Matthew — Introduction & Outline

The external evidence uniformly attributes this gospel to Matthew, the disciple of Jesus. Many early church fathers cite Matthew as the author. There are indications from some fathers that Matthew wrote the gospel in Hebrew, and Eusebius quotes Papias as stating that Matthew wrote the "logia" in Aramaic. This has caused some to suggest Matthew did not write the Greek version of the gospel, but there is no solid evidence to support this view. No Aramaic or Hebrew version has been found, and it is evident that Matthew did not translate his gospel from a Semitic version. The possibility exists that he wrote at least two versions of the gospel, one most certainly in Greek.

The internal evidence supports the authorship of Matthew. In harmony with his occupation as a tax collector, this gospel has more references to money than the other gospels. Similarly, more precise terms are used for money than in the other gospels. The methodical arrangement and attention to detail also evidence an author familiar with keeping careful records. It is significant that whereas Matthew refers repeatedly to himself as a "publican", a term of contempt, Mark and Luke do not use it of him. Furthermore, the acquaintance with the geography and environment of Palestine suggest the author was a Palestinian Jew. Finally, Matthew's gospel shows a definite preference for the name "Matthew" while both Mark and Luke prefer the name "Levi". This may indicate a personal touch from the apostle himself. The internal evidence along with the external evidence point to Matthew as the author. There is no conclusive evidence for thinking otherwise.

The question of whether Matthew uses Mark as a source for his gospel will influence the dating of the gospel. Though this is a possibility, Matthew shows no slavish dependence on Mark. If Mark was the source of Matthew, then a later date closer to A.D. 70, but not after, is probable. Matthew seems to anticipate the future destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 (chapters 24-25), so he would have written prior to that event. However, many modern scholars agree with church tradition in taking Matthew as the first gospel written. Even so, there seems to be a passing of time mentioned in 27:8 and 28:15. This could place the time of writing as early as the early A.D. 50's. Beyond this, the exact date of writing remains unknown.

The traditional view is that Matthew originated in Palestine as a book written by a Jewish Christian to a community of Jewish Christians. This would seem the most likely place of writing and agree with the tradition that Matthew did little traveling from Palestine. Some have also proposed Syrian Antioch as a place of origin because of the Greek language used, but this is doubtful given the way Matthew takes for granted the readers' familiarity with Jewish customs. In the end, the place of writing is unknown.

Matthew was probably written to a Jewish readership familiar with Judea's customs and culture. The great number of quotes from the Old Testament, messianic interest, unexplained Jewish customs, and attention to Jewish genealogy (1:1-17) argue strongly for a Palestinian audience of Jewish background.

The testimony of Irenaeus and Origen indicates that Matthew was written to converts from Judaism, which, according to the early chapters of Acts, numbered in the thousands. Such a group would expectedly have questions about the significance of Jesus as the fulfillment of their Old Testament prophecies. This Matthew establishes with meticulous care through the quotation of more Old Testament passages than any other gospel. Such proof would also appeal to nonbelieving Jews. The infant church would also be in need of instruction and catechism for their new faith. Matthew seems to supply this need by including his careful proof about Jesus as King of the Jews along with five major discourses on Christian truth.

Understandably, the early Jewish converts would also have questions about God's kingdom program. The postponement of the Messiah's kingdom was a truth newly revealed. Matthew demonstrates how Israel's rejection of their King resulted in a postponed kingdom. This kingdom will be established at the second coming of Christ. In the meantime, Matthew shows that Jesus Christ is now in the process of building His church, the heirs of the kingdom. The universal character of the church is displayed in Matthew by an emphasis on Gentiles.

There is the early mention of the Magi, the Gentile centurian's faith, the Canaanitish woman, the promise of the universal proclamation of the gospel (24:14), and the final commission to disciple all nations. Matthew is showing how the kingdom program will include the Gentiles.

Matthew's chief purpose in writing was to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah, the King of the Jews. This purpose is clearly seen in the first verse of the gospel where Jesus is identified as the Son of David and of Abraham. Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of promises to both Abraham and David. Many other prophecies are cited to show how Jesus is the Messiah in every regard, from birth to death. A second purpose is evidenced by the systematic arrangement and inclusion of the discourses by Matthew. The gospel served a catechetical purpose for the early church. Finally, Matthew wrote to explain and clarify the kingdom program of God in its present postponement and future coming in Jesus Christ.

