New Testament Literature - Research Paper Example

The third major chapter covers chapters 5 and 7 which present about Sermon on the Mount. The fourth major chapter is about Public Ministry and Teaching which covers specifically chapter 8 until chapter 16 verse 12. The fifth major chapter talks about Recognition and confession which starts specifically from chapter 16 verse 13 until verse 23 of the same chapter. The sixth major chapter involves the writings about Cost of Discipleship and Road to Jerusalem starting from the verse 24 of chapter 16 until chapter 20 verse 34.

The seventh major chapter is about Jesus in Jerusalem which specifically consists chapter 21 until chapter 25. Finally, the eight major chapter is about Passion Narrative starting from chapter 26 to chapter 28. As can be observed, the book of Matthew introduces the preaching of John the baptizer, Jesus’ public ministry and the account of Jesus’ life and his works signifying his importance as the main subject in the book (Efird 1980, 50). The major theme of the book therefore is about the fulfillment of prophecy about the Messiah.

Its justification is based on the account of John the baptizer and the actual teaching and works of Jesus. In Matthew 3: 11, John the baptizer prophesized about the coming of Jesus. In Matthew 11: 2-4, Jesus boldly informed John the baptizer about the signs made such as the blind receiving sight, the lame were able to walk, those who have leprosy were cured, the deaf were able to hear, the dead were raised and the good news were preached to the poor. John the baptizer is significantly cited in the book of Matthew as the one preparing the way for Jesus.

In this way, message can be given to the people that Jesus is coming. However, John the baptizer can only be certain of the coming of the Messiah through the signs God gave him. Thus, Jesus was actually doing those signs allowing John the baptizer to hear them. This fulfillment of the prophecy is the main message that the book of Matthew is trying to