The Unique Character of Matthew's Gospel
The Gospel of Matthew is often called the 'Jewish Gospel' because of its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah. Written by Saint Matthew, a former tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve apostles, this Gospel was likely written for a Jewish-Christian audience. Matthew's Gospel is particularly rich in Old Testament references and shows how Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew's Genealogy and Birth Narrative
Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph (Matthew 1:1-17). This genealogy shows that Jesus is the legitimate heir to David's throne and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David. Matthew's birth narrative emphasizes Jesus' identity as the Messiah and includes the story of the Magi, who represent the Gentiles coming to worship the Jewish Messiah. The flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth also fulfill Old Testament prophecies.
Jesus as the New Moses
Matthew presents Jesus as the new Moses, the great lawgiver and deliverer of God's people. Like Moses, Jesus is saved from a murderous king as a baby, goes to Egypt, and returns to lead His people. Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount from a mountain, just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai. Jesus' five major discourses in Matthew (chapters 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 24-25) parallel the five books of the Pentateuch. This parallel helps us understand that Jesus is not abolishing the Law but fulfilling it.
The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of the most important sections of Matthew's Gospel. This sermon presents Jesus' new law - a law of love and grace that goes deeper than the external observance of the old law. Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, which show us the path to true happiness. He then teaches about the importance of being salt and light in the world, the fulfillment of the Law, and the proper way to pray, fast, and give alms. This sermon challenges us to live according to God's ways and to be different from the world.
Jesus' Miracles and Authority
Matthew's Gospel contains many of Jesus' miracles, which demonstrate His authority and power as the Son of God. These miracles include healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, and even raising the dead. Matthew often groups these miracles together to show Jesus' authority over different aspects of creation - disease, demons, nature, and death. These miracles are not just displays of power, but signs that point to Jesus' identity and the coming of God's kingdom.
The Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew's Gospel frequently refers to the 'kingdom of heaven' (using this phrase instead of 'kingdom of God' out of respect for Jewish sensibilities). Jesus teaches about the kingdom through parables, which are stories that reveal spiritual truths. These parables help us understand what the kingdom is like and how we should live as citizens of God's kingdom. The kingdom is both present (in Jesus' ministry) and future (when it will be fully established).
Jesus' Teaching on Discipleship
Matthew's Gospel contains important teachings about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, to love their enemies, to forgive others, and to serve the least among us. He teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or status. These teachings challenge us to examine our own discipleship and to live according to Jesus' example.
The Passion and Resurrection
Matthew's account of Jesus' passion and resurrection emphasizes Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The passion narrative shows Jesus as the suffering servant who willingly gives His life for the salvation of others. The resurrection account emphasizes the reality of Jesus' victory over death and His commissioning of the disciples to make disciples of all nations. Matthew's Gospel ends with the Great Commission, which calls us to continue Jesus' mission in the world.
Key Themes in Matthew's Gospel
Several key themes run throughout Matthew's Gospel: the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the kingdom of heaven, discipleship, the Church, and the universal mission of Jesus. These themes help us understand Matthew's vision of Jesus and His mission. They also challenge us to live as faithful disciples and to participate in Jesus' mission to the world.
The Church in Matthew's Gospel
Matthew's Gospel contains the only explicit mention of the Church in the Gospels (Matthew 16:18 and 18:17). Jesus tells Peter that He will build His Church on the rock of Peter's faith, and He gives the Church the power to bind and loose. This teaching shows us that Jesus intended to establish a visible community of believers that would continue His mission in the world. The Church is not just a spiritual reality, but a concrete community of disciples.
Practical Applications for Today
Matthew's Gospel has many practical applications for our daily lives. Its emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy reminds us that God is faithful to His promises and that His plan is unfolding throughout history. Its focus on the kingdom of heaven calls us to live as citizens of God's kingdom here and now. Its teaching about discipleship challenges us to follow Jesus more closely and to serve others. Its universal mission reminds us that Jesus came for all people and that we are called to share His love with the world.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Matthew is a rich and complex account of Jesus' life and ministry that emphasizes His identity as the Jewish Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Its teachings and stories continue to speak to our hearts and challenge us to live as faithful disciples. By studying and praying with Matthew's Gospel, we can grow in our understanding of Jesus and in our commitment to following Him. Matthew's Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's promises and that He calls us to be part of His mission to the world.