Matthew Introduction

Matthew is the gospel I’ve read “cover to cover” the least. No reason I know of. Probably the length. And the fact that it is a “synoptic” might have led me to turn to the shorter account in Mark, or what was childhood “favorite” gospel, Luke. But Matthew has his own twist on the story, emphasizing the teachings of Jesus. He alternates between narratives and large blocks of Jesus’ messages. I will be looking for thematic ties between the story and the teaching. Here is my simplified, working outline:

1a. Introduction: Genealogy of the King (Chapter 1)
1b. Introduction: Infancy Narratives (Chapter 2)
2a. Early Ministry Stories (Chapters 3,4)
2b. The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7)
3a. Miracles and Discipleship Stories (Chapters 8,9)
3b. The Commission of the 12 (Chapter 10)
4a. Reactions to the King (Chapters 11,12)
4b. Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)
5a. Withdrawal and Preparation  (Chapters 14-15)
5b. Instruction to the 12 (Chapters 16-18)
6a. Announcement of the King (Chapters 19-23)
6b. The Olivet Discourse (Chapters 24,25)
7a. The Rejection of the King (Chapters 26,27)
7b. The Resurrection of the King (Chapter 28)