The Gospel of Matthew stands as the gateway to the New Testament, opening with a bold declaration: Jesus Christ is the promised King of Israel, the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy, and the inaugurator of God’s eternal Kingdom. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew meticulously presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of God who brings the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.
From the Sermon on the Mount to the parables of the Kingdom, from miraculous healings to the triumphant resurrection, Matthew unveils the identity, mission, and authority of the King. This Gospel calls every reader to bow before Christ’s sovereignty, embrace His righteous standards, and participate in the mission to make disciples of all nations.
Whether you’re new to the Bible or a seasoned believer, the Gospel of Matthew offers profound insights into the person of Jesus Christ and what it means to live as a citizen of His Kingdom.
Who Was Matthew the Apostle?
From Tax Collector to Gospel Writer
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum before Jesus called him to be one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14). Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society because they worked for the occupying Roman government and were notorious for extortion and corruption.
Yet Jesus saw beyond Matthew’s profession and called him with two simple words: “Follow me.” Matthew left everything, hosted a great feast for Jesus, and became one of His closest disciples. His transformation from a social outcast to a faithful apostle and inspired Gospel writer is a powerful testimony to the grace and transforming power of Christ.
Matthew’s Unique Perspective and Purpose
As a former tax collector, Matthew was skilled in record-keeping and detailed documentation. His Gospel reflects this precision, presenting a carefully organized account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Matthew’s Purpose:
- To prove to Jewish readers that Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures
- To present Jesus as the King who establishes the Kingdom of Heaven
- To provide a comprehensive teaching manual for disciples of all nations
The Structure and Themes of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew’s Jewish Audience and Messianic Focus
Matthew wrote primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience, which explains his frequent references to Old Testament prophecy and his use of the term “Kingdom of Heaven” (rather than “Kingdom of God,” out of reverence for God’s name).
Throughout the Gospel, Matthew highlights how Jesus fulfills Messianic prophecies, using the phrase “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…” over a dozen times.
Five Major Discourses of Jesus
Matthew organizes Jesus’ teachings into five major discourses, each ending with a similar formula: “When Jesus had finished saying these things…” These five discourses may intentionally mirror the five books of Moses (the Torah), presenting Jesus as the New Moses who brings God’s final revelation.
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
- The Mission Discourse (Matthew 10)
- The Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)
- The Discourse on the Church (Matthew 18)
- The Olivet Discourse on the End Times (Matthew 24-25)
The King’s Arrival: Jesus as the Promised Messiah
The Genealogy of the King (Matthew 1:1-17)
Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage through Abraham (the father of the Jewish nation) and David (Israel’s greatest king). This establishes Jesus’ legal right to the throne of Israel.
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
— Matthew 1:1 (NIV)
Spiritual Insight: Jesus is both the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham (blessing to all nations) and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (eternal King).
The Virgin Birth and Fulfillment of Prophecy (Matthew 1:18-25)
Matthew records the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14:
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
— Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
Spiritual Insight: Jesus is both fully God and fully man, the perfect mediator between God and humanity.
The Visit of the Magi: Gentiles Worship the King (Matthew 2:1-12)
The arrival of the Magi (wise men) from the East to worship the newborn King foreshadows the Gospel’s ultimate reach to the Gentiles. While the Jewish religious leaders ignored Jesus’ birth, these foreign seekers recognized His royalty and worshiped Him.
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
— Matthew 2:2 (NIV)
Spiritual Insight: True worship comes from a seeking heart, not religious pedigree.
The Sermon on the Mount: The Constitution of the Kingdom
The Beatitudes – Blessings of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:1-12)
The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that describe the character of Kingdom citizens. These blessings turn worldly values upside down.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
— Matthew 5:3-5 (NIV)
Spiritual Application: True blessing comes not from worldly success but from spiritual poverty, humility, and hunger for righteousness.
Salt and Light – The Influence of Kingdom Citizens (Matthew 5:13-16)
Jesus calls His followers to be salt (preserving and enhancing) and light (illuminating truth in darkness).
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:14, 16 (NIV)
Spiritual Application: Christians are called to influence culture for good and point others to God through righteous living.
Jesus Fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)
Jesus declares that He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. He sets a standard of righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees.
“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 (NIV)
Spiritual Application: Jesus perfectly kept the Law on our behalf and calls us to a righteousness that flows from the heart, not mere external compliance.
