It is one of the four Books contained in the New Covenant established in the Bible. Did you know that the Gospel of Matthew was written by a tax collector? Enter here and discover why it does not have a chronological order.
Matthew the disciple of Jesus
Gospel of Matthew
Mateo's name comes from the Hebrew language and means "great gift from God". In the Greek language there is a variant and it is Matthias. This biblical character was one of the twelve disciples who were with Jesus during his ministry on Earth.
Mateo was politically a publican and was dedicated to collecting taxes in the city of Carphanaum, a town located in ancient Galilee, today Israel. This character was called by Jesus Christ to follow him and be part of his apostles.
Matthew 9: 9
9 As Jesus passed from there, he saw a man named Mateo, who was sitting at the tax bench, and he said to him: Follow me. And he got up and followed him.
Jesus calls Matthew
El Gospel of Matthew It is the first book that occurs in the New Testament in the Bible. It is estimated that it was written between the years 50 and 70 AD The Gospel tells how Jesus performed his sermons, miracles and his teachings before being crucified. The central theme of this Gospel is to demonstrate that the Messiah announced by the prophets in the Old Testament is Jesus.
As is to be supposed, the Gospel of Matthew was written by this disciple of Jesus. Matthew had a great interest in accounting, as can be seen in the following verses:
Mattheww 7:7-8
23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 And beginning to reckon, one was presented to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
In that sense, Mateo has a skill that allows him to make his writings interesting for Christians. He was expected to record word for word and in detail every sermon, teaching, and deed that the Holy Spirit revealed to him.
This ability meant that Matthew's messages were not only inspired by the Holy Spirit, but also represented the literal transcription of various messages of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5-16). To learn more about the sermons of the Lord and his teachings, we invite you to read about the Parable of the talents.
Mattheww 7:7-8
Seeing the crowd, he went up the mountain; and sitting down, his disciples came to him.
2 And opening his mouth he taught them, saying:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, because they will be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
The Sermon on the Mount
Characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew
The New Testament is traditionally printed with Matthew first, followed by Mark, Luke, and John. It turns out to be the longest Gospel. It is made up of twenty-eight (28) chapters that specify the historical events that surrounded the Son of God.
Among the characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew is the fact that it is the biblical book that makes the most references to the Old Testament. The objective of this resource was to get the message to the Jewish people and for them to understand.
On the other hand, Matthew was evidently written according to a very well established scheme. It is noteworthy that the writer was well educated, and that he arranged his materials taking into account more the approach of the themes, than the strict chronological order.
Another Characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew it is full of messianic language. His intention was to prove, essentially to the Hebrews, that Jesus is the Messiah. In such a way, he initiates the Gospel of him, calling him "son of David" and indicating his lineage, as recorded in Matthew 1:1–17.
When we read Matthew, we can see that three things stand out: Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture, the radical teaching of Jesus, and the way Jesus' identity shapes our own.
Jesus the Messiah
One of the main features in the Gospel of Matthew is the focus it has on the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Ten times in the development of his Gospel, he evidently tells us that some event occurred in the life of Jesus "so that what the prophet had written might be fulfilled."
Now, of all the writers of the Gospel, Matthew especially addresses the Jews who follow Jesus. People who know and believe in the Holy Scriptures want to know if Jesus is truly the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, and if so, how they should live as his followers.
Matthew takes us back many times and tacitly to the ancient story of Moses and the prophets, beckoning so that we can see Jesus in his prophecies. Even as the Book is read, a declaration of fulfillment is found, for which he returns to the Old Covenant and reads the passage in context.
Take your time, to think about how the passage relates to your Old Testament history, you will simply learn so much that Holy Scripture is one great and wonderful story cunningly intertwined and pointing to one person.
Parables
Another characteristic present in Matthew is the emphasis he places on the teaching of Jesus. The passage from the Sermon on the Mount, found in chapters 5, 6 and 7, is probably the best example, as already mentioned above.
In addition to the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew presents several parables: the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31–46), the unforgiving official (Matthew 18:23–35), and the priceless pearl (Matthew 13:44). –46). So many very enriching stories and great lessons. To deepen in this type of teachings we invite you to read the following link that deals with The best parables of Jesus.
Matthew highlights the fact of teaching the faithful of Jesus how their identity as followers of Christ totally replaces all other identities and makes them part of a new community that lives as their King.
He was the only evangelist who told the story of the wise men from the east, who came asking for "the king of the Jews" who was born, followed by the verse:
Matthew 2: 2
2 Where is the King of the Jews who has been born? Because we saw his star in the east and we have come to worship him.
a new identity
The Jewish believers for whom Matthew was writing repeatedly wondered if Jesus really was the Messiah, and if so, what kind of Messiah. This is why Matthew repeatedly focuses on the identification of Jesus Christ and calls him as Son of God, Son of man and Son of David.
