Introduction: For over a year now, I have taught line-by-line through the gospel of Matthew’s 28 chapters. This Sunday, Lord willing, we’ll complete our study. What are some big takeaways from these many days, and weeks, and months of study in Matthew? I’ve chosen to crystallize the main themes down to the following:

• Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises
• The gospel is both outward-focused/missional and inward-focused/discipleship/depth
• Truth divides believers from unbelievers
• God knows all things and all people through and through; there is no hiding from God
• The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the hinge of history
• Those who have ears to hear will hear (grace); those who refuse to hear receive justice. No one receives injustice. It’s grace or justice, but never injustice from God

As I’m working through the last parts of Matthew 27 and the brief Matthew 28, it all comes full circle:

Jesus has fulfilled his mission in precise, specific detail.

Jesus commands Christians to go both outward via missions and inward via depth and discipleship.

Believers are known by their fruit (they remain in Christ and among Christ’s people); unbelievers depart, just as Scripture teaches (1 John 2:19-21).

Christ is shown always and everywhere to be sovereign in knowledge and power. He knew who’d betray him; he knew Peter would have a horrible night replete with three denials; Christ knew he’d rise from the dead three days after his betrayal, crucifixion, and burial. He promised it would all happen and it did–in precise detail.

Jesus has received all authority because he rose from the dead. If one rises from the dead, he’s God’s warrant.

Many, many people believe the gospel and are saved. And many refuse to believe and receive justice (Mt 7:21-23).

Encouragement/takeaway: I’m excited about teaching Sunday because it’s the greatest possible good news there is. Paul said it is the good news (εὐαγγέλιον) of “first importance” (1 Cor 15:3). That’s why believers gather together in homes and halls, schools and assemblies, congregations and gatherings across the planet, week in and week out. It’s of “first importance,” this truth of redemption.