Matthew is designed to prove that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. His kingship is demonstrated by recording the significant events of His life and ministry from birth to resurrection.

The first major section of Matthew (1:1-4:11) documents the introduction of the King in events preceding the time of Christ's actual ministry. This includes information about His incarnation and preparation. The section about His incarnation (1:1-2:23) begins significantly with the genealogy of the King (1:1-17). The introduction to this genealogy (1:1) identifies Jesus Christ as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham. This immediately places Him in the position of both the fulfillment of the promises to Abraham, and the fulfillment of the promises to David about the eternal King. Ordered according to three divisions which emphasize the place of King David in the messianic line, the genealogy of Jesus establishes His royal credentials.

The record of the birth of the King (1:18-25) indicates the divine and human means by which Jesus would come into the world. The King would be a Deliverer of His people, but the primary deliverance would be from sin (1:21). His birth by a virgin fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 of a divine Son, and the understanding of the Magi about the prophecy in Micah 5:2 of a Ruler born in Bethlehem both demonstrate His right to be King. The childhood of the King (2:1-2:23) also meets the criterion of the ancient prophecy by Jeremiah when Herod destroyed the male children. The irony of Matthew's account is that Gentile leaders understood and honored the kingship of Jesus (2:1-2) whereas King Herod did not. Finally, Jesus' childhood in Nazareth agreed with the general tenor of the prophetic tradition (2:23).

The second emphasis in the introduction of the King comes in the account of His preparation (3:1-4:11). The forerunner, John the Baptist (3:1-12), announced the coming of the Lord and prepared the people by preaching and baptizing for repentance. The baptism of Jesus by John (3:12-17) identifies the King with His people, fulfills the requirements of righteousness for the King, and brings the authenticating approval from the Father. The moral qualifications of the King are then tested in the wilderness by Satan as recorded in the temptation account (4:1- 11). By not succumbing to temptation in the wilderness as Israel had in the past, Jesus proves Himself as the qualified and necessary King of Israel.

The next major section of Matthew's argument concerns the principles of the King (4:12-7:29) largely communicated through the famous Sermon on the Mount. Matthew designates the beginning of Jesus' ministry (4:12-25) by inaugurating it with the quotation from Isaiah 9:1-2. The universal kingship of the Messiah is denoted by this mention of His ministry to Gentiles. The King's initial gathering of disciples and His immediate notoriety demonstrate the first impact of His ministry as a pattern for that which will follow.

The difference of Jesus' ministry with that of the religious status quo is brought to the open in the Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:29). Here Jesus juxtaposes His authority and doctrine with that of Israel's present leadership. The sermon is designed to answer the question about the kind of righteousness required for the kingdom Jesus has been preaching. He begins with a description and promises for the proper subjects of the kingdom (5:3-16). A lengthy description of what composes true righteousness then follows (5:17-7:6). Jesus indicates that He is the measure of righteousness and the fulfillment of the Law (5:17-20). The traditional Pharisaic interpretations about murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love are shown to be inadequate as Jesus explains the more scrupulous requirements of kingdom righteousness (5:21- 48). After rejecting the Pharisaic interpretations of God's Law, He also rejects their practices (6:1-7:6). The Pharisees' ostentation in charitable deeds, prayer, and fasting, and their attitudes toward material wealth and toward others in judgment discredit their authority as leaders of God's people and allow Jesus opportunity to explain the proper demonstration of God's righteousness. The sermon ends with instruction about entering the kingdom (7:7-27). The importance of asking (7:7-12), the option of the two ways (7:13-14), and the deception of false teachers (7:15-23) indicate that the kingdom can be missed. Finally, Jesus ends with an example of the importance of being grounded in the truth (7:24-27). Significantly, Matthew's description of the peoples' response (7:28-29) help the reader understand the new authority revealed in the principles of the King.

