The Formation of the The Formation of the Synoptic GospelsSynoptic Gospels

The synoptic problemThe synoptic problem

► Matthew, Mark, and Luke are so similar that they Matthew, Mark, and Luke are so similar that they appear to have a close literary relationship.appear to have a close literary relationship.

► The vast majority of scholars believe Mark was The vast majority of scholars believe Mark was first and Mt and Lk drew on him for their general first and Mt and Lk drew on him for their general framework. framework. When Mt or Lk differ from Mk, they never do it in the When Mt or Lk differ from Mk, they never do it in the

same way.same way. Mk has fewer passages, but similar episodes are Mk has fewer passages, but similar episodes are

longer.longer.► Why Q?Why Q?

There is frequent, nearly verbatim agreement There is frequent, nearly verbatim agreement between passages in Mt and Lk, but absent in Mk. between passages in Mt and Lk, but absent in Mk. (ex. (ex. temptation in wilderness, Lord’s prayer, beatitudes, golden rule)temptation in wilderness, Lord’s prayer, beatitudes, golden rule)

The two document theoryThe two document theory

Mark

Q

LM

Matthew LukeQuelle(hypothetical collection of Jesus’

sayings)

This theory attempts to explain the literary relationship between the synoptic gospels. Mark and Q are the major sources. In addition, both Matthew and Luke include information unique to their own accounts.

Reading the GospelsReading the Gospels

► Vertically: Read each one from beginning to end.Vertically: Read each one from beginning to end.► Horizontally: Read about similar events in each Horizontally: Read about similar events in each

gospel at the same time.gospel at the same time. Emphasize different ideas by slight changes.Emphasize different ideas by slight changes.

► How well the disciples understand.How well the disciples understand. Different arrangements become literary devices.Different arrangements become literary devices.

► Jesus’ talking about his true family and his rejection in his Jesus’ talking about his true family and his rejection in his home town are used differently in Mk and Mt.home town are used differently in Mk and Mt.

► Modern, post enlightenment ideas about biography Modern, post enlightenment ideas about biography did not exist. did not exist. Writers wrote about Jesus as their faith revealed him to be. Writers wrote about Jesus as their faith revealed him to be. They saw their writing as more theological than historical. They saw their writing as more theological than historical. They wrote with the knowledge of hindsight.They wrote with the knowledge of hindsight.

From Oral to Written WordFrom Oral to Written Word► 30CE: 30CE: Oral preaching by JesusOral preaching by Jesus► 30-33CE: 30-33CE: CrucifixionCrucifixion► 30-50CE: 30-50CE: Oral preaching about Jesus. Oral preaching about Jesus.

Christian/Jewish Christian/Jewish communitiescommunities► 40-60CE: 40-60CE: Paul’s missionary journeysPaul’s missionary journeys► 50-70CE: 50-70CE: Oldest Christian documents (Paul’s letters Oldest Christian documents (Paul’s letters

to to Gentile churches, Q document)Gentile churches, Q document)► 66CE 66CE Outbreak of Jewish WarOutbreak of Jewish War► 66-70: 66-70: Mark’s “wartime” gospelMark’s “wartime” gospel► 70CE: 70CE: You better know this alreadyYou better know this already► 80-90CE: 80-90CE: Composition of Matthew and LukeComposition of Matthew and Luke► 90-100CE: New, non-synoptic, gospels: John & 90-100CE: New, non-synoptic, gospels: John &

ThomasThomas

Implications of Oral traditionImplications of Oral tradition

► Aramaic speech, translated and written in Aramaic speech, translated and written in GreekGreek

► Variations is phrasing and emphasis as Variations is phrasing and emphasis as teachings and sayings are adapted to teachings and sayings are adapted to different languages, cultures, situations.different languages, cultures, situations. He who is not against us is for us. (Mk 9:40)He who is not against us is for us. (Mk 9:40) He who is not with me is against me... (Mt 12:30)He who is not with me is against me... (Mt 12:30)

► Venerated, terse sayings and teaching may Venerated, terse sayings and teaching may be preserved more accurately.be preserved more accurately. Pericopes: Individual building blocks passed down Pericopes: Individual building blocks passed down

orally.orally. ButBut, oral , oral performancesperformances can preserve longer can preserve longer

narratives.narratives.

