1. A study of The Life of our Lord Jesus Christ
A Harmony of the Gospels

2. Last week … Class material Why study the life of Christ?
To know Him, follow Him, become like Him, preach Him, grow in our faith in Him and accountability to Him … might also add, grow in our love for Him.
(John 14:15; 21:15-17)
Setting our heart to: study (know); practice (do) and teach (doctrine)
Why four accounts?

3. What’s in each Gospel Account
Consider the following chart:
What’s in each Gospel Account
The Gospels
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Unique
42% 7%
59%
92%
In common
58%
93%
41% 8%

4. Gospel of Matthew Author: Levi One of the 12 apostles
His calling … Luke 5:27-32
A publican – collector of Roman taxes – more references to $ than the other gospels

5. Gospel of Matthew Theme/Purpose: Jesus – King of the Jews
Addressed to Jews – “written by a Jew, about a Jew, to other Jews”. Did not explain Jewish customs.
Apologetic defense that Jesus is the Messiah of OT prophecy.
Not chronological
Proclaims Jesus Christ as King, the rightful heir of God’s promise(s).
Encouragement to “Jewish Christians.”
An emphasis on what Jesus said over what He did.

6. Gospel of Matthew Unique characteristics:
More OT quotations and more specific details about lesser prophecies.
Only gospel to mention “the church” (16:18; 18:17). Prevalent references to the “kingdom” and how one “enters” into it – more than any other.
The Kingdom’s …
Much centered around Jesus’ visits to Jerusalem for various festivals/feasts.
1st Passover (2:23)
Unnamed feast (5:1)
Feast of tabernacles (7:2)
Feast of dedication (10:22)
Last Passover (13:1)

8. Only found in Matthew …
Key portions of the Sermon On The Mount (5:13-43; 6:1-34; 7:6-17, 28-29)
Several key “kingdom related” parables (13:12, 16-17, 24-30, 33, 36-52)
Lack of workers in the kingdom. (9:35-38)
Peter walking on the water. (14:28-31)
Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ – refers to the church. (16:17-19)
Jesus’ answer to marriage and divorce question – (19:1-9)
Jesus’ parables about readiness and usefulness in the kingdom – (24:43-25:46)