The manifestation of the King's power and authority form a third main section in Matthew's argument (8:1-11:1). This section authenticates Jesus's authority as King. His power is first demonstrated by a series of miracles interspersed with teaching about discipleship. The miracles of cleansing the leper, healing the centurian's son, healing Peter's mother-in-law, and healing the multitudes (8:1-17) demonstrate the King's authority over defilement, demons, and disease. The miracles of calming the wind and sea, casting out demons from two men, and healing the paralytic (8:23-9:8) are all miracles emphasizing the magnitude of the King's power. His power extends from the physical realm (the wind and sea) to the spiritual (demons and forgiveness of sins). The third series of miracles emphasize the King's power to restore (9:18- 34). The two occasions that divide this series of miracles involve teachings about those who follow the King. They must pay a price (8:18-22) and must depart from the old Pharisaic system (9:14-17).

The former teachings about discipleship anticipated the next emphasis on the delegation of the King's power to His disciples (9:35-11:1). Jesus declares the need for laborers to harvest for His kingdom (9:35-38), and so commissions the twelve apostles (10:1-4). The use of the designation "apostle" or "sent one" adds the significance of the One who sends, the King. Jesus then instructs them in their mission (10:5-42). It is exclusively to the Jews because Jesus has come to them first as their King. The anticipation of rejection is an indication of the response of the nation to Jesus in His later ministry and indicates the radical nature of His manifestation to Israel as their King.

The rejection of the King (11:2-16:12) is Matthew's next main theme in his gospel.

The rejection anticipated above begins here indirectly and ends with direct confrontation with the Jewish leaders. John the Baptist's imprisonment by Herod foreshadows the rejection of the Coming One about whom John preached. Jesus indicates in His answer to John's question (11:2- 19) that this rejection is consistent with His own rejection. The rejection is confirmed in His denunciation of various impenitent cities (11:20-24) and in His appeal for those who will accept Him (11:25-30).

The controversy over the Sabbath begins the open conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees (12:1-50). The centrality of the Sabbath to all of Judaism is overridden by the Son of Man who is Lord of the Sabbath. The title "Son of Man" points to the messianic authority of Jesus, and anticipates the direct controversy over Jesus' authority. In the midst of his revelation about the Pharisees' plot to destroy Jesus, and Jesus' consequent withdrawal, Matthew interjects a scriptural confirmation of Jesus' authority by quoting Isaiah 42:1-4 (12:14-21) which declares the position of the Messiah as God's Servant, thus implying divine authority. The following healing of a demon-possessed man precipitates controversy over the source of Jesus' power (12:22-37).

By attributing it to Satan, the Pharisees demonstrate the degree of their rejection. This constitutes a crucial climax of rejection, the nature of which is unpardonable. In light of this, Jesus refuses the Jews' request for a sign with disguised language about His resurrection as the only sign He will give them (12:38-45). In rejecting physical relationships as a basis for entrance into the divine family, Jesus is turning from His physical affiliation with Israel to those who will respond through faith (12:46-50).

The use of parables by Jesus (13:1-53) confirms His rejection of the nation which rejected Him and His more limited focus on those of faith. Jesus explains that the purpose of parables is to reveal truth to those who have the understanding of faith and to conceal it from unbelievers. Each parable teaches something relevant to God's kingdom program in the present age in view of the rejection of the King. The distillation of their truths reveals that the kingdom of God will be rejected by some, allow for coexistence of believers with unbelievers, have an insignificant beginning and a great expansion, be of great value, culminate in a separating judgment, and have both familiar and new characteristics. These new truths comprise the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" (13:11) in light of its postponement.

At this point in the narrative, Matthew continues with more accounts of the Jews' rejection of their King (13:54-16:12). His rejection is seen in the unbelief of His own people in Nazareth (13:54-58), and Herod's execution of John which causes Jesus to withdraw into seclusion (14:1-36). This withdrawal allows Jesus to confirm the faith of His disciples through a series of miracles (14:13-36). Matthew next records a dispute with the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem over the keeping of tradition (15:1-39). Jesus delivers a strong rebuke for their neglect of the Word of God in favor of tradition. His withdrawal to Tyre and Sidon (15:21-39) constitutes a significant thrust into Gentile territory as a response to the increased conflict and also as a foreshadowing of the King's inclusion of Gentiles in His kingdom, as seen in the dialogue with the woman of Canaan. The rejection of the Jewish leadership by Christ is confirmed in His rebuke of their hypocrisy and the subsequent warning to His disciples about the corruption of these Jews (16:1-12).

