Passages: Matthew 14-20
Big Idea: Jesus is God’s promised King who invites us into his kingdom.
Ages: 5-7
Ten lessons exploring Matthew 14 to 20.
In Matthew 14 to 20 we see people’s expectations of the Messiah. Most Jews thought the Messiah would usher in a kingdom on earth, one that would overthrow the Romans. This view was largely shaped by Psalm 2 and Daniel 2. We also see increased opposition to Jesus by the religious leaders, who are convinced that Jesus is a false teacher. Jesus knows they are plotting to kill him so he withdraws and focuses on teaching his disciples the true nature of his kingship.
In Matthew 16, Peter gets it right about Jesus, then gets it wrong. Peter wants a living Messiah, not a dead Messiah. Matthew, however, is intent on defining the true nature of the Messiah - the Servant King who came to lay down his life for his people (Isaiah 52). Jesus is the Suffering Servant Isaiah prophesied would come.
In chapters 18 to 20, Jesus outlines the upside down nature of his kingdom - honour is given to those who serve, revenge is replaced by forgiveness and true wealth comes when we give everything away.
Matthew uses more Old Testament quotes than any other gospel to show his Jewish readers that Jesus perfectly fulfils them all. Jesus is God’s promised King who invites us into his kingdom.
The unit comes complete with stories, pictures, suggested songs/memory verses, games, drama activities, crafts, large and small group activities. A resource pack full of crafts and activity sheets is also included.