The Bible Project does a beautiful job of illustrating how the gospel of Matthew is constructed to highlight that Jesus is the Messiah (king like David), the new Moses (the great teacher, revealing the truth about God) and, in fact, God with us (Immanuel, as prophesied in Isaiah). Matthew intentionally designs His gospel account around five major teachings (discourses) of Jesus, with the sermon on the mount coming first and the Olivet discourse last. Around these discourses Mathew presents the healings and miracles of Jesus, building up to His death and resurrection.
Structural details and history of interpretation drawn from The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing by Jonathan T. Pennington (p. 108).
Be sure to catch the second half of the Bible Project’s overview of Matthew!
Many details could be shared here to highlight the artistry of Matthew’s presentation. I will content myself with just one theme and two verses that frame the narrative and teaching.
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.’ (which means, God with us).” Matthew 1:22-23 (quoting Isaiah 7:14)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
As we continue through the sermon on the mount and prepare for holy week, be encouraged that Jesus is our Immanuel – God with us. He is the God who came near to become familiar with our suffering and become the all sufficient sacrifice for our sins. The Messiah and King who reigns over all things is the prophet and teacher who shows us what God is like and what He wants of us. That same Messiah and Teacher is Immanuel – God with us.
Be amazed as we study the first and last discourses of Jesus in Matthew.