The next major division in Matthew finds Jesus focusing on the instruction of His disciples in a more private ministry (16:13-20:34). An important climax in the sequence of His self-revelation takes place when Peter confesses the messianic identity of Jesus (16:13-17).

Jesus uses the occasion to teach the disciples about the growth of the church, His death and resurrection, and the demands of discipleship (16:18-17:13). This instruction is prompted by the growing nearness of His death. A demonstration of His kingdom glory is then exhibited as He is transformed on the mount (17:1-13).

The disciples' training continues through a series of lessons about various subjects important to the Christian life (17:14-20:34). Such instruction anticipates the time when Jesus will no longer be with the disciples. The instruction in Galilee (17:14-18:35) includes lessons on prayer, His death and resurrection again, taxes, humility, causing offense, and forgiveness. Jesus then travels to Judea (19:1-2) as the time of His death approaches. Here He instructs the disciples further (19:3-20:28) with lessons on marriage and divorce, childlikeness, wealth, rewards, a third prediction of His death and resurrection, and the position of subjects in the kingdom. A vital statement about giving His life as a ransom (20:28) and the three predictions of His death and resurrection direct the reader's attention to the approaching ministry of the King in His passion. This main section ends with a transitional account of two blind men given sight upon their recognition of Jesus as the King, the "Son of David" (20:29-34). This story prepares the reader for what follows in the recognition and rejection of Jesus' kingship.

In a most crucial division of the gospel, Matthew records the official presentation and rejection of the King in Jerusalem (21:1-25:46). In fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy, Jesus presents Himself to the nation of Israel as their King in a triumphal entry (21:1-17). Multitudes from the nation recognized His royalty. His cleansing of the temple and the claim of "My house" demonstrated His legitimate authority over Israel and confirmed the validity of the people's worship of Him. In strong contrast to this triumph, Matthew presents the rejection of the King by the official leadership of Israel (21:18-22:46). What ensues is a series of intense conflicts between Christ and the Jewish leaders in which His fundamental authority is challenged. This also elicits three parables of Jesus characterizing the unbelief of His detractors and their consequent punishment by exclusion from His kingdom. The conflicts expose the extreme degree of contempt since Matthew names the changing detractors in each case to show the totality of rejection by every element of Jewish leadership.

The response of the King to the total rejection by the nation of Israel is expressed in an extended condemnation of the leaders (23:1-39). In a warning to His disciples, He exposes the hypocritical practices of Israel's leaders (23:1-12). This is followed by a condemnation of them in the strongest terms (23:13-36) demonstrating His total rejection of the nation. The finality of Jesus' rejection of the nation brings a lament over Jerusalem's fate and a prediction of His eventual recognition by them (23:37-39).

In light of Israel's rejection of her King, Matthew presents an extended discourse about the fate of Israel and the events of the end times (24:1-25:26). This section discloses the place of the rejected nation in God's program for the future. The discourse is a reply to the disciples' two questions posed after Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple (24:1-3). The disciples ask concerning the time of the destruction and the identity of a sign of the King's return. Jesus answers first with a general description of the end time (24:4-14). It will be characterized by deception, persecution, and great upheavals. But this will not before the "gospel of the kingdom" has been preached to all nations (24:14). The major events of the end time (24:15-31) will include the appearance of the abomination of desolation, the appearance of false Christs, and the culminating coming of the Son of Man in glory to set up His kingdom.

Jesus continues teaching about the end time through a series of parables (24:32- 25:30). All develop the theme of watchfulness and expectancy of the King's return. Two in particular, the parable of the two servants (24:45-51) and the parable of the talents (25:14-30) are also designed to teach faithfulness in conduct until the King returns. Finally, the judgment of the nations (25:31-46) brings this age to a close and inaugurates the rule of the King on earth. This passage emphasizes Jesus' royalty with the mention of His throne and the title "King" used twice.