The Gospel According The Gospel According to Matthewto Matthew

Themes in MatthewThemes in Matthew► Most Jewish of the four gospels in content and style. Most Jewish of the four gospels in content and style. ► Most extensive coverage of Jesus’ teachingMost extensive coverage of Jesus’ teaching► Thematically links the OT with the NTThematically links the OT with the NT

Begins with a genealogy that highlights prominent heroes of IsraelBegins with a genealogy that highlights prominent heroes of Israel► Three sets of 14 generations imply God’s handThree sets of 14 generations imply God’s hand

14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 generations from David to Babylonian exile14 generations from David to Babylonian exile 14 generations from exile to Jesus14 generations from exile to Jesus

► Also includes four (non-Hebrew) women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba) Also includes four (non-Hebrew) women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba) Underscores Jesus’ fulfillment of ancient prophecies more than the others Underscores Jesus’ fulfillment of ancient prophecies more than the others

(from conception to death and resurrection)(from conception to death and resurrection) Chapter 13:51-53 concisely shows the merging of the old and new.Chapter 13:51-53 concisely shows the merging of the old and new.

► ‘‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.

► The gospel, like the others, circulated anonymously before it was named.The gospel, like the others, circulated anonymously before it was named.► Probably not written by the Matthew who was Jesus’ disciple because it Probably not written by the Matthew who was Jesus’ disciple because it

depends so much on Mark and seems to have been written afterward. depends so much on Mark and seems to have been written afterward. Also, it was common practice to name anonymous documents after Also, it was common practice to name anonymous documents after famous people.famous people.

Jewish features in MatthewJewish features in Matthew

► Poetic parallelismPoetic parallelism► Scribal argumentScribal argument► Emphasis on the law, religious practice, and Emphasis on the law, religious practice, and

pietypiety► Symbolic numbersSymbolic numbers► Scriptural quotations and fulfillmentScriptural quotations and fulfillment► GenealogyGenealogy► Baptism as a rite of entryBaptism as a rite of entry► A special meal related to PassoverA special meal related to Passover► Communal discipleCommunal disciple► Prayer Prayer

SourcesSources

1.1. MarkMark (about 90% of Mark is used by (about 90% of Mark is used by Matthew)Matthew)

2.2. QQ document (a hypothetical collection of document (a hypothetical collection of Jesus’ sayings compiled between 50-70CE Jesus’ sayings compiled between 50-70CE containing kingdom parables, instructions to containing kingdom parables, instructions to disciples, and prophecies)disciples, and prophecies)

3.3. MM (Mathean source) Uses his own source of (Mathean source) Uses his own source of sayings and parables (20:1-6 vineyard & sayings and parables (20:1-6 vineyard & laborers) and many kingdom laborers) and many kingdom pronouncements such as in Ch 13 (24-30, pronouncements such as in Ch 13 (24-30, 44-45, 47-52)44-45, 47-52)

4.4. BirthBirth and post-resurrection narratives are and post-resurrection narratives are alsoalso distinct.distinct.

Matthew’s use of MarkMatthew’s use of Mark

Reflects more respect of Torah principles.Reflects more respect of Torah principles. Deleted Mark’s reference that all foods are clean (compare Deleted Mark’s reference that all foods are clean (compare

Mk 7:18-23 with Mt 15:15-20)Mk 7:18-23 with Mt 15:15-20) Changed prohibition against divorce to allow the condition Changed prohibition against divorce to allow the condition

of unchastity (compare Mk 10:11-12 with Mt 5:31-32).of unchastity (compare Mk 10:11-12 with Mt 5:31-32). Emphasizes miraculous and supernatural aspects of Emphasizes miraculous and supernatural aspects of

Jesus’ mission.Jesus’ mission. When Jesus comes home to Nazareth: “Jesus When Jesus comes home to Nazareth: “Jesus could work could work

no no miracle there” changes to “he miracle there” changes to “he did notdid not work many work many miracles there.” Compare Mk 6:5 with Mt13:58.miracles there.” Compare Mk 6:5 with Mt13:58.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew reminds readers In the Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew reminds readers that Jesus could have called upon thousands of angels to that Jesus could have called upon thousands of angels to help him (26:53)help him (26:53)

