Gospel of Matthew Summary

Literary Analysis and Biblical Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew stands as the first book of the New Testament. Its placement reflects its role as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Written primarily to a Jewish audience, Matthew seeks to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Son of David, and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

The Structure and Themes of Matthew

The Gospel can be divided into five main discourses, interwoven with narrative sections, echoing the five books of Moses. This deliberate structure reinforces the notion that Jesus is the greater Moses, bringing the ultimate revelation of God. Key themes include:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew often states, “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet,” underscoring that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations (e.g., Matthew 1:22, 2:15, 4:14).

The Kingdom of Heaven: Unique to Matthew, this phrase emphasizes the rule and reign of God, inaugurated by Christ and fully realized in the eschaton (Matthew 4:17, 13:24-30).

Jesus as the True Israel: Jesus embodies Israel’s calling, succeeding where Israel failed. His flight to Egypt and subsequent return fulfill Hosea 11:1, showing Him as the new and faithful Son (Matthew 2:15).

The Law and Gospel: Matthew presents Jesus as the one who fulfills the Law and ushers in the Gospel, a paradigm seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

Literary Features

Matthew’s Gospel is rich in literary devices, including:

Parallelism: Repetition and mirroring are frequent, especially in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12).

Typology: Jesus is presented as the new Moses, a theme highlighted in the deliverance narrative of Matthew 2 and the giving of the new law in Matthew 5.

Chiastic Structures: Matthew employs chiastic arrangements to emphasize central ideas, such as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

Commentary on Key Sections

The Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17)

Matthew opens with a genealogy, linking Jesus to David and Abraham. This underscores His rightful place as the promised King and the seed through whom all nations will be blessed. The inclusion of women such as Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba highlights God’s grace and the inclusion of Gentiles in the redemptive plan.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

This discourse highlights the Law/Gospel distinction. Jesus intensifies the Law, revealing its true spiritual demands: not just outward obedience but inward righteousness (Matthew 5:21-48). The Gospel is then seen in His authority to forgive sins and embody perfect righteousness for His people.

Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13)

The parables reveal the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven—hidden yet powerful, starting small but growing large. These parables contrast the responses to Jesus’ message and demonstrate the Kingdom’s ultimate triumph despite opposition.

The Passion Narrative (Matthew 26-27)

Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the suffering servant and King. The repeated fulfillment of Scripture in these chapters points to God’s sovereign plan. Jesus’ cry of dereliction, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), shows Him bearing the full weight of sin and judgment.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)

The Gospel concludes with Jesus’ commission to make disciples of all nations. This echoes the Abrahamic promise and confirms that the Gospel is for the whole world. Jesus’ authority and His promise of presence provide comfort and motivation for this mission.

Christological Focus

Matthew portrays Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), fulfilling God’s promise to dwell with His people. He is the King, the Lawgiver, the Savior, and the Judge. From His humble birth to His glorious resurrection, Jesus is the focal point of God’s redemptive plan.

Application for the Church

The Gospel of Matthew challenges readers to embrace the call of discipleship. It calls us to live as citizens of the Kingdom, bearing witness to Christ’s lordship and His redemptive work. The Law convicts us of sin, and the Gospel comforts us with Christ’s finished work.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Matthew is a masterful presentation of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. It invites us to marvel at the wisdom of God’s redemptive plan and to rejoice in the King who has come to save His people. As we read and reflect, we are drawn to worship and to the hope of the Kingdom that will one day be fully realized.