Don Carson took the morning meetings with expositions from Matthew, it was thrilling to hear the gospel expounded drawing from all of scripture, I offer a summary of my notes which very inadequately represents the messages:
1) Matthew 5: 17-48, Jesus fulfills the Law of God. (part of the sermon on the mount)
Six times in this passage is repeated: 'You have heard that it was said..... but I say to you....' Jesus explains how our righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees. The chapter may drive us to self-righteousness, popousness or despair. We will never be good enough but this passage is to be understood in the context of Matthew's gospel, Jesus has come to fulfill the law, He brings to pass that which was predicted - the new covenant, abolishing the Day of Atonement, passover etc. The dawning of a new kingdom has started now, in the new heavens and the new earth all these requirements will take place.
We are not what we were, we are not what we will be but by God's grace we are what we are.
2) Matthew 8:1-17 The authority of Jesus
As shown in the sermon on the mount, Jesus taught as one having authority - I say to you....
1 The authority of Jesus to heal and transform is implicit in His mission and person
Jesus has all authority, all the omnipotence of God. One word from Jesus can bring worldwide revival. The leper's statement recognises Jesus' authority.
2 The authority of Jesus, formerly submissive to the law, transforms it and transcends it
Jesus does not tell the leper the law is over but tells him to go to the priest.
3 The authority of Jesus is so sweeping that when Jesus speaks, God speaks
In the army the whole chain of command speaks through the one commander - when the centurion speaks, Caesar speaks. When Jesus speaks, God speaks. All of God's authority is mediated through His Son until the second coming.
4 The Authority of Jesus is a great comfort to the eye of faith but a terror to the merely religious.
There is an eternal dimension to the gospel, fundamental to understanding who Jesus is and what He has done. Salvation is first and foremost about being reconciled to God - now and forever. It is no good taking care of the poor or the environment but going to hell. The heart of the gospel is Jesus crucifiction and resurrection.
5 Jesus' authortiy is in function of His work on the cross
The atonement - Christ has born all sin, there is a resurrection body and a new heaven and earth. It is paid for, it is done but by God's wise decree the pouring out of these blessings still waits.
a) Perfect healing is secured in the cross, all disease will be gone forever.
b) Matthew's gospel ends with the great commission 'All authority is given in heaven and earth... When we pray we are confessing His authority to heal, forgive, transform, rule over our lives until every knee shall bow and confess Him as Lord.
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