The Gospel of Matthew

In the Beginning

Matthew’s gospel has always been prized by Christians. He proves by quoting the prophecies that the long-awaited Messiah has come. Without question he wrote for a Jewish audience. Some early church fathers believed he originally wrote in Hebrew with the Greek text we have now coming later. But since no fragment of an earlier Aramaic text exists, this has to be considered as simply a scholarly conjecture.

This issue of The Herald explores the life and ministry of Jesus as uniquely described by a former publican known by both the name Levi and Matthew. His attention to detail befits a former tax collector, who probably wrote before the others and took special care to be sure he had his facts straight. One scholar says more than forty percent of the material in this gospel cannot be found in Mark, Luke, or John.

We begin with a short overview entitled The King and His Kingdom. Although he was welcomed as a king by his own nation, Matthew points out that all mankind, not just Jews, will eventually be blessed because of Jesus. That it Might be Fulfilled explores many prophecies cited as proof that Jesus really was who he said he was.

The Kingdom of Heaven was the dominant subject of our Lord’s ministry. He spoke of it nearly all the time and from various perspectives. The phrase is found only in Matthew. Secrets of the Kingdom considers the parables, especially those found only in this gospel. Parables simultaneously conceal truth from those with only casual interest while revealing much to those who truly want to know and do more.\

Jesus’ Birth and Childhood recounts some of the details associated with the birth of Jesus not mentioned by others. Especially interesting is the visit of the wise men, generally assumed to be three in number because three gifts are listed. The Beatitudes and More provides an overview of chapters five through seven often called The Sermon on the Mount. Death and Resurrection is the final article. There are at least six details about the crucifixion and resurrection that are found only in this gospel.

Matthew’s perspective on the life and death of Jesus Christ is a precious treasure of the church today, as it has been all through the age. May we, as footstep followers of Jesus, draw strength from this account so that we, like the master, prove faithful even unto death.