Matthew

Matthew

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The book of Matthew was primarily written to Jewish readers.  For example, the book of Matthew begins with “a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1).  Matthew 1:17 states, “All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.” 

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Matthew wrote the book of Matthew.  He was a tax collector who became one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.  According to the introduction to the book of Matthew in the Sourceview Bible, the book of “Matthew would have been written in the middle of the first century, probably only a few decades after the events of Jesus’ life and ministry, but before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.”  The author of the book knew the genealogical record of Jesus (see Matthew 1:1-17).  The author was also very familiar with the activities of Jesus.  For example, the author recorded many of Jesus’ teachings and healings. 

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

Jesus is the Messiah (see Matthew 1:1, 1:16, 1:18).  Jesus is Immanuel which means “God is with us” (see Matthew 1:23).  Jesus is the King of the Jews (see Matthew 2:2).  Jesus is Shepherd (see Matthew 2:6).  Jesus is both Teacher and Healer.  For example, Matthew 4:23-24 states, “Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom.  And he healed every kind of disease and illness.  News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick.  And whatever their sickness or disease, or it they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed – he healed them all.”  The message of “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” was given by both John the Baptist (see Matthew 3:2) and Jesus (see Matthew 4:17).  Jesus called His “twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and heal every kind of disease and illness” (Matthew 10:1). 

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason the book of Matthew was written was “to offer irrefutable proof that the long-awaited Messiah had come to inaugurate God’s kingdom on earth. He offers a persuasive account of the Good News of Jesus, citing Old Testament evidence that supported the claims believers had been making about Jesus” (see introduction to the book of Matthew in the Sourceview Bible).  

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Matthew reveals that Jesus is the Son of God.  After Jesus’ baptism, a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy” (see Matthew 3:17).  The book of Matthew also demonstrates that Jesus is the Messiah.  Jesus is Immanuel.  Jesus is the King of the Jews. Jesus is Shepherd. Jesus is Teacher. Jesus is Healer. The message of both John the Baptist and Jesus was “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near”.  The Beatitudes reveal that God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him.  God blesses those who mourn.  God blesses those who are humble.  God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  God blesses those who are merciful.  God bless those who hearts are pure.  God blesses those who work for peace.  God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right (see Matthew 5:3-12).  Jesus came to fulfill the purpose of the law of Moses (see Matthew 5:17-19).  Jesus taught his disciples how they are to pray to their Father (see Matthew 6:5-13).  Jesus taught His disciples to store up treasures in heaven adding that “where your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (see Matthew 6:19-21).  As the Son of God, Jesus taught His followers about God by what He said and what He did.  Jesus taught. Jesus preached the Good News. Jesus healed the sick. Jesus cast out demons. Jesus taught His disciples to do the same things He did. 

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

Jesus has risen from the dead like He said he would (see Matthew 28:5-7).  Jesus is who He says He is.  Jesus is the Son of Man.  Jesus is the Messiah.  Jesus is King.  Matthew 25:31-36 states, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. . .’”  God’s children will be blessed; they will inherit the Kingdom prepared for them.  The “righteous will go into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46).

Personal Application

Jesus said, “So don’t worry about these things, saying ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.  Today’s trouble is enough for today.”  Jesus clearly teaches His children not to worry.  He explains that our heavenly Father knows all our needs and He will meet our needs. He teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Admittedly, I struggle with worry.  My application for the book of Matthew is to stop worrying. I will intentionally seek first God’s Kingdom and God’s righteousness.  I will trust my heavenly Father to meet all my needs.

Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known.  The book of Matthew teaches us a lot about who Jesus is.  Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is Messiah.  Jesus is King.  Jesus is Healer. Jesus is Teacher. Jesus casts out demons. Jesus taught His disciples how to live their lives. It is my desire to teach others about who Jesus really is.  I will endeavor to live my life like Jesus lived His life and encourage others to do the same.