Topical Bible: Obedience: Matthew

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In the Gospel of Matthew, the theme of obedience is intricately woven into the narrative and teachings of Jesus Christ. Matthew presents obedience as a fundamental aspect of discipleship and a reflection of one's relationship with God. This entry explores key passages and teachings in Matthew that highlight the importance of obedience.

The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching on obedience. Here, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness that surpasses mere external adherence to the law. In Matthew 5:19, Jesus emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments: "So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus further underscores the necessity of obedience in Matthew 7:21, where He states, "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven." This passage highlights that true discipleship is marked by doing the will of God, not merely professing faith.

The Parable of the Two Sons

In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Sons, which illustrates the difference between mere verbal assent and actual obedience. One son initially refuses to work in the vineyard but later repents and goes, while the other son agrees to go but does not. Jesus uses this parable to demonstrate that true obedience is shown through actions, not just words. He concludes by saying that tax collectors and prostitutes, who repented and obeyed, would enter the kingdom of God before the religious leaders who failed to act on their professed beliefs.

The Great Commission

The Gospel of Matthew concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and "teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This directive underscores the importance of obedience as a central component of the Christian mission. The call to teach obedience to Jesus' commands highlights the expectation that His followers will live out His teachings in their daily lives.

Obedience and Love

In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarizes the law with the commandments to love God and love one's neighbor. Obedience to these commandments is portrayed as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Jesus' teaching here connects obedience with love, indicating that true obedience flows from a heart that loves God and others.

The Example of Jesus

Throughout the Gospel, Jesus Himself exemplifies perfect obedience to the Father. In Matthew 26:39, during His prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus submits to the Father's will, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." Jesus' obedience, even unto death, serves as the ultimate model for His followers.

In summary, the Gospel of Matthew presents obedience as an essential aspect of the Christian life, characterized by adherence to God's commandments, genuine repentance, and a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. Through parables, teachings, and His own example, Jesus calls His followers to a life of faithful obedience to the will of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from there, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said to him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
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Library

The Call of Matthew
... arose and followed Him.' That is the only thing that we are told of Matthew. ... are
some things that are best done gradually and slowly, but obedience to Christ's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the call of matthew.htm

I Reject this Predestination for the Following Reasons:
... according to the doctrine of the Gospel, "who believe in the name of Jesus Christ."
(John 1:12.) It is also called, "the reward of obedience," (Matthew 5:12 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/3 i reject this predestination.htm

Of the Fifth and Last Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... Philip, the minister of Tuscany, by the command of Brother John Buonagrazia, the
minister general, required under holy obedience Brother Matthew de Castiglione ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the fifth and last.htm

Obedience
... Matthew 6:2. Alms should shine, but not blaze ... will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon
the house of Jehu.' Hosea 1:4. O let us look to our ends in obedience; it is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm

The Call of Matthew.
... [Such obedience was not, of course, performed in ignorance; it indicates that Matthew
was already a disciple, as were the four fisherman when they also ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxvi the call of matthew.htm

Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is ...
... Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48. ... It is perfect obedience to the law of God. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be ye therefore perfect even.htm

Shewing How a Simple and Ready Obedience is the Only Means of for ...
... 69. You will know that Obedience is a ready way to arrive quickly at ... Matthew,
Chap.1. Qu??cunque dixerint vobis facite, secundum autem opera eorum nolite facere ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap ix shewing how a.htm

Christ Taught Civil Obedience.
... Chapter XVII."Christ taught civil obedience. And ... assessment. See Otto's Note,
and Thucyd. iii. 19. [1801] Matthew 22:17, 19, 20, 21. ...
/.../the first apology of justin/chapter xvii christ taught civil obedience.htm

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4 ...
... Matthew 4:1-11. ... in itself"recognizing temptation""man""waiting the Father's
word"the trained inner ear"not our power but God's through our obedience. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/2 the wilderness temptation matthew.htm

The Jordan: the Decisive Start. Matthew 3:13-17. Mark 1:9-1Luke
... 9, 17, 18.4:15. His obedience, Luke 2:51. Matthew 26:39. John 10:18.14:
31. Philippians 2:8. Romans 5:19. Hebrews 5:8. knowledge ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/1 the jordan the decisive.htm