Matthew: Life And Teachings Of Jesus Christ
The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, was likely written sometime between 70 and 100 CE. While the exact date and authorship have been debated by scholars, most agree it was composed in the late 1st century, possibly in the city of Antioch or another urban center in Syria.
At the time, the region was under the control of the powerful Roman Empire, which had conquered Judea in the 1st century BCE. This political landscape was characterized by tension and conflict, as the Jewish people struggled to maintain their cultural and religious identity under Roman rule. Antioch, where Matthew’s Gospel is believed to have been written, was a thriving, diverse metropolis with a mix of Jewish and Gentile residents.
The people were grappling with the aftermath of the devastating destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE, which had profoundly impacted the Jewish community. This event, along with the growing influence of Gentile Christians, created a need for a Gospel that could speak to the concerns and experiences of both Jewish and Gentile believers.
Matthew’s Gospel is significant in Christianity because it presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The author emphasizes Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, and portrays him as a new lawgiver, the authoritative interpreter of the Mosaic Law. Additionally, Matthew’s Gospel highlights the universality of Jesus’ message, making it accessible to both Jews and Gentiles, and laying the foundation for the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins.
The Author of Matthew
The book of Matthew in the Bible is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Matthew, also known as Levi. Matthew was a tax collector before he became one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Tax collectors were often viewed as traitors and sinners in Jewish society at the time because of their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their tendency to extort money from their fellow Jews. Despite his background, Matthew was chosen by Jesus to become a follower and later an apostle, showcasing the transformative power of Jesus’ message of forgiveness and redemption.
Matthew’s motivation for writing his gospel was likely to provide a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection for a primarily Jewish audience. This gospel highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus’ life and emphasizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Matthew’s background as a tax collector would have given him a unique perspective on the themes of forgiveness, repentance, and mercy that are prominent in his gospel. Matthew aimed to present a compelling case to his fellow Jews that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation by sharing the life and teachings of Jesus.
Despite facing social stigma and rejection due to his former occupation, Matthew’s personal circumstances were transformed through his encounter with Jesus. He witnessed firsthand the miracles, teachings, and sacrificial love of Jesus as a disciple and apostle. His decision to follow Jesus led to a radical transformation in his life, from a tax collector seeking wealth to a devoted follower of Christ proclaiming the good news of salvation. Through his gospel, Matthew shared his testimony and the profound impact that Jesus had on his life, encouraging others to turn to Christ and experience the same transformative power.
Overview of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, provides a comprehensive account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Divided into five main sections, the book explores various aspects of Jesus’ ministry and teachings.
The opening section establishes Jesus’ lineage from Abraham and David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, and recounts His birth, the visit of the Magi, and the family’s escape to Egypt to avoid Herod’s massacre of infants.
The second section focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, and the beginning of His public ministry. It includes the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivers the Beatitudes and teachings on prayer, fasting, and love for enemies.
The third section features Jesus’ parables and teachings, emphasizing the kingdom of heaven, forgiveness, and the importance of faith. It also recounts the miracles Jesus performed, demonstrating His power over nature, sickness, and death.
The fourth section details Jesus’ predictions of His death and resurrection, His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and ultimately, His resurrection, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The final section includes the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing the universal mission of the Church and the promise of Jesus’ presence until the end of the age.
The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and establishing the foundation of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the teachings of Jesus on love, forgiveness, and the kingdom of heaven, providing a guide for believers on how to live a life pleasing to God, while also highlighting the importance of faith, repentance, and discipleship in following Jesus and spreading the Gospel to all nations.
Key themes of Matthew
Matthew is about Faith
The theme of faith is central in the book of Matthew, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and believing in His power. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Throughout the book, numerous accounts showcase the power of faith, such as the faith of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 and the faith of the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak in Matthew 9:20-22. Jesus repeatedly commends those who demonstrate unwavering faith, highlighting its significance in receiving God’s blessings and miracles. The book of Matthew encourages believers to have faith in God’s promises and to trust in His plan, knowing that with faith, all things are possible.
Matthew is about Compassion
Compassion is a key theme in the book of Matthew, emphasizing the importance of showing kindness and mercy towards others. Jesus teaches his followers to have compassion for those in need, such as the sick, the hungry, and the marginalized. In Matthew 9:36, it is written that Jesus had compassion on the crowds because they were like sheep without a shepherd. This theme is further highlighted in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Matthew 10:25-37, where Jesus teaches that true compassion involves helping those who are suffering, regardless of their background or beliefs. Ultimately, the book of Matthew calls on believers to embody the compassion of Christ in their interactions with others, reflecting the love and mercy of God in all aspects of their lives.
Matthew is about Forgiveness
A key theme in the book of Matthew is forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches the importance of forgiving others so that we may also be forgiven by God. He emphasizes the need to let go of anger and resentment towards those who have wronged us, just as God forgives us for our own mistakes. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus goes even further, instructing his disciples to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times. This shows the limitless nature of forgiveness that we are called to embody as followers of Christ. Through parables like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus illustrates the boundless mercy and grace of God towards those who repent and seek forgiveness. Ultimately, the book of Matthew highlights the transformative power of forgiveness in our lives, both in our relationship with others and with God.
Matthew is about Service
At the heart of the book of Matthew lies the theme of service. Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of serving others selflessly, just as he came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:28). In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus emphasizes the significance of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick as acts of service to Him. The ultimate example of service is seen in Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, showing humility and love (John 13:1-17). As followers of Christ, we are called to follow his example and serve others with compassion and kindness, reflecting the love of God in our actions.
Matthew is about Love
Matthew emphasizes the theme of love throughout his gospel, highlighting the importance of loving God and loving others. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus states that the greatest commandments are to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This idea is further reinforced in Matthew 5:43-44, where Jesus teaches his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. The ultimate act of love is demonstrated through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, as stated in John 3:16, showing that God’s love for humanity is unconditional and sacrificial. Matthew’s gospel serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love in our lives and the importance of embodying this love in all that we do.
Important Verses in Matthew:
Matthew 1:23: 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew 4:4: 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 5:3: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:14: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-13: 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:33: 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 7:7: 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Matthew 7:12: 12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 11:28-30: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 22:37-39: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 28:19-20: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.