Follow Me Part IV

This is the final part of our multi-part deep-dive into the gospel of Matthew. As with Parts I-III, we will explore key passages in Matthew which help us understand not just the ministry of Jesus, but the realities faced by Matthew’s first readers in the late first century. As a reminder, there are three key distinctives of Matthew which we will continue to build on through this series:

· Kingdom Manifesto – Matthew’s gospel is a declaration of just how “upside-down” and unexpected the kingdom of God really is. The last are first, the poor are blessed, etc.

· Discipleship Manual – Matthew is writing intentionally to help his readers learn how to follow Jesus in their own lives.

· Story of Fulfillment – Over and over we see how Jesus fulfills the laws and promises and prophecies of the Old Testament