Conflict between the Teacher and Israel

Conflict between the Teacher and Israel Matthew 8—23

The intrusion of substantial non-narrative material in these sermons inhibits the movement of the plot. This mixture of Jesus’ ministry and his teaching produces a more measured air; instead of the breathless dash of Mark’s bounding lion, Matthew’s human face of God pauses to catch his breath and to impart his teaching. Yet, there is still development of narrative flow as the stories of Jesus, the disciples, and the Jewish leaders all move inexorably towards a climax at the Passion. Furthermore, the discourses relate to the intervening material, and the sections of ministry prepare for the discourses. Let us look at each section in turn to see how the conflict grows and the plots thicken…