MATTHEAN PORTRAIT OF CHRIST AND DISCIPLESHIP -
1. Jesus is Son of Abraham, Son of David (1:1-17; 9:27; 12:22-24; 15:22; 20-30-31; 21:9, 14-17: 22:41-46).
2. Messiah, awaited and long expected seen in #1 and fulfillment quotations. He fulfills the law and prophets. Of royal lineage through Joseph.
3. Implied New Moses in birth narratives and Sermon on the Mount. Five major sermons/discourses parallel the five books of Moses? In the birth story Jesus even reduplicates Israel's Exodus experience.
4. Jesus can only be understood, however, as son of David, New Moses, and Messiah if he is acknowledged as Lord (kurios) and Master. He has great power and authority. At the resurrection, he goes to be at the right hand of God. All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to him.
5. One true and authoritative Rabbi - authoritative teacher, true interpreter of the Law (see 23 and 28:8f, Sermon on Mount, etc.). Note, however, that Jesus rejects the title of Rabbi. Only the Pharisees and Judas call him rabbi.
6. Continues emphases of Mark's use of Son of Man as one who necessarily suffers, who has authority on earth, and who comes in glory. However, there is a stronger emphasis on the Son of Man as apocalyptic judge of Jews and Gentiles alike (Chapter 13, 24, 25 especially)
7. Son of God - follows Mark's use -but in miracles emphasis shifts even more from Jesus as divine man to necessity of faith. Disciples' confession (14:33). Peter's confession with its counterpoint before the high priest (16:16 =26:63). Centurion at end. God in baptism and transfiguration. Disciples confess Jesus as Son of God during his ministry which they don't do in Mark. Matthew also has many passages in which Jesus calls God the heavenly father. Jesus is son of the heavenly father.
8. King. Used in same way as in Mark, but also appears in birth story and entry into Jerusalem as humble king.
9. Resurrected one (Emmanuel, God with us) present with his church (1:22; 18:20; 28:20; and 8:25-26 and 14:27).
10. Wise, Parabler, greater than Solomon. He speaks, however, not so that people will not understand as in Mark 4, but because. Not a mysterious figure in the same way that he is in Mark. However, there are 'wisdom' passages.
11. Functions: teaching, preaching, healing, and exorcizing. Much emphasis on his teachings in the five major discourses. In the future he will be apocalyptic redeemer and judge. Passion portrayed much as in Mark.
12. Jesus' resurrection appearance and the Great Commission transform the ending of the gospel. The Great Commission summarizes many themes of the gospel and of its Christology. Jesus tells the disciples to make disciples of panta ta ethne - all the nations, or all the Gentiles.
MATTHEAN VIEW OF DISCIPLESHIP
1. Do the will of the father in heaven, be perfect (6:10; 7:21; 12:46-50; 26:39, 42). Follow Jesus' authoritative interpretation of Torah.
2. Instruction given in 5-7, 10, 17:22-18:35 and 28:7-20. Rewarded if obey, punished if disobedient.
3. Role defined in opposition to Pharisees and scribes - do what they preach, but not what they do (23:2-3). Function in the same way as they do, interpreting and teaching authoritative revelation. Preach, teach, "disciplize" and interpret the authoritative revelation until the end. Carry the mission beyond the lost sheep of the house of Israel into the world.
4. Need to improve weak, immature faith (epithet "little faiths" used in 6:30, 8:26; 14:31; and 16:8.), deepen it. Do not be anxious (8:25f, 14:22f, Sermon on Mount).
5. Forgive and practice mutual love within the community (6:21-15, Chapters 18 and 24). Call no one Rabbi, Father, or instructor (23:8-12). Egalitarianism?
6. Follow, Kneel/bow down/ worship. (2:2; 2:8; 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 27:54; 28:9; 28:17) - proper attitude