentle King

Jesus' Character and Role

  • Jesus is described in Matthew 12:19-20 as gentle and compassionate, contrasting with the military leader the Jews expected to lead them against Rome.
  • Matthew portrays Jesus as both a conquering king and a humble figure, emphasizing the need for followers to speak truth with compassion.
  • The fulfillment of Old Testament expectations by Jesus transcends average anticipations, highlighting that He embodies the kingdom, law, and Himself as King.

The People of God

  • In Matthew's Gospel, God's people are depicted as those who belong to Him, forming a close-knit community under His reign.
  • The study of God's people will focus on three aspects: identification as the Church, designation as God's family, and their calling from Jesus.

Transition from Israel to the Church

  • In the New Testament context, God's people are referred to primarily as the Church rather than Israel.
  • The term "Church" translates from the Greek word "eclesía," which connects back to "cajal," referring to Israel's assembly in the Septuagint.

Continuity of Assembly

  • This shift in terminology signifies that both Matthew and Jesus viewed the Church as a continuation of Israel's assembly.
  • References in Leviticus (16:33), Numbers (16:47), Judges (20:2), and Psalms (22:22) highlight how crucial assembly was for identifying God’s people in the Old Testament.

Prophetic Foundations

  • Joel 2:16 emphasizes gathering and purifying God’s assembly; this aligns with how Matthew presents Jesus’ intention for His Church.
  • In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares He will build His Church—echoing Joel’s prophecy about establishing His messianic assembly.

Ownership of the Church

  • The term "eclesía" reflects continuity with Old Testament concepts; thus, New Testament believers form an extension of God’s original assembly.
  • Resistance against Jesus' messianic kingship serves to encourage disciples regarding their role within this new assembly or church established by Him.

Identity of Believers

  • Early references indicate that even before His birth, it was affirmed that all people belonged to Him through prophetic messages delivered by angels.
  • Followers are not just individuals but partakers in a new creation brought forth through Christ's resurrection—a community embodying mercy and forgiveness.

Anticipation of New Creation

  • The Church acts as a foretaste of future heavenly realities where believers can find support during trials—serving as a glimpse into what is yet to come.

The Family of God and His Care

The Assurance of God's Kingdom

  • God assures us that He is our King, with our best interests in mind, promising rescue and blessings, even if they may not manifest in this life.
  • Matthew describes the people of God as both the church and the family of God, using familial language over 150 times to illustrate relationships among believers.

Familial Language in Scripture

  • Unlike John, who uses familial terms primarily to describe Jesus' relationship with His Heavenly Father, Matthew emphasizes the relationship between God and His people.
  • This vocabulary highlights God's care and protection for His children, as seen in Matthew 6:4 where Jesus speaks about God's rewards for those who seek Him privately.

Confidence in Prayer

  • Jesus teaches that we can be confident in prayer because our loving Father knows our needs before we ask (Matthew 6:8). This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's provision.
  • The concept of communal prayer connects believers globally; when one prays to God as "Father," it signifies a shared family bond among all Christians.

Adoption into God's Family

  • J.I. Packer emphasizes that being adopted into God's family is a profound blessing beyond mere forgiveness; it signifies a deep relational connection with God as our Father.
  • Believers are co-heirs with Christ, inheriting all that belongs to Him instead of facing divine wrath; this transformation from "children of wrath" to "children of God" is central to Christian identity.

Examples of Divine Care

  • In Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus reassures us through examples like birds and lilies that if God cares for these small creations, He will certainly care more for His people’s needs.
  • During difficult times or persecution (Matthew 10:19–20), Jesus reminds disciples that their Heavenly Father will protect them and provide guidance through challenges they face in ministry.

Understanding the Call of God's People

The Privilege and Challenge of Being God's Church

  • The church is described as a privilege for God's people, but it also entails challenges, dangers, and suffering. Jesus embodies the role of a suffering messianic king, indicating that following Him involves shared suffering.

Scriptural Foundations of Suffering

  • In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus clarifies that His mission does not bring peace but division among families. This highlights the struggles inherent in following Him.
  • Matthew 16:24-25 emphasizes self-denial and taking up one's cross to follow Jesus. It illustrates that losing one’s life for Christ leads to true life.

Perseverance Through Rejection

  • Despite rejection and criticism faced by the church, it remains active and resilient. The resurrection serves as a reminder that apparent defeat can lead to victory.

The Mission of the Church

  • The church's mission is to spread the Gospel globally, making disciples of those who are lost. There is assurance in knowing that nothing will thwart this mission.

Hope Amidst Suffering

  • Jesus promises relief from suffering and ultimate peace upon His return. Until then, believers are called to follow in His footsteps through trials while trusting in His abundant life.

Experiencing Abundant Life in Christ

Understanding Abundant Life

  • Abundant life includes experiencing both joy and pain; it means having Christ present during life's challenges.

Anticipation of Future Glory

  • Believers look forward to a time when Christ reigns visibly over all things, wiping away every tear and bringing complete restoration.

Insights from the Gospel of Matthew

  • The study explores Matthew's background—its authorship, original audience, structure—and its themes rooted in Old Testament promises fulfilled through Jesus.

The Dual Nature of Following Christ

Blessings Amidst Trials

  • While facing sufferings akin to those experienced by Jesus, believers are also promised blessings from God that empower them to persevere until the full realization of God's kingdom on earth.