The Gospel of Matthew

Book Introduction

The Gospel of Matthew has traditionally been understood to be written by Matthew the Apostle (AKA Levi) and provides a solid account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It begins with Jesus' genealogy and contributions to the Nativity story (Luke provides other parts), showing the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy, and ends with the death and resurrection of Christ, with the final words being the Great Commission.

Packed inside, we find many parts of Jesus' ministry. We have many preserved parables, the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, Jesus' baptism, the ministry of John the Baptist, miracles, evangelism, fulfilled prophecies, and more! The Gospel of Matthew has a particularly Jewish flavour and highlights Jesus as the Messiah, both the Son of David and the Son of God, who will bring salvation to the people. 

Below is a general narrative summary of the Gospel:

1:1–4:16 Establishing the identity and role of Jesus, the protagonist of the story.

4:17–11:1 Jesus embarks upon a ministry of teaching and healing to manifest God’s saving presence in Israel.

11:2–16:20 While faulty interpretations of Jesus’ ministry lead to misunderstanding and repudiation, the disciples, through divine revelation, are provided special insight into Jesus’ person and mission.

16:21–20:34 During Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem he engages his disciples in explicit discussion concerning the ultimate values, priorities, and intentions of his messianic mission.

21:1–25:46 Upon entering Jerusalem Jesus’ actions and teachings lead to conflict and rejection by the Jewish authorities.

26:1–27:50 While hostility and misunderstanding coalesce in betrayal, desertion, and death, Jesus is resolved to consciously and voluntarily fulfill the divine plan.

27:51–28:20 God ultimately vindicates his Son as evidenced by cosmic signs and by raising him from the dead and giving him authority to commission his disciples to a worldwide mission. (Chouinard, 1997)

Reflective Questions

• Think of connections between the parables, your own life, the lives of others you know, the lives of those of the Old Testament, and those in history.

• Did Jesus revere the Pharisees and how the Jews were practising their religion?

• What do you find striking about the Great Commission, and what does it mean to you?

• Summarise what you felt the purpose of Jesus’ ministry was.

Reference List

Chouinard, L. (1997). Matthew. College Press.