Section D

DEVELOP AN ENVIRONMENT OF INTERNALISED LAW

From "Little" to "Brother"

11:2 - 18:35

Paragraphs, sometimes with Parts A & B, have "hooks" that are a time statement made or implied

Wisdom and Jesus Attributes

Verse

Generalised Quotes Ending Time Segment

The use of paragraph hooks based on time is not likely to be as “tight” as the frameworks which are based on a specific place as used in Mark and later on in Luke and John. Matthew was writing from the background of Judaism with its salvation history and focus on time and moral law. This was not so concerned with the 'scientific exactness' required by the general culture of the Roman Empire e.g. with its stress on exactly straight roads etc. In the following section in Matthew a statement of time fits in comfortably at the beginning of an apparent paragraph. Many of the paragraphs also end with a generalised teaching maxim - like a summary statement of what has gone before.

1. Proves

11:2-11:19

.. Wisdom is justified by her works

11:2-11:19 (When) John heard about the works of Christ he sent a message to him through his disciples saying to him “Are you the coming one or may we expect another?” Answering Jesus said to them. "Go and tell John about the things that you hear and see. Blind men see again and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear. Dead men are raised and poor people have the gospel preached to them. Blessed is the one who is not offended by me." With these going Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning him. “What did you go out into the wilderness to see - a reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? - A man in soft clothing? Behold those in soft clothing are wearing this in the houses of kings. But why

did you go out? Was it to see a prophet? Yes and I tell you it was more than a prophet. This is he of whom it has been written “Behold I send before me the my messenger who will prepare your way before you.” Truly I tell you there has not arisen amongst those born of women a greater person than John the Baptist. But even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. From the days of John the Baptist until the kingdom of heaven has been forcibly treated and forceful men have (tried to) seize it. This has happened from the time of the prophets and the law until John prophesied. If you are willing to receive it, he is Elias, the one who is to come. Let the one who has ears for it hear. But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children Cont