The Gospel of Matthew - - 11:2-18:35

A few things to remember when looking for a possible Section D in the gospel of Matthew. Matthew is largely basing his gospel on Mark but 'tweaking' this and expanding it to address issues relevant to his own community which had a Jewish heritage. He was trying to show his auditor/readers that even though they were now excluded from their beloved synagogue, they could still be disciples of Jesus and follow his teachings by keeping the spirit of the law. Some of the issues faced by Mark were not as relevant to Matthew's community. For instance Mark's gospel was probably written around the time when Rome destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple in 70 CE. 20 People, including and possibly especially the followers of Jesus, were terrified and there were betrayals (c/f Mark 14:10-11). In the 60's CE there was a huge fire in Rome and the Emperor Nero blamed Christians.21 His soldiers went from house to house hunting them down to kill them. 22 In the 80's things had settled down (somewhat). Matthew had a focus on how people could keep the spirit of the commandments (that is, the Law). If he set out the sort of qualities needed in an individual to do this, then it follows he would be wanting to show the qualities to be encouraged n a whole community where the spirit of the law was observed. This would compare with a well-run family and household. If such is the case then it is not surprising that the first paragraph of Matthew's Section D (on an environment of internalised law?) includes a reference to Wisdom and her works (Mt.11:19). Also recall Matthew's major interest is in the moral Law (given this was the main interest of Jews as well). Natural law is observed and understood in terms of cause and effect which in turn take place over time. The Old Testament could be understood as a history of God and his people. It is therefore not surprising to find Matthew's paragraphing appears to begin with a statement of time, made or implied.