Matthew's final division records the crucifixion and resurrection of the King (26:1- 28:20). His crucifixion (26:1-27:66) comes in the narrative after some preparatory events (26:1- 46). The opening verses of this section hint of finality in the ministry of Jesus (26:1) and of imminence in His passion (26:2). The narrative moves quickly to fulfill these expectations with a description of the plot to kill Him. The contrast of those who fully understand Jesus' role and those who remain confused is evident in the story about His anointing by a woman and the disciples' incredulity. This is further contrasted by Judas' agreement to betray Jesus. The occasion of His last supper with the disciples reinforces the nearness of the kingdom (26:29).

The following accounts of His arrest (26:47-56) and trials (26:57-27:26) move the story quickly to the cross. At His arrest, Jesus reminds that this is all in fulfillment of Scripture (26:54,56). During the trial before Caiaphas Jesus openly confesses His messiahship and announces His return as King. Matthew uses the story of Judas' suicide to also remind that the passion of the King is anticipated in the Old Testament (27:9-10). The moral qualifications of the King first emphasized in the temptation account at the beginning of Jesus' ministry are here confirmed by the repeated insistence of Pilate that Jesus is innocent. Matthew's account of the actual crucifixion of Jesus (27:27-56) show's clearly that He is crucified as the King of the Jews. Matthew demonstrates once more the motif of scriptural fulfillment by quoting Psalm 22:18. He records both the sign over Jesus which identifies Him as the "King of the Jews", and the peoples' mockery of His claims to be the King. The rending of the temple veil pictures the new approach to God by all peoples through Jesus. It is at the same time a confirmation of the rejection of Israel's worship, religious system, and privileged position before God.

The resurrection of the King (28:1-20) is Matthew's climactic authentication of His argument that Jesus is the King of the Jews. The gospel ends on a more universal note, however, with the commissioning of the disciples to "make disciples of all nations." The King of the Jews has become the King of the Gentiles as well, this to be fully realized at the "end of the age" when the King rules His earthly kingdom.

1. The Introduction of the King 1:1-4:11

   1. The Incarnation of the King 1:1-2:23

      1. The genealogy of the King 1:1-17
      1. From Abraham to David 1:1-6a
      2. From David to the Captivity 1:6b-11
      3. From the Captivity to Jesus 1:12-17
      2. The birth of the King 1:18-25
      1. Mary is betrothed to Joseph. 1:18-19
      2. An angel announces Jesus' birth. 1:20-21
      3. The Scripture is fulfilled. 1:22-23
      4. Jesus is born. 1:24-25
      3. The childhood of the King 2:1-2:23
      1. In Bethlehem 2:1-12
      1. The wisemen inquire about the King. 2:1-2
      2. Herod inquires about the King. 2:3-8
      3. The wisemen visit the King. 2:9-12
      2. In Egypt 2:13-18
      1. Jesus' family flees to Egypt. 2:13-15
      2. Herod murders the male children. 2:16-18
      3. In Nazareth 2:19-23
      1. Jesus' family returns to Israel. 2:19-21
      2. Jesus' family settles in Nazareth. 2:22-23
   2. The Preparation of the King 3:1-4:11

      1. The messenger of the King 3:1-12
      1. The person of John the Baptist 3:1-6
      2. The preaching of John the Baptist 3:7-12
      2. The baptism of the King 3:13-17
      3. The temptation of the King 4:1-11
      1. The first temptation to make bread 4:1-4
      2. The second temptation to tempt God 4:5-7
      3. The third temptation to worhip Satan 4:8-11
2. The Principles of the King 4:12-7:29

   1. Jesus begins His ministry. 4:12-25

      1. He begins preaching in Galilee. 4:12-17
      2. He calls the first four disciples. 4:18-22
      3. His ministry grows. 4:23-25
   2. Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount. 5:1-7:29

