Appendices

Key Themes in the Book of Matthew

A. Revelation of the King, His Kingdom, and His Citizens (Bride) (Chapters 1-28)

1. Jesus as Immanuel
   • In Matthew 1:23, Jesus is called “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” In Matthew 28:20, He promises, “I am with you always,” reminding us of His constant presence.
2. The King’s Identity
   • Genealogy of Jesus: The genealogy of Jesus is traced to highlight His royal lineage.
3. Prophet of the King
   • John the Baptist: He is the last prophet and is referenced in the book of Isaiah.
4. Teachings of the King
   • Five Major Sermons: Jesus delivers five significant sermons in Matthew (Chapters 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 23-25).
5. Miracles of the King
   • Ten Power Indicators: Chapters 8-9 recount ten miracles demonstrating Jesus’ divine power.
6. The King’s Followers (Chapter 10)
   • Jesus sends out His apostles as agents of change.
   • Jesus sees the needs of the crowds (Matthew 9:35-38) and tells His disciples to pray for help.
   • Jesus answers the disciples’ prayers by calling the 12 apostles, sending them out, and warning them of persecution, yet assuring them of His support.

B. Reactions Against the King and His Revelation (Chapters 11-12)

1. John the Baptist’s Doubt (Chapter 11)
   • John the Baptist questions if Jesus is truly the Messiah. Explore why he had doubts.
2. The People’s Response (Chapter 11)
   • Many people, including John’s disciples, were indifferent and did not accept the teachings of either John or Jesus.
3. Unbelieving Cities (Chapter 11)
   • Jesus condemns cities for not repenting and accepting His message. They ignored, dismissed, or forgot the revelation of God.
4. Reasons for Rejection (Matthew 11:25)
   • Some people rejected Jesus because God revealed His truths to the humble rather than the wise. Jesus is the only way to the truth that sets people free.
5. Jesus’ Response to Rejection
   • He invites those burdened by life to find rest in Him, offering a light and easy yoke and teaching them humility and gentleness.
6. Pharisees’ Misunderstanding
   • The Pharisees focused more on observing the Sabbath than on understanding Jesus, who is the Lord of the Sabbath. They even accused Him of being aligned with demons and demanded miraculous signs.
7. Jesus’ Family’s Unbelief (Matthew 12:46-50)
   • Even Jesus’ family did not initially believe in Him.

C. Reflection and Teaching of the Kingdom (Chapter 13)

• Jesus used parables to explain the Kingdom of God and why some people resisted His message. Through research, revelations, reasoning, and reflection, He progressively opened people’s eyes, as seen in the case of the Samaritan woman, who recognized Him first as an ordinary man, then as an honourable man, a prophet, the Messiah, and finally as the Saviour of the world.

D. Rejection of the King

• Jesus faced increasing levels of rejection:
  • Hated, excluded, insulted, and rejected by:
    1. His relatives
    2. His hometown people
    3. Rulers, the crowd, and the wealthy
    4. Religious leaders

E. Resurrection of the King (Matthew Chapter 28)

F. Return of the King (Matthew Chapters 24-25)

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic* church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.