What is Matthew about in the Bible? The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels, holds a unique place in Christian theology and literature. Written by the apostle Matthew, it aims to provide a comprehensive account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This article delves into the core themes and purposes of the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting its significance in understanding the Christian faith.
The Gospel of Matthew is often referred to as the “Jewish Gospel” because it is believed to have been written primarily for a Jewish audience. Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah. The opening verse of the Gospel states, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1), emphasizing Jesus’ Jewish heritage and his connection to the lineage of King David and Abraham.
One of the central themes of Matthew is Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of heaven. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus uses parables and teachings to convey the nature of the kingdom and its implications for his followers. Matthew emphasizes the importance of faith, repentance, and obedience to God’s word in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. The Sermon on the Mount, found in chapters 5-7, is a pivotal moment where Jesus delivers his profound teachings on how to live a life of righteousness and peace.
Another significant theme in Matthew is Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Matthew meticulously documents Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in a way that highlights his fulfillment of these prophecies. For example, he quotes from the Old Testament to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), the suffering servant (Isaiah 53), and the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Furthermore, Matthew emphasizes the role of Jesus as a teacher and a prophet. He presents Jesus as a rabbi who imparts wisdom and teaches his disciples about the kingdom of heaven. Matthew also portrays Jesus as a prophet who performs miracles and signs, demonstrating his divine authority and mission.
The Gospel of Matthew also addresses the issue of Jesus’ identity. Matthew confronts the skepticism and disbelief of some of his contemporaries by providing evidence of Jesus’ divine nature. He recounts Jesus’ baptism, temptation, and transfiguration, all of which serve to confirm his divine identity.
Lastly, the Gospel of Matthew concludes with the resurrection of Jesus and the commissioning of his disciples to spread the good news of the kingdom. Matthew emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the foundation for salvation and the central message of the Gospel.
In conclusion, the Gospel of Matthew is about the life, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, presented as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah. It aims to convince both Jewish and Gentile readers of the divine nature of Jesus and his role in establishing the kingdom of heaven. By exploring the themes and purposes of Matthew, readers gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its foundational teachings.
