Themes in the Gospel of Matthew

This November sees the start of Year A in the Revised Common Lectionary, whose readings are grounded in the Gospel of Matthew. Throughout history, this narrative has often been dubbed “the First Gospel” for its prominent role in Christian teaching, ethics, liturgical practices. To this day, it tends to be central for many people’s experiences of Jesus, the New Testament, and the Christian faith.

Matthew’s Gospel is not simply a biography of Jesus or a collection of his teaching. It’s a story that invites us to a path of discipleship. It’s a narrative that includes us in a church made up of sinners and doubters who struggle with faith, temptation, and forgiveness. It’s a Gospel that invites us into a living relationship with Messiah Jesus, to learn from him, to believe in him, and to be sent to embody his presence in the world.

In this class we will explore some overarching themes of Matthew’s Gospel, eye its occurrences in the forthcoming lectionary year, and probe some key texts together as representative of this teaching Gospel. The class will offer handouts and visuals, make space for interactive text study in large and small groups, and recommend resources for further exploration as the year unfolds.