Examples from Jesus’ PassionExamples from Jesus’ Passion

► In Matthew, Jesus allows himself to be arrested in order to fulfill In Matthew, Jesus allows himself to be arrested in order to fulfill scripture.scripture. ““But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must

happen in this way?” (26:54)happen in this way?” (26:54)► Matthew adds to the drama of the crucifixion account. Not only Matthew adds to the drama of the crucifixion account. Not only

is there a plague of darkness and the temple curtain torn, but is there a plague of darkness and the temple curtain torn, but the earth opens and gives up its dead.the earth opens and gives up its dead. tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had

fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. (27:52-the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. (27:52-53)53)

► At the tomb, in Mark, there is a young man wearing linen to At the tomb, in Mark, there is a young man wearing linen to announce Jesus’ resurrection, but in Matthew, that youth announce Jesus’ resurrection, but in Matthew, that youth becomes a glorious, terrifying angel.becomes a glorious, terrifying angel. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the

Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. (28:1-4) men. (28:1-4)

Jesus’ birth in Jesus’ birth in MatthewMatthew

► Matthew and Luke are the only Matthew and Luke are the only sources in the NT that say sources in the NT that say anything about Jesus’ birth.anything about Jesus’ birth.► in Matthew (and Luke) if the birth stories are in Matthew (and Luke) if the birth stories are

removed it doesn’t affect the rest of the Gospel. removed it doesn’t affect the rest of the Gospel. ► Matthew emphasizes parallels between Moses and Matthew emphasizes parallels between Moses and

Jesus, the central figures in the Old Covenant Jesus, the central figures in the Old Covenant (Testament) and New Covenant (Testament)(Testament) and New Covenant (Testament) Herod’s massacre of the innocents (Mt 2:16-18) like Herod’s massacre of the innocents (Mt 2:16-18) like

Pharaoh’s slaughter of Hebrew boysPharaoh’s slaughter of Hebrew boys Jesus being called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Mt 2:15)Jesus being called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Mt 2:15)

► The visit of the wise men in Matthew foreshadows The visit of the wise men in Matthew foreshadows Jesus’ message going to the Gentiles. Jesus’ message going to the Gentiles.

Jesus’ ministryJesus’ ministry► Begins at the same point as Mark, with John’s baptism, but Begins at the same point as Mark, with John’s baptism, but

emphasizes Jesus’ superiority over John. emphasizes Jesus’ superiority over John. Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John

would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. (3:13-15)to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. (3:13-15)

► Temptation of the devil is filled out with three temptations (drawn Temptation of the devil is filled out with three temptations (drawn from Q source)from Q source) The devil: Turn Stones into breadThe devil: Turn Stones into bread

► ““One does not live by bread alone,One does not live by bread alone,   but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (4:4)   but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (4:4)

The devil: Throw yourself down from the temple (quotes Ps 91).The devil: Throw yourself down from the temple (quotes Ps 91).► ““Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (4:7)Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (4:7)

The devil offers the kingdoms of the world (like political Messiah)The devil offers the kingdoms of the world (like political Messiah)► ‘‘Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God,Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God,

   and serve only him.” (4:9)   and serve only him.” (4:9)

Structure: Jesus’ speechesStructure: Jesus’ speeches

► The most prominent structural The most prominent structural feature is the five major feature is the five major discourses discourses

1.1. Sermon on the Mount (Chs 5-7)Sermon on the Mount (Chs 5-7)2.2. Instructions to 12 Disciples (Ch 10)Instructions to 12 Disciples (Ch 10)3.3. Parables of the Kingdom (Ch 13)Parables of the Kingdom (Ch 13)4.4. Instructions to the Church (Ch 18)Instructions to the Church (Ch 18)5.5. Warnings of Final Judgment (Chs Warnings of Final Judgment (Chs

23-25)23-25)

•Echoes the five books of the TorahEchoes the five books of the Torah•Each discourse ends with a similar formula:Each discourse ends with a similar formula:

•““When Jesus had finished saying these things…”When Jesus had finished saying these things…”

Structure: Formula Structure: Formula quotationsquotations

► 14 quotations follow a similar formula to highlight the 14 quotations follow a similar formula to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy. fulfillment of prophecy. (14 like generation sets in genealogy)(14 like generation sets in genealogy)

► 1:22-23 “And all this took place to fulfill what had been 1:22-23 “And all this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet…”spoken by the Lord through the prophet…”

