John the Baptist?
Wilderness prophet, Isaiah’s voice, forerunner, and the man who got to lower the King into the water. His joy was to decrease.
Lesson 2 · Course 51
Matthew
The most Jewish Gospel: Jesus the predicted King, the Baptist, the Mount, and the road to the cross.
At a glance
Summary
The most Jewish Gospel: Jesus the predicted King, the Baptist, the Mount, and the road to the cross. Matthew, the former tax collector, writes the most Jewish Gospel: Jesus is the promised King and Messiah. Key verse: Matthew 2:2 — “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”.
Big ideas
What to teach and remember
- Matthew, the former tax collector, writes the most Jewish Gospel: Jesus is the promised King and Messiah. Key verse: Matthew 2:2 — “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”
- The wise men’s request threatened Herod. History has never agreed on the star. You can preach the worship without pretending the astronomy is settled.
- John the Baptist fulfills Isaiah. The high point of his ministry is baptizing Jesus — the Trinity at the Jordan, not the biggest crowd.
- Matthew’s own call was immediate and influenced others. Following Jesus in public still makes room for other feet.
- The Sermon on the Mount travels across culture and time. To bless is to add value to another’s life. The believer’s ultimate authority is God’s planned purpose — not mood, not majority.
- Expect opposition (Matthew 10). Jesus predicted His death and resurrection about twenty times, not three. The cross was not a surprise ending.
Key terms
People, places, and words that matter
Seven questions and three principles from the Sermon on
The sermon still asks how we live before the Father who sees in secret. Carry amazement at Jesus’ authority, the shape of true happiness, and a life aimed at…
Eight insights from Matthew 10
Mission is not a picnic. Jesus prepares disciples for opposition, dependence, and courage. Negative preparation is still love.
Where
Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”
Trinity
The high point of his ministry is baptizing Jesus — the Trinity at the Jordan, not the biggest crowd.
Structure
Outline / timeline
- Who was John the Baptist?
- Seven questions and three principles from the Sermon on the Mount
- Eight insights from Matthew 10
Must remember
Facts to keep straight
| Quiz score | 100% (1 attempt) |
|---|---|
| Key claim | Matthew, the former tax collector, writes the most Jewish Gospel: Jesus is the promised King and Messiah. Key verse: Matthew 2:2 — “Where… |
| Preach | The wise men’s request threatened Herod. History has never agreed on the star. You can preach the worship without pretending the astronomy… |
| Key claim | John the Baptist fulfills Isaiah. The high point of his ministry is baptizing Jesus — the Trinity at the Jordan, not the biggest crowd. |
Compare
Side-by-side contrasts
Clarify
- The Sermon on the Mount travels across culture and time. To bless is to add value to another’s life. The believer’s…
- Not: mood, not majority.
For the pulpit
Sermon hooks
- You can preach the worship without pretending the astronomy is settled.
- The Sermon on the Mount travels across culture and time.
- The sermon still asks how we live before the Father who sees in secret.
Quiz drill
Quiz drill / review · open to practice · 10 items
Quiz score: 100% · 1 attempt
1. The wise men’s request to see the baby born “King of the Jews” threatened Herod.
TrueA rival king in Bethlehem is a political emergency in Jerusalem.
2. History has been in total agreement concerning the star which guided the worshippers to Jesus.
FalseThe star’s identity is disputed. Worship is not. Hold the story with honesty.
3. John the Baptist’s preaching fulfilled an Old Testament prediction.
TrueIsaiah’s voice in the wilderness becomes flesh and locusts.
4. The high point of John the Baptist’s ministry was baptizing Jesus.
TrueHe must increase. The Jordan, not the crowds, is the peak.
5. Matthew’s willingness to follow Jesus influenced others to do the same.
TrueObedience is contagious. So is delay.
6. The Sermon on the Mount contains principles that can be applied across culture and across time.
TrueAmazement, authority, and real happiness — not a first-century museum.
7. To “bless” means to add value to another’s life.
TrueBlessing is not thin words; it is real good done to a real neighbor.
8. The planned purpose of God is the believer’s ultimate authority for life.
TrueNot the loudest opinion in the room.
9. It is easier to endure when we are unaware of the opposition to our faith.
FalseJesus tells the truth about opposition so we can stand, not so we can nap.
10. Jesus only predicted His death and resurrection three times before He was actually crucified.
FalseAbout twenty times — the cross was announced, not improvised.
Essay themes
If you preach or review
Who was John the Baptist?
Wilderness prophet, Isaiah’s voice, forerunner, and the man who got to lower the King into the water. His joy was to decrease.
Seven questions and three principles from the Sermon on the Mount
The sermon still asks how we live before the Father who sees in secret. Carry amazement at Jesus’ authority, the shape of true happiness, and a life aimed at God’s purpose.
Eight insights from Matthew 10
Mission is not a picnic. Jesus prepares disciples for opposition, dependence, and courage. Negative preparation is still love.