In this Bible class, Garrett Bookout continues examining how the Gospel of Matthew demonstrates Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament covenants. He highlights that understanding the Old Testament covenants—specifically the **Abrahamic**, **Mosaic**, and **Davidic** covenants—is essential to making sense of the New Testament narratives and debates (such as Gentile inclusion, circumcision, and law vs. grace).

Focusing on the first half of Matthew, Bookout tracks how Matthew systematically builds a case for Jesus’ royal authority:

1. **Lineage & Birth (Matt 1–2):** Jesus establishes his claim as the true King through the lineages of Abraham and David and his birth context.
2. **Divine Vindication (Matt 3):** God's voice at Jesus' baptism confirms Him as the "Son of God" (echoing Psalm 2).
3. **Proclamation & Standards (Matt 4–7):** Jesus announces the arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven and delivers the Sermon on the Mount with singular, divine authority.
4. **Demonstration of Power (Matt 8–9):** Through targeted miracles, Jesus demonstrates complete authority over sickness, demonic forces, physical nature, death, and even sin.

The lesson concludes by emphasizing that entering Jesus’ kingdom is defined not by physical ancestry or lineage, but by recognizing and submitting to His absolute authority.

I. Introduction & Covenant Recap
A. Opening Prayer
B. The Three Major Old Testament Covenants
1. Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12) – Lineage and global blessing
2. Mosaic Covenant (Exodus) – Law, behavior, and the Promised Land
3. Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7) – The royal throne and eternal kingdom
C. Why Covenants Contextualize the New Testament
1. Understanding Jewish vs. Gentile debates (inclusion, circumcision, law)
2. Kingdom core components: Promised People, Promised Land, Promised King

II. Matthew’s Presentation of the King (Matt 1–4)
A. Genealogies & Heritage (Matthew 1)
- Connecting Jesus explicitly to Abraham and David
B. Conflict of Kingship (Matthew 2)
- Wise men seeking the "King of the Jews" vs. King Herod's defensive violence
C. Baptism & Divine Vindication (Matthew 3)
- "This is my beloved Son" as the Psalm 2 royal messianic fulfillment
D. Announcement of the Kingdom (Matthew 4)
- "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"

III. The Reign and Rules of the King (Matt 5–7)
A. Repentance and Moral Expectations
B. The Sermon on the Mount
C. Teaching with Direct Authority
- Contrast between the Scribes quoting authority vs. Jesus declaring "But I say to you..."

IV. Demonstrations of Authority (Matt 8–9)
A. Jesus’ Multi-Faceted Authority
1. Authority over Sickness: Cleansing the Leper (Matt 8:1–4)
2. Authority Defined: The Faith of the Centurion (Matt 8:5–13)
- Meaning of authority: "I say go, and he goes"
- Inclusion of Gentiles in the Kingdom over unfaithful descendants
3. Authority over Sin and Disease: Healing the Paralytic (Matt 9:1–8)
- Demonstrating divine prerogative to forgive sin through visible healing

V. Conclusion & Looking Ahead
A. Fulfillment as Matthew’s Core Theme
B. Looking Ahead to Kingdom Parables (Matt 13) & The Great Commission (Matt 28)
C. Closing Prayer