1.1. 1:22-23: virgin birth1:22-23: virgin birth

2.2. 2:5-6: born in Bethlehem2:5-6: born in Bethlehem

3.3. 2:15b: called out of Egypt2:15b: called out of Egypt

4.4. 2:17-18: massacre of the 2:17-18: massacre of the innocentsinnocents

5.5. 2:23b: Jesus will come from 2:23b: Jesus will come from NazarethNazareth

6.6. 3:3: John prepares the way3:3: John prepares the way

7.7. 4:14-16: A light in Galilee (to 4:14-16: A light in Galilee (to Gentiles) Gentiles)

8.8. 8:17: Jesus heals the sick8:17: Jesus heals the sick

9.9. 12:17-21: God’s servant, gentle, to 12:17-21: God’s servant, gentle, to GentilesGentiles

10.10. 13:14-15: People harden their hearts13:14-15: People harden their hearts

11.11. 13:35: Parables used to reveal 13:35: Parables used to reveal secretssecrets

12.12. 21:4-5: Jesus rides donkey into 21:4-5: Jesus rides donkey into JerusalemJerusalem

13.13. 26:56: Disciples desert Jesus26:56: Disciples desert Jesus

14.14. 27:9-10: 30 pieces of silver paid to 27:9-10: 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas Judas

JesusJesus’’ Sermon on the Mount Sermon on the Mount Chapter 5Chapter 5

►The BeatitudesThe Beatitudes Challenges idea of people who have a Challenges idea of people who have a

special relationship with Godspecial relationship with God

►The AntithesesThe Antitheses A set of six. Dealing with common A set of six. Dealing with common

understanding of Mosaic (Torah) lawunderstanding of Mosaic (Torah) law

JesusJesus’’ Sermon on the Mount Sermon on the Mount Chapter 6Chapter 6

► Contrasts false piety with true piety (don’t be Contrasts false piety with true piety (don’t be hypocritical)hypocritical) Give secretlyGive secretly Don’t pray long-winded prayers (example of Lord’s Don’t pray long-winded prayers (example of Lord’s

prayer)prayer) Don’t show off when you are fastingDon’t show off when you are fasting

► Contrast false and correct orientation toward Contrast false and correct orientation toward GodGod Lay up treasures in heavenLay up treasures in heaven The eye is the lamp of the bodyThe eye is the lamp of the body No one can serve two mastersNo one can serve two masters Consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the fieldConsider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field Seek first the kingdom of GodSeek first the kingdom of God

JesusJesus’’ Sermon on the Mount Sermon on the Mount Chapter 7Chapter 7

► Sayings about human conductSayings about human conduct Don’t judge: Speck vs. plankDon’t judge: Speck vs. plank Don’t throw pearls to swineDon’t throw pearls to swine Ask, seek, knock, and you will receiveAsk, seek, knock, and you will receive Do unto others as you would have them do unto Do unto others as you would have them do unto

you.you.

► A series of warnings concludes the sermon.A series of warnings concludes the sermon. Narrow gate vs. broad roadNarrow gate vs. broad road Trees are known by their fruitTrees are known by their fruit Not everyone who says Lord, Lord…Not everyone who says Lord, Lord… Build your house on the rock, not on the sandBuild your house on the rock, not on the sand Be doers, not just hearersBe doers, not just hearers

JesusJesus’’ Sermon on the Mount Sermon on the Mount (Chs 5-7)(Chs 5-7)

► Similar to Luke’s “sermon on the plain” (7:17-7:1)Similar to Luke’s “sermon on the plain” (7:17-7:1)► Emphasizes the radical difference of Jesus’ messiahship with the Emphasizes the radical difference of Jesus’ messiahship with the

political conception.political conception.► What is What is the kingdomthe kingdom?: peace, service, endurance in doing good.?: peace, service, endurance in doing good.► He acts like a greater Moses and offers a higher righteousness.He acts like a greater Moses and offers a higher righteousness.► The Beatitudes (blessings; happinesses)The Beatitudes (blessings; happinesses)

Asserts that some kinds of people enjoy a unique kind of divine favor.Asserts that some kinds of people enjoy a unique kind of divine favor. Reverses Dt. and Proverbs idea that the blessed enjoy wealth and Reverses Dt. and Proverbs idea that the blessed enjoy wealth and

happiness and poverty and suffering are a sign of divine punishment.happiness and poverty and suffering are a sign of divine punishment. God takes the side of those suffering grief or loss.God takes the side of those suffering grief or loss. These are the people to whom Jesus addresses his ministry.These are the people to whom Jesus addresses his ministry.

