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Jesus on the Mountain: A Study in Matthew

Terence Donaldson

345 Pages
1987

Jesus on the Mountain: A Study in Matthew

Bloomsbury Publishing

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Jesus on the Mountain: A Study in Matthew - Summary

In this scholarly yet accessible work, Terence Donaldson presents a groundbreaking analysis of the mountain motif in Matthew's Gospel. The book explores how mountains serve as both physical settings and powerful theological symbols throughout Matthew's narrative, revealing deeper meanings in Jesus' ministry and teaching. Donaldson's innovative approach demonstrates how the Gospel's author deliberately structured his account around mountain scenes to convey important theological truths and emphasize Jesus' divine authority.

Key Ideas

1

Mountains as Divine Intersection Points

- Throughout Matthew's Gospel, mountains function as sacred spaces where heaven meets earth. Donaldson demonstrates how these elevated locations serve as more than mere geographical markers, instead becoming powerful symbols of God's presence and revelation. From the temptation narrative to the Great Commission, mountains represent moments where divine authority and human experience converge in transformative ways.

2

Literary Architecture and Theological Purpose

- The author reveals how Matthew's strategic placement of mountain scenes creates a deliberate literary framework that reinforces Jesus' identity and mission. By bookending the Gospel with significant mountain encounters (the temptation and the Great Commission), Matthew constructs a narrative that emphasizes Jesus' supreme authority and the universal scope of his message.

3

Symbolic Transformation of Traditional Motifs

- Donaldson explores how Matthew adapts and transforms traditional mountain symbolism from Jewish tradition to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations. The mountain settings become places where Jesus redefines traditional understanding of God's presence and authority, establishing a new covenant relationship with his followers.

FAQ's

By focusing on the mountain motif, Donaldson's analysis reveals Matthew's sophisticated literary techniques and theological depth, offering readers new insights into the Gospel's structure and meaning that might otherwise be overlooked.

While the book maintains scholarly rigor, Donaldson presents his arguments in a clear and engaging manner that makes the material accessible to anyone interested in biblical studies, from seminary students to curious lay readers.

Unlike traditional commentaries that focus on verse-by-verse analysis, Donaldson's thematic approach to the mountain motif provides a fresh perspective on Matthew's literary artistry and theological message, offering new ways to understand the Gospel's overall structure and purpose.

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