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LESSON 1 • Matthew-Mark
“That You Might Believe and Have Life In His Name” (John 20:31)
Preparation for New Testament Survey, February 5, 2006
The Gospels of Mark and Matthew
INTRODUCTION
The gospel message (“good news”) was first recorded on the hearts of the early Christians and only later was it put into written form. Part of the wonder of the inspiration of scripture is the fact this “good news” was written down and has been preserved through the ages.
The first three gospels, Matthew,Mark, and Luke, are often called the Synoptic Gospels because of their common content. Some argue that Mark’s Gospel is the most important, for it is recognized as the “headwaters” of the inspired written accounts of the life of Jesus. Here are three key reasons for this narrative:
* There is strong evidence that Matthew and Luke used Mark’s Gospel as a framework for their writings.
* Mark includes some exclusive information that only someone very familiar with Jesus could have known. The earliest Christians believed that Peter shared with Mark his vivid remembrances of Jesus.
* Mark wrote to instill hope to young Christians facing martyrdom. This answers why his gospel communicates with such compassion, precision, urgency, and hope to people in need.
Matthew’s account is recognized by scholars to be the “gospel to the church.” Not only is it the only one to use the term “church” (ekklesia), it is the one even today most often used for the instruction and guidance it gives the church.
So, as we start out this quarter on our journey to survey the New Testament, establish a daily reading plan that will allow you to read the respective material that will be covered in your Sunday Morning class. Your personal study of the text will likely be a valuable experience!
The goal of the daily study notes this quarter will be to highlight the key concepts and to help you find the “anchor points” of the respective material.
MONDAY
Early in Mark’s story we are made aware that Jesus’ preaching caused a violent opposition and therefore he spoke in “code” language, what Jesus called “parables” (4:11). Jesus often alluded to the fact there were two groups that followed him: the insiders and the outsiders. At first glance, you might get the impression that what separated them was the fact he choose the insiders and they understood (3:13-19).
Don’t rush to that conclusion. They did not understand (4:13, 41; 6:52, 7:17; 8:21). They rejected the idea of a “suffering Messiah” (8:32) seeking instead a place of honor in a glorious kingdom (9:34; 10:37). One of them betrayed Jesus for money (14:10-11); and at one point, Peter denies even knowing Him (14:66-72) and none of them are found at His side as He was led away to the cross (14:50).
Why is the road to faith such a difficult journey (8:14-26)? Notice as you read Mark’s gospel all the references to the progression from spiritual blindness to sight.
In light of this, consider the shift that happens in the early chapters where Jesus’ strategy changes from reaching out to the “crowds” to concentrating on the few, specifically the twelve disciples. Why was this change necessary and how does this relate to Jesus call of Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of men” (1:17)?
The disciples’ working definition for the “Messiah” contained strong overtones of power and prestige. That misunderstanding also distorted their thinking regarding the nature of discipleship (8:31-9:1;9:33-50; 10:35-45). How were they off base?
The turning point in Mark’s account occurs when Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah (8:27-30). The transfiguration of Christ is an essential part of this turning in the story. When Jesus is shown to His closest followers as glorified, the voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son whom I love. Listen to Him”(9:7). The command “listen” sets up the instructions on discipleship that follows in chapters 9 & 10. What are the instructions contained within these chapters?
TUESDAY
Throughout Mark’s narrative, he establishes a connection between the miracle of healing, the forgiveness of sins, and faith (2:1-12; 5:21-43; 6:1-6). Do these things come from the same “power” source? With this in mind, read again 8:17-21. This harsh question is followed immediately by the healing of the blind man in two stages (8:22-26). This is one of theMarkan stories that is not told by Matthew and Luke and it clearly stands as a pivotal point inMark’s account. Why is this section so important to the over-arching theme of Mark’s narrative?
Having warned early in his account of the Jewish leaders’ opposition to Jesus, when Markrecounts Jesus’ entry intoJerusalem as the Messiah (11:1-11), the readers should have anticipated that Jesus was for the final time entering the home of His enemies. Mark’s whole narrative has moved steadily toward Jesus’ death. In Mark’s passion narrative, the conflict between the insiders and outsiders becomes intensified and Mark skillfully shifts his readers back and forth between the two to make a point.