► Jesus emphasizes the ethical core behind many of Moses’ Jesus emphasizes the ethical core behind many of Moses’ commandments.commandments. The message is to fulfill the law even more strictly, not to put it aside. The message is to fulfill the law even more strictly, not to put it aside.

► Jesus’ antitheses (found only in Matthew)Jesus’ antitheses (found only in Matthew)

Jesus’ antithesesJesus’ antitheses (found only in (found only in Matthew)Matthew)

► Jesus makes an initial statement (thesis) Jesus makes an initial statement (thesis) which he then follows with an apparently which he then follows with an apparently opposing idea (the antithesis).opposing idea (the antithesis).

► Jesus looks beyond the literal application of Jesus looks beyond the literal application of a Torah command to seek a more effective a Torah command to seek a more effective way to obey the principle it embodiesway to obey the principle it embodies

► Look at these three “thesis-antithesis” Look at these three “thesis-antithesis” statements. What is the Mosaic law and statements. What is the Mosaic law and Jesus’ message about it? Jesus’ message about it?

1.1. 5:21-22 5:21-22 2.2. 5:38-415:38-413.3. 5:44-485:44-48

About murder and angerAbout murder and anger

► 5:21-22 ‘You have heard that it was 5:21-22 ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire.fire.

► Get rid of anger in early stages Get rid of anger in early stages or it will lead to punishment or it will lead to punishment now and later.now and later.

An Eye for an EyeAn Eye for an Eye 5:38-41 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth 5:38-41 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth

for a tooth.” 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone for a tooth.” 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41and if anyone to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42Give to everyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.you.

► This law has a special name (This law has a special name (lex talionislex talionis) or the law of retaliation and ) or the law of retaliation and is still the most well known Mosaic law. is still the most well known Mosaic law.

► In Moses’ day, it protected people from excessive revenge, especially In Moses’ day, it protected people from excessive revenge, especially the poor from the wealthy. Revenge is limited. the poor from the wealthy. Revenge is limited.

► In Jesus’ day, any retaliation against the exploitation of Rome could In Jesus’ day, any retaliation against the exploitation of Rome could lead to torture and death. lead to torture and death.

► If the intent of the law is to curb violence, then Jesus seems to be If the intent of the law is to curb violence, then Jesus seems to be asking his audience to asking his audience to give up their traditional right to give up their traditional right to retaliate.retaliate.

► Perhaps the most concise interpretation of Moses’ law is the golden Perhaps the most concise interpretation of Moses’ law is the golden rule (Mt 7:12)  “In everything do to others as you would have them rule (Mt 7:12)  “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”

Love your EnemiesLove your Enemies 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your

neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44But I say to you, Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.perfect.

► Leviticus 19:18 says to love one’s neighbor, but since it says Leviticus 19:18 says to love one’s neighbor, but since it says nothing about enemies, it can be taken to imply that enemies nothing about enemies, it can be taken to imply that enemies are OK to hate. are OK to hate.

► Jesus calls for a “higher” righteousness that imitates God’s.Jesus calls for a “higher” righteousness that imitates God’s.► Seeking the benefit of even your enemies is the best way to Seeking the benefit of even your enemies is the best way to

fulfill the Torah.fulfill the Torah.► The law of LoveThe law of Love..

Conclusion to the Sermon Conclusion to the Sermon on the Mounton the Mount

►The Sermon on the Mt ends with a The Sermon on the Mt ends with a comparison between the traditional comparison between the traditional teachers and Jesus. teachers and Jesus. Now when Jesus had finished saying these Now when Jesus had finished saying these

things, the crowds were astounded at his things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. having authority, and not as their scribes. (7:28-29)(7:28-29)

2. Instructions to the Twelve 2. Instructions to the Twelve (10:5-11:1 )(10:5-11:1 )

► Disciples are to go only to Jews (in other gospels, Disciples are to go only to Jews (in other gospels, Jesus spends time among Samaritans himself.)Jesus spends time among Samaritans himself.)

► The persecutions the disciples would face, seem to The persecutions the disciples would face, seem to refer to the time the Gospel was written more than refer to the time the Gospel was written more than to the time when Jesus was working with his to the time when Jesus was working with his disciples. disciples.