      1. The setting 5:1-2
      2. The subjects of the kingdom 5:3-16
      1. Their character: The Beatitudes 5:3-12
      2. Their position in the world 5:13-16
      3. The explanation of true righteousness 5:17-7:6
      1. Jesus fulfills the Law. 5:17-20
      2. He rejects the Pharisaic interpretation. 5:21-48
      1. Murder 5:21-26
      2. Adultery 5:27-30
      3. Divorce 5:31-32
      4. Oaths 5:33-37
      5. Retaliation 5:38-42
      6. Love 5:43-48
      3. He rejects the Pharisaic practice. 6:1-7:6
      1. Charitable deeds 6:1-4
      2. Prayer 6:5-15
      3. Fasting 6:16-18
      4. Attitude toward wealth 6:19-24
      5. Worry about needs 6:25-34
      6. Judging 7:1-6
      4. He instructs on entering the kingdom. 7:7-27
      1. Asking of God 7:7-12
      2. The way of entrance 7:13-14
      3. Warning about false teachers 7:15-23
      4. The two foundations 7:24-27
      4. The response of the people 7:28-29
3. The Manifestation - Authentication of the King 8:1-11:1

   1. The demonstration of the King's power 8:1-9:34

      1. Miracles of healing 8:1-17
      1. The leper is cleansed. 8:1-4
      2. The centurian's servant is healed. 8:5-13
      3. Peter's mother-in-law is healed. 8:14-15
      4. Many are healed. 8:16-17
      2. Demands of discipleship 8:18-22
      3. Miracles of power 8:23-9:8
      1. The wind and sea are calmed. 8:23-27
      2. Two demonized men are healed. 8:28-34
      3. The paralytic is forgiven and healed. 9:1-8
      4. Deportment of disciples 9:9-17
      1. Matthew follows Jesus. 9:9-13
      2. The disciples do not fast. 9:14-17
      5. Miracles of restoration 9:18-34
      1. Life and health is restored. 9:18-26
      2. Sight is restored. 9:27-31
      3. Speech is restored. 9:32-34
   2. The delegation of the King's power 9:35-11:1

      1. He declares the need for laborers. 9:35-38
      2. He commissions the twelve apostles. 10:1-4
      3. He instructs the twelve apostles. 10:5-42
      1. The description of their mission 10:5-15
      1. The sphere of their work 10:5-6
      2. The nature of their work 10:7-8
      3. The provisions for their work 10:9-10
      4. The procedure for their work 10:11-15
      2. The perils of their mission 10:16-25
      1. The fact of persecution 10:16-21
      2. The acceptance of persecution 10:22-25
      3. The assurance in the mission 10:26-39
      1. The assurance against fear 10:26-33
      2. The assurance against rejection 10:34-39
      3. The assurance of acceptance 10:40-42
      4. He resumes his ministry. 11:1
4. The Rejection of the King 11:2-16:12

   1. The evidence of His rejection 11:2-30

      1. The rejection of John the Baptist 11:2-19
      1. Jesus assures John. 11:2-6
      2. Jesus commends John. 11:7-11
      3. Jesus identifies John. 11:12-15
      4. Jesus rebukes the present generation. 11:16-19
      2. The rejection by certain cities 11:20-24
      3. The invitation to come to Jesus 11:25-30
   2. The rejection by the Pharisees 12:1-50

      1. Controversy over the Sabbath 12:1-21
      1. The Sabbath in relation to man 12:1-8
      2. The Sabbath in relation to good deeds 12:9-13
      3. The plot to destroy Jesus 12:14-21
      2. Controversy over Jesus' power 12:22-37
      1. Jesus heals a demonized man. 12:22-24
      2. Jesus defends His divine power. 12:25-37
      1. A house divided 12:25-30
      2. The unpardonable sin 12:31-32
      3. A tree known by its fruits 12:33-37
      3. Controversy over the request for a sign 12:38-45
      4. Controversy over Jesus' true family 12:46-50
   3. The consequences of His rejection 13:1-53