It also indicates in very subtle ways who Jesus was, comparing him to Moses, Solomon, David, and others. Matthew made it clear to the Jews that here was someone greater than any prophet, priest, or king they had ever known. Mateo had the concern to tell his readers who they are. Probably when Matthew wrote the Book, the churches were changing. In other words, what was a Jewish movement was beginning to include more Gentiles.
And several questions began to arise for both positions, they wondered if the Jews would be less Jewish when they began to follow Jesus Christ? Or were Gentiles first to become Jews? After so many doubts arisen, Matthew tells his readers, Gentiles and Jews, all alike that his identity does not lie in family, tradition or false freedom, but in Jesus, the Son of God and Savior. The mark of a Jesus community is rooted in radical belief in a Messiah who died and rose from the dead, and radical submission to his commandments.
Now, what applies to that community back then, also applies to us. We constantly need to return to the two questions of identity: Who is Jesus? And who are we for him? The answer from the Book of Matthew is for us today. In summary, the three characteristics of Matthew that have been mentioned is just a start, if you make a bible study of the gospel of matthew, it is possible that you notice others. If we approach the Gospels in this way, new ideas will continue to emerge that will lead us to the worship of Our Lord.
We can see a simple verse in the Sermon on the Mount that gives us a summary of Matthew's view of Jesus:
Matthew 5: 17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to put an end to them, but to give them their full value."
From this it is inferred, Jesus sitting with all authority on the mountain, teaching his people the law. Then we can see that the Old Testament is greatly fulfilled in it.
As you reflect on who is the one with much authority, you come to learn that here is One who is greater than Moses, greater than Abraham, greater than David.
He speaks as God himself, because he is Immanuel, God with us. He is our God, and we are his people.
Structure of the Gospel of Matthew
The structure of the Gospel of Matthew begins with a prologue. The Gospel then addresses eight specific topics and then ends with a summary. These eight chapters address the following topics.
- Origin of the Birth of Jesus.
- Promulgation of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Preaching of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- The mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- The church: firstfruits of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Next coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Crucifixion of Christ.
- Ascension of the Lord.
Our Purpose
The Gospel of Matthew describes in detail each miracle performed by Jesus. It also recounts important events in the life of our savior. this is a living example that Mateo was an eyewitness to these events. And in turn tries to show the Jews that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the promised Messiah, who had been announced by the Old Testament prophets.
Matthew, more than in any other Gospel, cites the Old Testament to show how Our Lord fulfills every word given by the Holy Scriptures given to the Jewish prophets.
On the other hand, it recounts in detail the descent of Jesus from Adam and uses various forms of language to make the Jews feel comfortable. The concern and love that Mateo felt for his people were undeniable, due to his exact way of telling the Gospel story.
Importance
The Book of Matthew shows us many important events and relevant lessons. First of all, it indicates very clearly that Jesus is the Messiah, prophesied throughout the Old Testament.
Just as in the Old Testament, the lamb was to be the firstborn, without blemish. Matthew is dedicated to describing how Jesus had a life without sin, dedicated to his neighbor and his needs. This means that Jesus is the Lamb of God.
On the other hand, he accurately describes the miracles he performed during his Ministry healing the sick, raising the dead, curing people suffering from madness, freeing people from demonic spirits, among others.
This Gospel is in complete harmony with the other three Gospels (Mark, Luke, and John) at the time of writing. For scholars it is irrefutable proof that God sent his Son to Earth, to fulfill the mission entrusted to him, to give his life as a sacrifice for our salvation.
It also shows us, through the Gospel accounts, that because this book was written for the Jewish people, the evangelist never names Jesus as the Son of God. This responds to the fact that among the ancient traditions the name of God could not be named. On the contrary, Jesus could be called the Son of man fulfilling the prophecies of Daniel and Ezekiel who identified him as such.
Mattheww 7:7-8
23 When Jesus entered the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And suddenly a great storm arose on the sea, so that the waves covered the boat; but Jesus was asleep. 25 And coming to him, they awoke him, saying, Lord, saveour, that we perish! 26 And He said to them: Why are you afraid, you of little faith? Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and a great calm ensued. 27 And the men marveled, saying: Who is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
Healing people, as recorded in the following verse:
Jesus himself gives us more than two hundred practical and real teachings on how Our Beloved God wants people to lead their lives, properly handle difficult circumstances, and learn to make decisions regarding their eternal future. Here is an example recorded in the Holy Scriptures on faith:
Matthew 9: 29
29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done to you.