► A strong tone of judgment and the end of the worldA strong tone of judgment and the end of the world► Gehenna: translated as “hell” in English refers to Gehenna: translated as “hell” in English refers to

garbage dump outside of Jerusalem where there garbage dump outside of Jerusalem where there was a fire always burning. It was also a cite of was a fire always burning. It was also a cite of human sacrifice in ancient Israel (Jeremiah 7:32, 1 human sacrifice in ancient Israel (Jeremiah 7:32, 1 Kings 11:7).Kings 11:7).

3. Parables of the Kingdom 3. Parables of the Kingdom (13:1-53)(13:1-53)

► It is sandwiched between Jesus’ alienation of It is sandwiched between Jesus’ alienation of his family and Jesus’ rejection in his his family and Jesus’ rejection in his hometown (Nazareth).hometown (Nazareth).

► First, there is public teaching, then private. First, there is public teaching, then private. ► JesusJesus’’ disciples understand (13:16-17, 51- disciples understand (13:16-17, 51-

52), Unlike the ignorant disciples in Mark52), Unlike the ignorant disciples in Mark’’s s account account

4. Instructions to the Church4. Instructions to the Church

(Ch 18)(Ch 18)► Various sayings of Jesus are put together and Various sayings of Jesus are put together and

applied to the Christian community of the applied to the Christian community of the writer’s time. writer’s time.

► A prescription for a Christian communityA prescription for a Christian community► Includes many literary formsIncludes many literary forms

Hyperbole (millstone around neck: 6-7, cut off foot:8-Hyperbole (millstone around neck: 6-7, cut off foot:8-9)9)

Parable (lost sheep: 12-14 & unforgiving debtor: 23-Parable (lost sheep: 12-14 & unforgiving debtor: 23-35)35)

Advice on supervising troublesome people (15-17)Advice on supervising troublesome people (15-17) Prophetic promises (10, 18-20)Prophetic promises (10, 18-20) Direct commands (22)Direct commands (22)

Warnings of Final JudgmentsWarnings of Final Judgments (Chs 23-25)(Chs 23-25)

► According to Matthew, Jesus blames the According to Matthew, Jesus blames the Pharisees for everything.Pharisees for everything.

► The destruction of the Jerusalem and the The destruction of the Jerusalem and the temple is all on their shoulders. (23:35-36)temple is all on their shoulders. (23:35-36)

► In the passion narrative, all four gospels In the passion narrative, all four gospels place the blame on the Jewish leaders rather place the blame on the Jewish leaders rather than on the Romans. than on the Romans.

► The second half of this discourse seems to The second half of this discourse seems to be based on Mark 13.be based on Mark 13.

Matthew’s Passion Matthew’s Passion NarrativeNarrative

► Judas is paid 30 pieces of silver, returns it and Judas is paid 30 pieces of silver, returns it and hangs himself. Money used to buy “the hangs himself. Money used to buy “the potter’s field.”potter’s field.”

► Jews condemn themselves in Matthew’s Jews condemn themselves in Matthew’s version. version. So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that

a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people as a whole blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ So he answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. (27:24-36)handed him over to be crucified. (27:24-36)

► Verses such as these have been used at Verses such as these have been used at times over the past 2,000 years to fuel anti-times over the past 2,000 years to fuel anti-Semitism (persecution of Jews). Semitism (persecution of Jews).

Matthew’s Passion Matthew’s Passion NarrativeNarrative

► In general, Matthew follows Mark’s account, but In general, Matthew follows Mark’s account, but emphasizes fulfillment of prophecy and condemnation emphasizes fulfillment of prophecy and condemnation of the Jewish leaders, especially the Pharisees.of the Jewish leaders, especially the Pharisees.

► It’s ironic that Matthew emphasizes forgiveness in the It’s ironic that Matthew emphasizes forgiveness in the sermon on the Mt, but does not seem to apply it to the sermon on the Mt, but does not seem to apply it to the Jews who have rejected Jesus. Jews who have rejected Jesus.

► Matthew adds Roman guards to the tomb scenes. Matthew adds Roman guards to the tomb scenes. Resurrection is more strongly demonstrated.Resurrection is more strongly demonstrated.

► Matthew shows the examples of women being obedient Matthew shows the examples of women being obedient about spreading the good news that he is alive.about spreading the good news that he is alive.

► Rumor that disciples stole Jesus’ body refutedRumor that disciples stole Jesus’ body refuted► Disciples commissioned to make disciples around the Disciples commissioned to make disciples around the

world implying no immediate second return of Jesusworld implying no immediate second return of Jesus