      1. Parables spoken to the multitudes 13:1-35
      1. Parable of the soils 13:1-23
      1. The parable given. 13:1-9
      2. The purpose of parables 13:10-17
      3. The parable explained. 13:18-23
      2. Parable of the wheat and tares 13:24-30
      3. Parable of the mustard seed 13:31-32
      4. Parable of the leaven 13:33
      5. The fulfillment of prophecy 13:34-35
      2. Parables spoken to the disciples 13:36-53
      1. Parable of wheat and tares explained 13:36-43
      2. Parable of the hidden treasure 13:44
      3. Parable of the pearl of great price 13:45-46
      4. Parable of the dragnet 13:47-50
      5. Parable of the householder 13:51-53
   4. The continuation of His rejection 13:54-16:12

      1. Rejection by the people of Nazareth 13:54-58
      2. Rejection by Herod 14:1-36
      1. The execution of John the Baptist 14:1-12
      1. Herod's confusion over John 14:1-2
      2. Herod's arrest of John 14:3-5
      3. Herod's murder of John 14:6-12
      2. The withdrawal to a deserted place. 14:13-36
      1. Jesus feeds the five thousand. 14:13-21
      2. Jesus walks on the sea. 14:22-33
      3. Jesus ministers at Gennesaret. 14:34-36
      3. Rejection by the scribes and Pharisees 15:1-39
      1. The dispute over tradition 15:1-20
      1. Jesus is accused. 15:1-2
      2. Jesus rebukes their hypocrisy. 15:3-9
      3. Jesus addresses the multitude. 15:10-11
      4. Jesus answers the disciples. 15:12-20
      2. The withdrawal to Tyre and Sidon 15:21-39
      1. Jesus heals a Gentile's daughter. 15:21-28
      2. Jesus heals many. 15:29-31
      3. Jesus feeds the four thousand. 15:32-39
      4. Rejection by the Pharisees and Sadducees 16:1-12
      1. The dispute over a sign from heaven. 16:1-4
      2. The warning about Pharisees and Sadducees 16:5-12
5. The Instruction of the King's Disciples 16:13-20:34

   1. The revelation in view of rejection 16:13-17:13

      1. Revelation of the person of the King 16:13-17
      2. Revelation of the program of the King 16:18-17:13
         1. Concerning the church 16:18-20
         2. Concerning His death and resurrection 16:21-23
         3. Concerning the future reward 16:24-28
      Revelation of the glory of the King 17:1-13
   2. The instruction in view of rejection 17:14-20:34

      1. The instruction in Galilee 17:14-18:35
      1. About faith 17:14-21
      2. About His death and resurrection 17:22-23
      3. About paying taxes 17:24-27
      4. About humility 18:1-5
      5. About not causing offenses 18:6-20
      1. Punishment of offenders 18:6-9
      2. Parable of the lost sheep 18:10-14
      3. Discipline of the offender 18:15-20
      6. About forgiveness 18:21-35
      1. The principle 18:21-22
      2. The parable 18:23-35
      3. The promise 18:35
      2. The journey to Judea 19:1-2
      3. The instruction in Judea 19:3-20:28
      1. About marriage and divorce 19:3-12
      1. The question of divorce 19:3-9
      2. The question of celibacy 19:10-12
      2. About childlikeness 19:13-15
      3. About wealth 19:16-26
      1. The rich young ruler 19:16-22
      2. The difficulty of the rich 19:23-26
      4. About rewards 19:27-20:16
      1. Peter's question 19:27-30
      2. Parable of the laborers 20:1-16
      5. About His death and resurrection 20:17-19
      6. About position in the kingdom 20:20-28
      1. The answer about Zebedee's sons 20:20-23
      2. The lesson to the disciples 20:24-28
      4. Two blind men's recognition of the King 20:29-34
   3. The Presentation and Rejection of the King 21:1-25:46