Read chapters 14-16. Consider the significance of these two truths:
* Ironically, Mark chooses the final moment prior to Jesus’ death to reveal it was the ultimate outsider, Jesus’ executioner, who identifies Jesus properly, “Truly this was God’s son” (15:39). The mystery that Mark weaves through the entire narrative is now revealed.
* Go back and compare the account of the demon-possessed man in 5:1-20 with the account of the young man at the tomb in 16:1-8. When faith has come to full sight, we discover that fear and silence can be replaced with a readiness to “go and tell” (5:19; 16:7).
WEDNESDAY
The prominent activity in Matthew’s gospel is Jesus’ teaching. As God’s Son, He uniquely knows the Father’s will and can reveal it to others (11:25-30). To this end, Matthew includes in his account Jesus’ five great discourses:
* The Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:29)
* The Mission Charge to the Twelve (9-35-11:1)
* Parables on the Mystery of the Kingdom (13:1-52)
* Life in the Christian Community (18:1-35)
* The Drama of the End of the Age (24:1-26:1)
As you move through Matthew’s gospel, note who it was that refer to Jesus as “teacher” (8:19;12:38; 22:16, 36; 17:24; 19:16). The disciples and those coming to faith in Jesus always call him “Lord” (8:2, 6, 8; 9:27-31;15:22, 25, 27; 17:15; 20:30).
As we mentioned in our introduction, it’s no surprise that early in his narrative, Matthew highlights Jesus’ call to a radically different type of life – a spiritual lifestyle that far surpassed the conventional pattern of Judaism (4:18-22). His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount transcend outward behavior and called in question inner motives and attitudes. What are some of the right and wrong motives that are revealed in 6:1-18?
Jesus’ strategy was to develop a kingdom people, a disciplined community (the church) to follow Him, identify with Him, change under Him, and learn from Him. Matthew was fond of the term “disciple” (10:1; 11:1;20:17; 26:20).
Matthew uses the term “kingdom” thirty-eight different times in his gospel. Spend time and establish for yourself a working definition of “thekingdom of God.” What are the conclusions you make about the “kingdom” from your review of the parables of the Kingdom in chapter 13?
THURSDAY
In the 8th and 9th chapters of Matthew, ten miracle stories are recorded to emphasize the authority of Jesus. What is it about the healing of the untouchable leper that sets the stage for these miracles? What are other significant issues raised by these miracles?
In one sense, all of Jesus’ words in this Gospel teach the church. In chapter 10, however, there is a more obvious focus on the life and activity of disciples. The information in this chapter can be used as a manual for becoming an effective Christian witness. What are the principles for witnessing outlined in this chapter?
Cities that had welcomed his miracles and admired his teachings did not respond to His call to repentance. Actually, critical voices challenged Jesus at every turn. Describe several of the different responses that are recorded in chapter 11:1-30.
Why is the conflict in the grain field (12:1-8) and then later, the conflict in the synagogue (12:9-14) so central to our understanding of Matthew’s gospel?
Prior to chapter 14, we see the emergence of hostility toward Jesus. From what quarters was this hostility coming? But in chapter 14, we see the storm clouds of hatred growing darker. With this in mind, do you see Matthew’s account of the death of John the Baptist in this section (14:1-12) as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ fate?
It is in the context of this rejection that Jesus first introduces the emergence of a community of faithful believers He calls the “ekklesia” (church). Far more than anything else, what is the central tenet of our fellowship as believing disciples (16:13-20)? Why is belief so tenuous (17:14-21)?
FRIDAY
In chapter 18, Jesus lays down some guiding lights by which disciples were to conduct themselves. What are some of those guiding lights? Might you have included other principles in this list other than the ones Jesus’ highlighted?
What did Jesus identify as the greatest commandment (22:34-40)?
Curious about the end times, the disciples wanted Jesus to give them a sign. Jesus didn’t avoid their curiosity and so he told them of a series of calamities that would happen first. He also told them the gospel must first be preached throughout the world. However, He emphatically told them knowledge of the second coming was limited to the Heavenly Father (24:36). The most important warning for them was “to be ready.”
Read Matthew’s narrative of the death and resurrection of Jesus (chapters 26-28).
What is the great claim, the great commission, and the great promise that Matthew gives in closing his gospel account (28:18-20)? Describe in your own words the comfort you derive each day from believing and living in the reality of our “Immanuel” (God with us).
© 2006, Pleasant Valley Church of Christ
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