Thy Kingdom Come Part One Series

The author of the book is un-dubitably Matthew. Many of the early fathers site that Matthew is the author including Pseudo Barnabas, Clement Rome, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, and Clement of Alexandria. Matthew authorship articulates the internal evidence by referencing coins. In fact the Gospel includes three terms for coins that are found nowhere else in the New Testament: “The two drachma tax” (Matt. 17:24); “a four drachma” (17:27), “talents” (18:24). Various dates for this book have been suggested. C.I. Scofield suggested in the Scofield Reference Bible gave (A.D. 37) as a possible date. Other author scholars give a date after (A.D. 70), since Matthew made no reference to the destruction of Jerusalem the “Holy City” (Matt. 4:5; 27:53) imply that it was still in existence. Perhaps around (A.D. 50) would be mentioned. The book is address to the believers and unbelieving Jews.

Matthew’s occasion for this book was to make known that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Secondly, according to their deeds they crucified the Messiah however God was not through with them. His promise kingdom was yet to come with his people at a future time. Matthew’s ultimate desire was for others to find the Messiah as he had; therefore he wanted others to come into that same relationship.

From the very beginning Matthew presents Jesus Christ as his main character. In connection with the Messiah; Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage through His legal father, Joseph. He immediate brings to the forefront two covenants fulfillment according to Jewish history. Davidic covenant; “for Saul your Lord is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king of them” (2 Sam. 7b), and the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12, 15). The fact that Matthew included the four Old Testament women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Solomon mother Bathsheba suggests that in our short comings God choses to dealing with His people empowers grace.

I. The Introduction of the King 1:1-4:2

A. The birth of the King and the surrounding events 1:1-2:23

The purpose of the surrounding events of the birth of the Messiah suggested overwhelmingly the fulfillment of prophecy. This is important in context because in spite of every attempt to prevent the birth of the Messiah. The Kingdom of God will proceed as planned according to the scriptures.

B. The ministry of John the Baptist 3:1-12

The purpose of John ministry presents two persuasive arguments. First, “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Secondly, “prepare the way of the Lord”. This is important in context because John’s message is clearly revealed “the axe is already laid”. The one who baptize with water would precede the one who would baptize with fire to establish His Kingdom.

C. The baptism, temptations, and inaugural ministry of the King 3:13-4:25

The purpose of the inauguration was to expose the presentation of approval through baptism. Secondly, the Messiah power over temptation. In light of the context this it is important because it reveals power over the enemy through prophecy “those who were sitting in darkness would see a great light.” As a result of the Gospel; all would be invited into the Kingdom of God.

II. The Sermon on the Mount 5:1-7:29

A. The principles of righteousness 5:1-16

The purpose of the “Sermon on the Mount” is to establish the standards for His people in righteousness. This is important in context because those who are subject to His Kingdom would possess the internal righteousness such as, the poor, humble, meek and the gentle. Contrary to those that only possesses the external qualities such as the Pharisaic righteousness.

B. The proper application of righteousness 5:17-7:12

The purpose for proper application of righteousness suggests thus, “In everything treat people the same way you want to be treated, for this is the Law and the Prophets”. Contextually, this is important for the Kingdom, because of what Jesus says in His opening statement: “Do not think I came to abolish the Law I came to fulfill it”. Here it is again, the fulfillment of prophecy about the Kingdom of God by which Jesus is the fulfiller.

C. The priority righteousness 7:13-29

The purpose for the priority of righteousness suggests how one should separate from unproductive activity. This is important for the Kingdom because it contrast the idea of how the scribes and Pharisees taught.” Jesus speaks as one having authority.”