The Gospel of Matthew is one of the most significant books in the New Testament, offering a rich and structured account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditionally attributed to Matthew (also known as Levi the Publican), a former tax collector and one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, this Gospel serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. It emphasizes Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the Savior of the world. This survey will explore the key themes, structure, and theological contributions of the Gospel of Matthew, drawing from my college notes and adding further insights.

Keys to Understanding Matthew

• Human Author: Matthew (Levi the Publican), as recorded in Matthew 9:9. His background as a tax collector uniquely positions him to write a Gospel that emphasizes Jesus’ outreach to sinners and outcasts.
• Type of Writing: Gospel/Historical Narrative. Matthew’s Gospel is both a theological and historical account, blending Jesus’ teachings with the story of His life.
• Date of Writing: Around AD 60, making it one of the earliest Gospels written.
• Primary Audience: Greek-speaking Jews, though it also addresses a broader Gentile audience. Matthew’s frequent references to Old Testament prophecies and Jewish customs make it particularly relevant to Jewish readers.
• Key Verse: Matthew 1:22–23, which highlights the fulfillment of prophecy: “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.”
• Big Idea: Jesus is the Jewish Messiah (Christ), the Son of God, and the Savior of the world who died for our sins, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament.

Outline of Matthew

1. Introducing the King (Chapters 1–3)

Matthew begins by establishing Jesus’ royal and Jewish lineage, tracing His genealogy back to Abraham and David. This section highlights Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah and King.

• Genealogy of Jesus Christ (1:1): Son of David (Kingly line) and Son of Abraham (Jewish line). The genealogy includes both notable figures and unexpected individuals, such as women and Gentiles, signaling the inclusive nature of Jesus’ mission.
• Birth of Jesus: The virgin birth and the name Emmanuel (“God with us”) underscore His divine nature. The fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 is a key theological point.
• Visit by the Wise Men (2:1–2): The Magi recognize Jesus as the King of the Jews, contrasting with Herod’s hostility.
• Slaughter in Bethlehem (2:16): Herod’s attempt to kill the child Jesus foreshadows the conflict between earthly and heavenly kingdoms.
• Introduction by John the Baptist: John prepares the way for Jesus, who is baptized and affirmed by God the Father (3:16–17). The baptism marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.

2. The Way of the King (Chapters 4–7) — The Sermon on the Mount

This section focuses on Jesus’ teachings and the ethical standards of His Kingdom.

• Christ’s Victory Over Temptation: Jesus succeeds where Adam failed, relying on the Word of God (4:3–4). This victory establishes His moral authority.
• Christ’s Early Ministry: His preaching, calling of disciples, and growing fame (4:17–20). Jesus’ message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” sets the tone for His mission.
• The Beatitudes: Jesus outlines the characteristics of those who belong to His Kingdom, emphasizing humility, mercy, and purity of heart.
• A Greater Law of Love: Jesus calls His followers to love even their enemies (5:43–44), redefining righteousness.
• Motives and Prayer: Teachings on sincere worship and storing treasures in heaven (6:20–21, 24). The Lord’s Prayer (6:9–13) is a central model for prayer.
• Serving God vs. Money: A call to prioritize spiritual over material wealth.
• The Broad and Narrow Way: The choice between destruction and life (7:13–14).
• The Wise and the Foolish: A call to build one’s life on the foundation of Jesus’ teachings.

3. The People of the Kingdom (Chapters 8–10) — The Sending of the Twelve

Jesus demonstrates His authority and compassion, then commissions His disciples to continue His work.

• Compassion for the Needy: Jesus reaches out to the sinful and marginalized (9:11–13), embodying God’s grace.
• Authority Over All: Jesus heals diseases, calms storms, casts out demons, forgives sins, and raises the dead (8:16–17; 9:24–26). These miracles authenticate His divine mission.
• The Sending of the Twelve: Jesus empowers His disciples to preach, heal, and cast out demons (10:5–8). This mission reflects the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

4. Responses to the King (Chapters 11–13) — The Kingdom Parables

This section explores various reactions to Jesus’ ministry and His teachings about the Kingdom.

