The first book of the New Testament Bible that most of us read is the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew is the first of four gospel writings, yet there is only one gospel about Jesus Christ and four different writers: Matthew, Mark, Juke, and John. The word “Gospel” means “good news”, and the good news is that Jesus Christ died on the cross, 3 days later conquered death by rising from the dead and offers salvation to all mankind…this is the Gospel.
The Gospel of Matthew was written for the purpose of revealing that the man Jesus of Nazareth was actually the King of the Jews. He was the long awaited Messiah who came from heaven to this world revealing to man the kingdom of heaven. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy that was spoken about Him in the Old Testament.
The apostle Matthew tells us the story of Jesus. In this book, Jesus performs miracles, shares parables, and teaches the ways of God. He is betrayed and crucified. He rises again and commissions His disciples to spread the good news.
So, how does the Gospel of Matthew apply to our lives? This book is a constant reminder that we have not been forgotten. Do you ever feel as though God has deserted you or that He is just not responding to you in your time of need? Matthew reminds us that Jesus Christ coming to earth as God in the flesh shows us His deep love for us. Matthew 28:20 says, “…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We also learn from this book what we are to do with our days. “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,”(Matthew 28:19).
The Gospel of Matthew opens with a simple statement of who Jesus is – The Messiah, and closes with a simple statement of what we should do – Make Disciples for Him!!
Additional reading: Psalm 73