      1. The Presentation of the King to the nation 21:1-17
      1. The triumphal entry 21:1-11
      1. The preparation to enter Jerusalem 21:1-6
      2. The procession into Jerusalem 21:7-9
      3. The people's response 21:10-11
      2. The cleansing of the temple 21:12-17
      2. The rejection of the King by the nation 21:18-22:46
      1. Cursing of the fig tree 21:18-22
      2. Conflict with the chief priests and elders 21:23-22:14
      1. The question of Jesus' authority 21:23-27
      2. The parable of the two sons 21:28-32
      3. The parable of the wicked vinedressers 21:33-46
      1. The giving of the parable 21:33-41
      2. The application of the parable 21:42-44
      3. The effect of the parable 21:45-46
      4. The parable of the marriage feast 22:1-14
      1. The king's first invitation 22:1-7
      2. The king's second invitation 22:8-10
      3. The man without a wedding garment 22:11-14
      3. Conflict with the Pharisees and Herodians 22:15-22
      1. The question about taxes 22:15-17
      2. The answer about proper tribute 22:18-22
      4. Conflict with the Sadducees 22:23-33
      1. The question about the resurrection 22:23-28
      2. The answer about the God of the living 22:29-33
      5. Conflict with the Pharisees 22:34-46
      1. Over the greatest commandment 22:34-40
      2. Over the Son of David 22:41-46
      3. The rejection of the nation by the King 23:1-39
      1. He characterizes the scribes and Pharisees. 23:1-12
      1. The description of their practices 23:1-7
      2. The admonition against their practices 23:8-12
      2. He condemns the scribes and Pharisees. 23:13-36
      1. Their woeful indictment 23:13-32
      2. Their just penalty 23:33-36
      3. He laments over Jerusalem. 23:37-39
      4. The predictions of the King 24:1-25:26
      1. The prediction of the temple's destruction 24:1-2
      2. The question of the disciples 24:3
      3. The general description of the end time 24:4-14
      1. Deception before the tribulation 24:4-6
      2. The beginning of the tribulation 24:7-8
      3. The characteristics of the tribulation 24:9-14
      4. The major events of the end time 24:15-31
      1. The abomination of desolation 24:15-22
      2. The appearance of false christs 24:23-26
      3. The coming of the Son of Man 24:27-31
      5. The parables about the end time 24:32-25:30
      1. The parable of the fig tree 24:32-35
      2. The illustration of the days of Noah 24:36-42
      3. The parable of the watchful householder 24:43-44
      4. The parable of the two servants 24:45-51
      5. The parable of the ten virgins 25:1-13
      6. The parable of the talents 25:14-30
      6. The judgment of the nations 25:31-46
   4. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of the King 26:1-28:20

      1. The crucifixion of the King 26:1-27:66
      1. The preparation 26:1-46
      1. The Jews plot to kill Jesus. 26:1-5
      2. Jesus is anointed for burial. 26:6-13
      3. Judas agrees to betray Jesus. 26:14-16
      4. Jesus observes the Passover supper. 26:17-29
      1. The Passover is prepared. 26:17-19
      2. The betrayal is predicted. 26:20-25
      3. The Lord's Supper is instituted. 26:26-29
      5. Jesus predicts the denials. 26:30-35
      6. Jesus prays in Gethsemane. 26:36-46
      2. The arrest 26:47-56
      1. Judas identifies Jesus. 26:47-50
      2. Jesus discounts violent resistence. 26:51-54
      3. Jesus addresses the multitude. 26:55-56
      3. The trials 26:57-27:26
      1. Jesus appears before Caiaphas. 26:57-68
      2. Peter denies Jesus. 26:69-75
      3. Jesus is delivered to Pilate. 27:1-2
      4. Judas hangs himself. 27:3-10
      5. Jesus appears before Pilate. 27:11-26
      1. Jesus is questioned. 27:11-14
      2. Barabbas is released. 27:15-26
      4. The cross 27:27-56
      1. Jesus is mocked by the soldiers. 27:27-31
      2. Jesus is crucified. 27:32-38
      3. Jesus is mocked by many. 27:39-44
      4. Jesus dies. 27:45-56
      1. His misunderstood cry 27:45-50
      2. The miraculous occurrences 27:51-53
      3. The centurion's confession 27:54
      4. The women at the cross 27:55-56
      5. The burial 27:57-66
      1. Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus. 27:57-61
      2. The tomb is sealed. 27:62-66
      2. The resurrection of the King 28:1-20
      1. The women find an empty tomb. 28:1-8
      2. Jesus appears to the women. 28:9-10
      3. The soldiers are bribed to lie. 28:11-15
      4. Jesus commissions the disciples. 28:16-20M