What is the main message of the Book of Matthew?

The Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, holds a significant place in the Christian canon as it bridges the Old Testament prophecies with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Composed primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew's Gospel is a theological masterpiece that seeks to present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the sovereign King who inaugurates the Kingdom of Heaven. Understanding the main message of the Book of Matthew requires us to delve into its themes, structure, and the cultural context in which it was written.

Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy

One of the central messages of Matthew is the portrayal of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Matthew meticulously links the events of Jesus' life to the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures, emphasizing that Jesus is the anticipated Messiah who fulfills God's promises to Israel. This is evident from the very beginning of the Gospel, where Matthew traces Jesus' genealogy back to Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1-17). By doing so, Matthew establishes Jesus' rightful place in Jewish history and His divine mission.

Throughout the Gospel, Matthew frequently uses the formula "This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet," underscoring the continuity between Jesus' life and the prophetic tradition. For example, the virgin birth of Jesus is linked to Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:22-23), and the family's flight to Egypt is connected to Hosea 11:1 (Matthew 2:15). These connections serve to affirm Jesus' messianic identity and reassure Jewish readers of the legitimacy of His claims.

The Kingdom of Heaven

Another pivotal theme in Matthew is the Kingdom of Heaven. Unlike the other synoptic Gospels, Matthew uses the term "Kingdom of Heaven" rather than "Kingdom of God," reflecting a Jewish reverence for the divine name. The Kingdom of Heaven is a central motif in Jesus' teachings, and Matthew presents it as both a present reality and a future hope.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus outlines the ethical and spiritual standards of the Kingdom, emphasizing righteousness, mercy, and the transformative power of God's rule in the hearts of believers. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) encapsulate the values of the Kingdom, highlighting the blessedness of those who embody humility, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness.

Jesus' parables further illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 13, He uses parables such as the sower, the mustard seed, and the leaven to convey the Kingdom's mysterious growth and its transformative impact on the world. These parables reveal that the Kingdom is both hidden and revealed, small yet powerful, and present yet awaiting full consummation.

Jesus as the New Moses

Matthew also presents Jesus as the new Moses, a figure who leads His people into a new covenant relationship with God. This parallel is evident in the structure of the Gospel, which is organized into five discourses, mirroring the five books of the Torah. These discourses include the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the Missionary Discourse (Matthew 10), the Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13), the Community Discourse (Matthew 18), and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25).

Each discourse reveals aspects of Jesus' teaching and authority, reinforcing His role as a lawgiver and teacher. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reinterprets the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its spirit rather than its letter. He declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). This fulfillment is not merely a continuation but a radical transformation, as Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees.

Jesus' Authority and Mission

The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus' authority over all creation. His authority is demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His resurrection. From calming storms to healing the sick, Jesus' miraculous acts serve as signs of His divine authority and His compassionate mission to restore and redeem.

Moreover, Matthew highlights Jesus' authority in the Great Commission, where the risen Christ commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This commission underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission and the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Gospel's conclusion with the Great Commission reflects the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the ongoing mission of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Discipleship

Discipleship is another key theme in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus calls individuals to follow Him, teaching them to live according to the values of the Kingdom. Discipleship in Matthew involves a radical commitment to Jesus, characterized by self-denial, taking up one's cross, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel (Matthew 16:24-25).

The Gospel also addresses the cost of discipleship, as seen in the rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus (Matthew 19:16-22). Here, Jesus challenges the young man to sell his possessions and follow Him, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing the Kingdom above all else. This call to radical discipleship resonates throughout the Gospel, inviting readers to embrace a life of sacrificial service and unwavering devotion to Christ.

The Conflict with Religious Authorities

Matthew's Gospel also depicts the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of His day. The scribes and Pharisees are often portrayed as antagonists who oppose Jesus' message and question His authority. This conflict reaches its climax in the Passion narrative, where the religious leaders conspire to arrest and crucify Jesus.

Matthew's portrayal of this conflict serves to highlight the tension between the old religious order and the new covenant inaugurated by Jesus. The religious leaders' rejection of Jesus underscores the tragic irony of their failure to recognize the Messiah they had long awaited. Yet, this rejection also fulfills God's redemptive plan, as Jesus' death and resurrection pave the way for the salvation of all humanity.

The Inclusivity of the Gospel

While Matthew is primarily addressed to a Jewish audience, it also emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel message. The genealogy of Jesus includes Gentile women such as Rahab and Ruth, foreshadowing the universal reach of the Kingdom. Furthermore, the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) and the Canaanite woman's faith (Matthew 15:21-28) illustrate the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Gospel's conclusion with the Great Commission further underscores the call to make disciples of all nations, affirming the inclusivity and universality of Jesus' mission. This message of inclusivity challenges readers to embrace the diversity of the Kingdom and to extend the love and grace of Christ to all people, regardless of their background or status.

Conclusion

The main message of the Book of Matthew is a multifaceted proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the inaugurator of the Kingdom of Heaven. Through its rich tapestry of themes, Matthew presents a compelling portrait of Jesus as the authoritative teacher, compassionate healer, and sovereign King who calls His followers to radical discipleship and participation in His redemptive mission. The Gospel invites readers to recognize Jesus' identity, embrace the values of the Kingdom, and live out their faith in a world that desperately needs the transformative power of the Gospel.