EXPLORE IT - Matthew 9

The book of Matthew is a Gospel account describing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  It most likely was written by the apostle Matthew (there are those who would argue someone else penned this book, but scholarship has shown this highly unlikely).  The date when this book was written is somewhat controversial.  Most scholars believe it was written between 70 and 80 A.D. while some believe an earlier date in the 50’s or 60’s.  Matthew wrote predominately to a Jewish population, proving to them that Jesus was the awaited for Messiah.  To target a Jewish readership, Matthew illustrates how Jesus’ life fulfills Old Testament prophecy and uses traditional Jewish terminology like “Kingdom of Heaven.”  Matthew is a very artistic author and takes license with the chronology of events in order to group facts together topically.

The beginning of Matthew shares Jesus’ childhood and the beginning of His ministry.  Matthew 5-7 shares the authoritative words of Jesus while His authoritative deeds are described in chapters 8-9.  This then sets the scene for the disciples’ commissioning in Matthew 10, for their ministries of word and deed.  The miracles presented in Matthew 8-9 are chosen to demonstrate Jesus’ authority (we are most likely only seeing a sampling of all the miracles Jesus performed while on Earth).  Most scholars agree that these sections are not presented in chronological order due to Matthew’s propensity for topical arrangement of material.  Some of these miracles may have actually occurred before and/or during the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.  Also, the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are most likely a collection of several of Jesus’ teachings and not from one extended time of teaching.

Matthew 8:1-10:4 contains three cycles of miracles and discipleship and focuses on faith, discipleship, and gentile mission.  The discipleship sections are interspersed between the three cycles of miracles.  This illustrates for us that discipleship takes place as we go along the journey with Jesus.  As He is working in our lives, He is also teaching us to be more like Him.

Blessings,
Pastor Amy