Kingdom Righteousness Exceeds Pharisaical Religion (Matthew 5:21-48)
Jesus contrasts the external religion of the Pharisees with the internal transformation of the Kingdom. He addresses anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
— Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)
Spiritual Application: Kingdom living requires radical love, forgiveness, and trust in God’s justice.
True Worship, Prayer, and Trust (Matthew 6:1-34)
Jesus teaches about giving, praying, and fasting in secret, avoiding hypocrisy. He gives us the Lord’s Prayer as a model and commands us to seek first the Kingdom of God.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Spiritual Application: Anxiety is cured by trust in God’s provision and a focus on Kingdom priorities.
Judging, Asking, and Building on the Rock (Matthew 7:1-29)
Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, encourages persistent prayer, and concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
— Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
Spiritual Application: Hearing God’s Word is not enough; we must obey it.
The Miracles of the King: Demonstrating Divine Authority
Healing the Sick and Casting Out Demons
Matthew records numerous miracles where Jesus demonstrates authority over disease, demons, and death. These miracles authenticate His identity as the Messiah and reveal the compassion of the King.
Examples:
- Healing a leper (Matthew 8:1-4)
- Healing the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
- Calming the storm (Matthew 8:23-27)
- Casting out demons (Matthew 8:28-34)
- Healing a paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8)
- Raising a dead girl (Matthew 9:18-26)
Authority Over Nature and Death
Jesus’ miracles over nature (calming storms, walking on water, multiplying loaves and fish) reveal that He is the Creator King with dominion over all creation.
“What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
— Matthew 8:27 (NIV)
The Parables of the Kingdom
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)
Jesus teaches that the Word of the Kingdom falls on different types of soil, representing different heart conditions. Only those with receptive hearts will bear fruit.
Spiritual Application: Are you good soil? Do you receive God’s Word with faith and perseverance?
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
The Kingdom of God grows alongside evil in this age. At the end, God will separate the righteous from the wicked.
Spiritual Application: God is patient, allowing time for repentance. But judgment is coming.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed and Leaven (Matthew 13:31-33)
Though the Kingdom starts small, it will grow to fill the whole earth.
Spiritual Application: Don’t despise small beginnings. God’s Kingdom is advancing.
The Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46)
The Kingdom of Heaven is worth everything. Those who discover it will sell all to possess it.
Spiritual Application: Is Jesus your greatest treasure?
The King’s Journey to the Cross
Peter’s Confession: “You Are the Messiah” (Matthew 16:13-20)
When Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter declares, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 16:17 (NIV)
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Glory (Matthew 17:1-13)
Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountain, confirming His identity as the beloved Son of God.
The Triumphal Entry: The King Comes to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11)
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. The crowds shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
The Passion of the King: Crucifixion and Resurrection
The Last Supper and Betrayal (Matthew 26:17-56)
Jesus institutes the New Covenant in His blood and is betrayed by Judas.
The Trial and Crucifixion (Matthew 27:1-66)
Jesus is condemned, mocked, and crucified. Even in death, He is declared “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37).
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
— Matthew 27:46 (NIV)
The Resurrection: The King Conquers Death (Matthew 28:1-10)
On the third day, Jesus rises from the dead, conquering sin and death forever.
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
— Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
The Great Commission: The King’s Final Command
All Authority in Heaven and on Earth (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey all He commanded.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Timeless Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew
Living as Citizens of the Kingdom
Matthew calls us to live according to the values of God’s Kingdom: humility, mercy, purity, and love.
The Call to Radical Discipleship
Following Jesus requires total surrender and obedience.
Waiting for the King’s Return
Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. Are you ready?
Conclusion: The King Reigns Forever
The Gospel of Matthew proclaims that Jesus Christ is King—not just of Israel, but of the entire universe. His Kingdom has come, is coming, and will be consummated when He returns in glory.
Will you bow before the King? Will you enter His Kingdom? Will you join His mission?
The King has spoken. Now we must respond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is Matthew the first book of the New Testament?
A: Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
Q2: What is the Kingdom of Heaven?
A: The Kingdom of Heaven is God’s reign and rule, both present now in the hearts of believers and future in its full consummation.
Q3: What are the main themes of Matthew?
A: Jesus as King, the Kingdom of Heaven, fulfillment of prophecy, and the call to discipleship.
Q4: What is the Sermon on the Mount?
A: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus’ teaching on Kingdom living and righteousness.
Q5: What is the Great Commission?
A: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
May the Gospel of Matthew inspire you to worship Jesus as King, live as a citizen of His Kingdom, and join His mission to the ends of the earth. Amen.