• John the Baptist: Doubt (11:2–3). Jesus reassures John by pointing to His works.
• Cities of Galilee: Indifference. Jesus rebukes cities that reject His message.
• The Pharisees: Rejection (12:14). Their opposition grows as Jesus challenges their traditions.
• The People of Nazareth: Offense (13:55, 57–58). Jesus’ hometown rejects Him.
• Invitation to All: Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him (11:28–29).
• Kingdom Parables: Jesus uses parables to reveal the nature of the Kingdom, including the Parable of the Soils, the Wheat and Tares, the Mustard Seed, and the Pearl of Great Price. These parables highlight the growth, value, and final judgment of the Kingdom.

5. Expectations of the Kingdom (Chapters 14–20) — The Upside-Down Nature

Jesus redefines greatness and challenges societal norms.

• Miracles: Feeding the 5,000 and walking on water demonstrate Jesus’ divine power and compassion.
• Peter’s Confession: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (16:15–16). This confession is a turning point in the Gospel.
• The Cost of Discipleship: To follow Jesus means to deny oneself and take up the cross (16:21). Jesus predicts His suffering and death, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of His mission.
• Upside-Down Values: Humility, generosity, and service are the marks of true greatness (19:21). Jesus challenges worldly notions of power and success.

6. The Clash of the Kingdoms (Chapters 21–25) — The Olivet Discourse

Jesus confronts the religious leaders and speaks about the future.

• Triumphal Entry: Jesus enters Jerusalem as King (21:8–9), fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.
• Cleansing the Temple: Jesus asserts His authority over corrupt practices, declaring the temple a “house of prayer” (21:13).
• Woes Upon the Hypocrites: Jesus condemns the Pharisees’ hypocrisy (23:13), warning of judgment.
• The Olivet Discourse: Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, a time of tribulation, His second coming, and the final judgment (24:21; 25:31–32). This discourse prepares His followers for the challenges ahead.

7. Crowning of the King (Chapters 26–28) — The Great Commission

The climax of Matthew’s Gospel is Jesus’ death, resurrection, and commissioning of His disciples.

• Betrayal and Arrest: Judas betrays Jesus, and the disciples abandon Him.
• The Last Supper: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing the new covenant in His blood.
• Prayer in Gethsemane: Jesus submits to the Father’s will (26:39), demonstrating His obedience.
• Trial and Crucifixion: Jesus is mocked as King but enthroned on the cross (27:28–31). His death atones for sin and fulfills prophecy.
• Resurrection: Jesus conquers death, proving His divine authority. The empty tomb and His appearances confirm His victory.
• The Great Commission: Jesus sends His disciples to make disciples of all nations, promising His presence (28:18–20). This mission continues to define the church’s purpose.

Additional Insights

• Theological Themes: Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, His authority as the Son of God, and the inclusive nature of His Kingdom. The Gospel also highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, underscoring the clash between human traditions and divine truth.
• The Church: Matthew is the only Gospel to mention the word “church” (16:18; 18:17). Jesus’ establishment of the church reflects His ongoing presence and mission in the world.
• Eschatology: Matthew’s Gospel contains significant teachings about the end times, including the Olivet Discourse and the final judgment. These passages remind readers of the ultimate triumph of God’s Kingdom.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited King of the Jews, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the Savior of the world. Through its structured narrative, profound teachings, and emphasis on discipleship, Matthew’s Gospel challenges readers to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, follow His teachings, and participate in the spread of His Kingdom. The Great Commission (28:18–20) serves as a fitting conclusion, calling all believers to share the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection with the world. Matthew’s Gospel remains a timeless and powerful testimony to the person and work of Jesus Christ, inviting all to enter His Kingdom and experience the presence of Emmanuel — God with us.