The Gospel according to Matthew is a portrait of Jesus — the story of our King.

There are three broad sections in the story:
Jesus’ identity and preparation for ministry (1:1-4:16)

Jesus’ announcement of the kingdom to Israel and resulting responses (4:17-16:20)

Jesus to Jerusalem: kingdom enactment through death and resurrection (16:21-28:20)

Unlike the other gospel writers, Matthew inserts 5 teaching segments into the
storyline:
1. Sermon on the Mount
2. Mission Discourse
3. Parables Discourse
4. Community Discourse
5. and the Eschatological/Olivet Discourse

Matthew also has a unique focus on the Kingdom of God (Kingdom is mentioned 55 times). God’s Kingdom came in an unexpected way through Jesus! God’s Kingdom is not static idea, but dynamic: it is advancing powerfully!

There are three ways the Kingdom of God comes on earth:

A. KINGDOM INAUGURATION: NEW BEGINNING

• Jesus’s public ministry marked a new beginning for all people, from all time
  (4:16-17, 23).
• Matthew the gospel writer experienced a new beginning in his life (9:9-13).

B. KINGDOM INVERSION: NEW WAY OF LIVING

• The true mission of Messiah was not about seizing a crown, but walking the way of the cross! We are to walk in His footsteps, dying so that we might live
  (16:13-25).
• When we live in the Kingdom way, we will be radically counter cultural and stand out in the world (5:1 – 7:27).

C. KINGDOM INCLUSION: NEW SENSE OF BELONGING

• The Jews believed that Kingdom of God revolved around them; but Matthew’s gospel ends with a commission to disciple the nations (Matt 28:18-19)!
• Many clues in Matthew’s gospel about God’s heart for the nations e.g. the two
  centurions and their response of faith – they were included in the Kingdom (8:5-13, 27:54).

Conclusion

Pray this life-changing prayer: Your Kingdom Come!

Next Week’s Topic: Matthew 1:1–25
Next Week’s Speakers: Speaker(s): Rev Tan Kay Kiong (BPJ), Rev Edmund Wong (WDL) & Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai (East)