a. Examine 5:17-48. What position does Jesus take on the Jewish law (i.e., the Torah, or first five books of the Jewish scriptures)? How does Jesus understand Moses and the Jewish law in 5:21-48? How does this section contribute to Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus (and build upon the image of Jesus found in 2:1-23)? 

In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus declares that he has not come to abolish the law but instead, fulfill it. Not a single ‘stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all is accomplished’. Jesus declares that whoever breaks a commandment will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. However in 5:21-48, Jesus opines that judgment in accordance to the Law is actually liable to punishment. One must reconcile their differences before leaving an offering at the altar. Regarding adultery, divorce, oaths, and retaliation, it is much simpler to fall into sin than what the law decrees. Adultery does not even require an action; merely a wrong glance at someone qualifies as adultery. In essence, it is the spirit of the law that a believer ought to be concerned with, not necessarily the written words. The law still holds but in a different context than what was previously ascribed.

b. Examine 6:1-18 and 6:19-7:12, passages that construct a specific identity for the true followers of Jesus. How does these sections distinguish Matthean Christians from “outsiders”? How should they live in the world? 

Matthean Christians are not necessarily supposed to be insular, however they are to not imitate the Pharisees by proving their piety. When the Christian gives alms, their left hand must not know what the right hand is doing for their reward is with God and not other human beings who are witness to their charity. They ought to distinguish themselves from the Pharisees and also the Gentiles who ‘heap up empty phrases’. The Lord’s Prayer is declared in 6:9-15. The famous Golden Rule is written in 7:12. A proper Christian is private with their faith, according to Matthew’s gospel. They worship because they feel it in their soul and they do so at their own expense, not for the praise of others.

c. How do the blessings (5:3-12) and warnings/exhortations (7:13-27) “frame” and add further “depth” to the central section of the chiasmus? 

The exhortations and warnings of the difficulty entering the ‘Narrow Gate’ exemplify the Beatitudes. Those who lead lives of misery and hardship will be considered the most in the next life despite being the least in this life. Those who assert that they followed his words but do not perform the will of God are subject to exclusion. Jesus further explains this theme by disclosing that the gate is narrow and difficult to pass and few will find their way through.

d. White offers insight into the social and historical context of Matthew (304, 312). How does this knowledge help explain why Matthew is so concerned with outlining the character and proper behaviors for the true Christian?

Matthew is concerned with the behavior of the Christians given the legal hegemony the Jewish Pharisees had over society. Matthew was likely produced in a Jewish neighborhood and was speaking primarily to a Jewish audience. Several references were made to the Jewish community likely to best communicate to the primary demographic. The Christians were also subject to persecution hence why their behavior being distinguishable from the rest of society was also important – for them to remain diligent in their faith the new religion had to take commands for worship and character seriously.