Practical application
The Book of Matthew is a sublime introduction to the main teachings of Christianity. By presenting a natural style, it allows us the easy location and discussion of various topics. Matthew was very important and very useful to understand why the life of Christ was the fulfillment of the predictions of the Old Testament.
Matthew was primarily addressing his fellow Jews, many of them like the Sadducees and Pharisees who stubbornly refused to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah. After a long time of reading and studying the Old Testament his eyes remained blind to the truth about who Jesus Christ was.
Jesus even calls out the hardness with which their hearts act and their refusal to consent to the One they had supposedly been waiting for (John 5:38-40). They simply wanted a Messiah on his own terms, to accede to his own wishes and do what they wanted him to do.
Now the question arises, how insistently do we seek the Lord, but on our own terms? We agree with mercy, love and grace, but on the contrary, we reject him when we do not consider his actions in favor. Let's learn from the Pharisees, let's not venture to make the same mistake, creating a god in our image and then expecting him to live according to our schemes.
The Holy Scriptures provide us with well-substantiated information that is sufficiently related to the truth, identity and nature of our Beloved God, to justify obedience and worship to a god that is only an idol.
The Transfiguration of Jesus
Gospel of Matthew: The end and the great mission
The Gospel of Matthew presents us in the last chapter the call he made to all the apostles of Christ:
Mattheww 7:7-8
18 And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you every day, even to the end of the world.” Amen
the great mission
All Christians have gifts. According to each of these gifts, we should participate in Christian missions. The Great Mission that Jesus left us and that appears in the Gospel of Matthew is a special call for all Christians to go and preach the good news (of the Kingdom of God, eternal life) throughout the Earth.
The Great Mission is the origin of faith, because we believe by faith in someone whom we have not seen. It is the action that all believers in Christian missions must undertake. We must understand that it is a direct order of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11: 1
Faith, then, is the certainty of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
When we delve into verse 18, we can identify that the Lord requires of every Christian a pure, true and profound act of faith. Our Almighty Lord establishes his commitment to us. Furthermore, this verse shows us the total power of Jesus (his omnipotence) over all things (visible and invisible), therefore his deity. If we do not assimilate this, if it is difficult for us to understand it and therefore we do not believe, our faith is not complete. Jesus precisely states all the authority he has over creation (John 1:1-3)
On the other hand, in reference to verse 19, Our Beloved Lord Jesus Christ establishes a mandate to Christians. After receiving the Lord in our lives and declaring him as our Savior, he commands us to preach the gospel (the good news: the Kingdom of Heaven and Eternal Life) in all places, times and people (without respect of persons). Concretizing one of the most important Christian missions, in addition to receiving the Lord, is to be baptized, as this verse says.
Summary
The Gospel of Matthew is divided into eight parts that recount various segments of the life of Jesus. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus, which constitutes and proves that Jesus Christ was an heir to King David. This fact is of great relevance, because it is consistent with the description of the Messiah in the Old Testament.
The section with which it begins also recounts the prodigious birth of Jesus. The second section of the Gospel reviews the opening of the ministry of Jesus. In turn recounts in detail the baptism of Jesus, the temptation by Satan in the desert. And after 40 days and 40 nights of fasting, he managed to resist all temptation.
Then continue the next section and starting from the middle of chapter 4 to the middle of chapter 14, it includes stories of the ministry of Jesus when he passed through Galilee. At this time, he commissioned the twelve disciples, taught the beatitudes, performed miracles, and gave many teachings related to important topics, such as: adultery, divorce, prayer, judging, worrying, and treasures in heaven.
From chapter 13, Jesus Christ begins the teachings in parables to give examples to his teachings. In section four Jesus withdraws from Galilee, and it is there that he performs the miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two small fish, as recorded in:
Matthew 14: 17
17 And they said: We have here only five loaves and two fish.
He also walks on water as outlined in:
Matthew 14: 25
25 And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus He came to them walking on the sea.
Chapter 17 narrates the transfiguration that was witnessed by the three apostles, John, Peter, and James, according to:
Matthew 17: 1
The transfiguration
17 Six days later, Jesus took* with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and led* them up a high mountain apart;
Section six reviews when Jesus returns to Galilee, and the prediction of his death. The seventh section begins with chapter 21, recounts Our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and ends with the trial and crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, as an atonement for the sins of the world. Finally, in the eighth section, recounts the events of the resurrection and Jesus Christ defeating death.
To finish, I leave you this audiovisual material that allows us to delve even deeper into the biblical study of the Gospel of Matthew.