Matthew: The Gospel of the King
Author and Authorship:
The Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, bears the name of its presumed author: Matthew, a former tax collector called to discipleship by Jesus (Matthew 9:9-13). While the text itself doesn't explicitly state his authorship, the early church fathers—Papias, Irenaeus, and Origen, among others—unanimously attributed it to him. Papias even claimed Matthew originally wrote it in Hebrew, a detail debated by modern scholars. Some argue the Greek text we possess doesn't appear to be a direct translation from Hebrew, questioning Papias's account. However, the possibility of a Greek translation from a now-lost Hebrew original remains. Regardless of the original language, the consistent early church tradition strongly supports Matthew's authorship. Internal evidence further strengthens this claim. The Gospel consistently refers to Matthew the tax collector (e.g., 10:3), corroborating the narrative of Levi's calling in Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27. This consistency, combined with the early church testimony, provides compelling reasons to believe Matthew penned this powerful Gospel.
Background and Context:
Most scholars believe Matthew utilized Mark's Gospel as a source, suggesting a post-Markan date of composition. Given Mark's likely composition in the 50s AD, Matthew was probably written sometime in the mid-to-late 50s or early 60s AD. Irenaeus, writing in the late second century, suggested Matthew wrote his Gospel while Paul and Peter ministered in Rome, pointing to a timeframe around the early 60s AD. This date fits well before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, an event Matthew speaks of as a future occurrence. The Gospel's careful presentation of Jesus's lineage through Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1-17) and its numerous Old Testament quotations demonstrate Matthew's clear intention to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecies, making it a particularly compelling message for a Jewish audience.
Message and Purpose: The King and His Kingdom
Matthew's Gospel isn't just a biography; it's a carefully crafted proclamation: Jesus is the King, and His Kingdom has arrived. Imagine the weight of that announcement for Matthew, a former tax collector, a man once despised for his association with the Roman oppressors. He traded his ledger for a life dedicated to proclaiming the good news of a King who offered not earthly dominion, but a kingdom of righteousness, justice, mercy, and love (Matthew 6:10).
Matthew meticulously structures his Gospel to demonstrate Jesus's kingship. The genealogy in the opening chapter establishes Jesus's royal lineage through David, connecting Him to the ancient promises of a Messiah-King. Throughout the book, Jesus's teachings (like the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7), miracles (Matthew 8-9), and confrontations with religious leaders (Matthew 12, 23) all serve as evidence of His authority and power. The parables, particularly those in chapter 13, paint vivid pictures of the Kingdom's nature, its growth, and its ultimate triumph. Consider the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) – a tiny seed growing into a massive tree, a powerful image of the Kingdom's unexpected growth and influence.
The Heart-wrenching Climax and the Hope of Resurrection:
The Gospel culminates in the crucifixion—a seemingly devastating defeat. How could the promised King be crucified? Matthew doesn't shy away from the brutality and injustice of Jesus's death (Matthew 27:31-56). But this isn't the end of the story. The resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10) is the resounding triumph, the ultimate proof of Jesus's kingship and victory over death and sin. The empty tomb isn't just a historical event; it's a declaration of hope, a promise of new life, and the foundation of Christian faith.
Practical Applications for Today:
Matthew's Gospel isn't just a historical account; it's a living message for today. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), for example, isn't just a set of ethical guidelines; it's a radical call to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 6:14-15), and seek justice and mercy (Matthew 6:33). The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is a model for our own prayers, guiding us to prioritize God's kingdom and His will in our lives. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) calls us to be active participants in spreading the good news of Jesus's kingdom to all nations, a task that continues to challenge and inspire believers today. Matthew 16:26 reminds us of the eternal implications of our choices, emphasizing that following Jesus and His kingdom is more valuable than any earthly gain. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) challenges us to use the gifts and resources God has given us for His glory.
Matthew's Gospel invites us to reflect on our own lives: Are we living as citizens of God's kingdom, characterized by love, justice, and mercy? Are we actively participating in spreading the message of hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ? The answers to these questions will determine how we live our lives as followers of the King. The book ends not with a sense of finality, but with a powerful call to action, a mandate to continue the work of the Kingdom until the King returns. This is the enduring legacy of Matthew's Gospel – a testament to the enduring power of the King and His Kingdom.