Outlining the Book of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and one of the four canonical Gospels. It presents Jesus as the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, emphasizing how He fulfilled prophecy. Matthew’s audience was primarily Jewish, making it distinct from the other Gospels. It was likely written between A.D. 50 and 70. The author draws heavily on Jewish traditions and Old Testament scriptures, demonstrating Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

Structure of Matthew’s Gospel

Matthew can be divided into five major sections, echoing the five books of the Torah. These sections alternate between narrative and teaching, culminating in the Passion narrative. The Gospel begins with Jesus’ genealogy and birth, followed by His ministry and teachings, and concludes with His death and resurrection.

Jesus’ Genealogy and Birth (Chapters 1–2)

Matthew begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and David. This highlights His fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham and His identity as the promised heir to David’s throne. The genealogy declares:

“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1).

The birth of Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy of a virgin bearing a son:

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23, referencing Isaiah 7:14).

The visit of the wise men, Herod’s massacre of infants, and the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt fulfill further prophecies. For example, their return from Egypt fulfills Hosea’s words:

“Out of Egypt have I called my son” (Matthew 2:15, quoting Hosea 11:1).

Jesus’ Baptism and Early Ministry (Chapters 3–4)

John the Baptist prepares the way, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:3, quoting Isaiah 40:3).

At His baptism, the heavens open, and God declares Jesus as His Son:

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

After fasting in the wilderness, Jesus resists Satan’s temptations, fulfilling His role as the righteous servant of God. His move to Capernaum fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy about a light shining in Galilee:

“The people which sat in darkness saw great light” (Matthew 4:16, quoting Isaiah 9:1-2).

The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5–7)

Jesus’ first major teaching, the Sermon on the Mount, outlines the principles of God’s kingdom. He begins with the Beatitudes, describing the blessedness of those who follow Him:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

Jesus emphasizes the fulfillment of the law, not its abolition:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17).

He teaches moral and spiritual principles, calling His followers to surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees.

Miracles and Discipleship (Chapters 8–10)

Jesus demonstrates His authority through miracles, showing He fulfills messianic expectations. He heals the sick, calms storms, casts out demons, and raises the dead. These actions fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah healing and bringing hope:

“Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses” (Matthew 8:17, quoting Isaiah 53:4).

Jesus calls His twelve disciples and sends them to proclaim the kingdom. He warns them of persecution but assures them of God’s care.

Teaching Through Parables (Chapters 11–13)

Jesus uses parables to reveal truths about God’s kingdom. The parable of the sower, the mustard seed, and the wheat and tares highlight themes of growth, judgment, and divine sovereignty. Through these, Jesus fulfills Psalm 78:2:

“I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret” (Matthew 13:35).

Confrontation and Preparation (Chapters 14–20)

As opposition grows, Jesus continues to fulfill prophecy. He feeds multitudes, walks on water, and heals, revealing His divine authority. Peter’s confession, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), confirms Jesus’ identity.

Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, pointing to Isaiah’s Suffering Servant. He begins preparing His disciples for the events ahead.

The Triumphal Entry and Final Teachings (Chapters 21–25)

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfills Zechariah’s prophecy:

“Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass” (Matthew 21:5, quoting Zechariah 9:9).

He cleanses the temple and teaches through parables, confronting religious leaders. His teachings on the end times emphasize vigilance and faithfulness, including the parable of the ten virgins and the talents.

The Passion and Resurrection (Chapters 26–28)

Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecies. At the Last Supper, He establishes the New Covenant in His blood. His betrayal by Judas fulfills Psalm 41:9:

“He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.”

At His trial, Jesus remains silent, fulfilling Isaiah’s description of the Suffering Servant:

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7, referenced in Matthew 27:12-14).

His crucifixion fulfills Psalm 22, which describes the piercing of hands and feet and the casting of lots for His garments. His resurrection fulfills His own predictions and confirms Him as the victorious Messiah.

Matthew’s Unique Focus

Matthew’s Gospel uniquely emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Over 60 references link Jesus’ life and mission to specific prophecies. While Mark focuses on action and Luke on universality, Matthew centers on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. John’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ divinity.

Matthew addresses a Jewish audience, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of their scriptures. He presents Jesus as the new Moses, leading a spiritual exodus. The five teaching sections mirror the Torah, portraying Jesus as the ultimate lawgiver.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Matthew establishes Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecy. By connecting Jesus to Abraham, David, and the promises of the prophets, Matthew assures Jewish readers that Jesus is their long-awaited Savior. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.