Outline of Matthew
A Map for the Gospel of Matthew
See the structure and purpose of Matthew: five narrative-and-discourse sections framed by an introduction and conclusion, with a map of Christ’s kingdom ministry.
Matthew has nicely divided his gospel into five parallel sections. This natural outline is easily discovered by the fivefold repetition of "when Jesus had finished" (7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Each grouping consists of both a narrative (covering events) and a teaching section. They are cushioned by a good-sized introduction and conclusion.
A Map for the Gospel of Matthew
The Purpose of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew was no doubt written to the Jewish people. There are 53 direct Old Testament quotes in Matthew alone and another 76 allusions. One needs to understand the Old Testament to appreciate Matthew's purpose to show that Jesus indeed is Christ. He has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.
Wherever Jesus went, He faced opposition. The closer to Jerusalem, the greater the tension. This is true both when Jesus was young and at the end of His life. He was away from the throne (14-20), but in 21-27, he stayed in and around Jerusalem. The message is clear. He was not wanted as King. From birth to maturity, Christ the King was rejected by man but accepted by God.