Twelve

Matthew records a number of things that Jesus did after the Sermon on the Mount. In most cases, what is recorded is what Jesus did with a single individual or at a single point in time. In a one case, separate events, similar in nature, are told side-by-side, and in another case two events are told with one story within another. After these events, Matthew tells of Jesus chosing twelve apostles, and sending them out. Some of the events that Matthew records before the chosing of the apostles are also recorded in Mark and Luke. In some cases, Mark and Luke have more details than Matthew does, which is notable since Matthew records many things in much more detail than the others.

These events make twelve logical illustrations of how Jesus dealt with man.

1. Cleansing the leper
2. The centurion's great faith
3. Healing in Peter's home
4. Cost of discipleship
5. A storm at sea
6. Demonic opposition
7. Healing the paralytic lowered to Him
8. Calling Matthew
9. Healing touch
10. Blind men following
11. Restoring the dumb man
12. A need for shepherds

This list of stories illustrates how Jesus dealt with men in different ways. A number of points can be made. The issues of authority and freewill can be addressed. The work of healing can be addressed. The nature of the Christian life can be addressed. But another point can be made, which reveals a structure in what Matthew was doing as he wrote this Gospel.

These twelve events relate to the twelve tribes of Israel. Genesis 29 and 30 tell the story of the births of eleven of the sons of Jacob. With each child, an explanation of the name is given. Later at the end of Genesis, Jacob blessed his sons, prophetically giving each an appropriate blessing. Four hundred and forty years later, Moses blessed the tribes, giving a conclusion to what God was doing in each son. (This takes about 300 pages to explain.)

These twelve events correlate with the twelve tribes, taken in the order given in Genesis.

Matthew had the twelve tribes in mind when he recorded events between the Sermon on the Mount, and the choosing of twelve apostles. The twelve tribes provide an illustration of God working in four directions on three levels. The events of Matthew express that same multi-faceted work of God.

The names of the twelve tribes are on the gates of the eternal city. The names of the twelve apostles are on the foundations of that city. These twelves mean something enduring.