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| MATTHEW |
| Explanatory Footnotes - page 2 |
| actions. Chapters 5-7 contain Jesus' longest recorded speech, the Sermon on the Mount - a speech that greatly affected the audience. The next few chapters mention ten miracles performed by Jesus, which further establish his authority. 9:9 A Friend Even to Tax Collectors Tax collectors like Matthew were even less popular in Jesus' day than now. Many Jews viewed them as traitors serving the hated Roman empire. In this poignant scene, the Gospel tells how Jesus first called Matthew and then came to his house to mingle freely with "tax collectors and sinners." Later Matthew was transformed into a loyal disciple who applied his orderly mind to organize this account of Jesus' life. 11:20 Miracles Aren't Enough Surprisingly, seeing supernatural miracles didn't lead people to repent and follow Jesus' teaching. Throughout his ministry, Jesus showed annoyance with crowds who flocked to see a popular leader do something supernatural. He wanted from them not applause, but commitment. Gradually, he relied more and more on parables, which, in private, he would explain to his disciples (see 13:11-17). 12:12 The Pharisees Take Offense Chaper 12 gives insight into why the Pharisees were offended by Jesus. First, his disciples picked grain on the Sabbath (verses 1-7), something forbidden by the Pharisees. A provoccative healing on the Sabbath followed. Jesus accused the Pharisees of caring more for the letter of the law than the spirit, so much so that they showed more concern for animal life than human. 13:57 No Respect at Home Jesus had opened his ministry at home in a synagogue, an occasion marked by a near-riot. When he returned later, |