Matthew |ˈmaTHyo͞o| an Apostle; a tax collector from Capernaum in Galilee; traditional author of the first Gospel. • the first Gospel, written after ad 70 and based largely on that of St. Mark.
The Book of Matthew is the first book of the Gospels in the Bible. It was written by Matthew, a former Jewish tax collector and disciple of Jesus.
This book is full of miraculous stories of Jesus walking on the earth—healing blind eyes, opening deaf ears and saving the oppressed. But what is so special about the book of Matthew is the overwhelming theme of redemption for all people.
Matthew was written predominantly for a Jewish audience. From the very first chapter, Matthew paints a picture for the reader explaining Jesus’ Jewish roots and heritage. Jesus was a descendant of Abraham—which fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.
But Matthew also purposefully lists 5 women in the genealogy of Jesus in Chapter 1 (which is strange, because genealogies usually only included men). However, these women were not only listed because they were in the line of Jesus’ descendants. They were listed specifically because of what they were known for. Tamar was a liar. Rahab was a prostitute. Ruth was a widow. Bathsheba committed adultery. And Mary became pregnant before she was married.
Jesus was literally birthed from a line-up of clear and obvious sinners—and God wanted us to know it.
Somehow, all of these women are introduced at the beginning of Matthew—not only as a genealogy—but as a clear representation of the mercy, grace, and restoration available for all people. Jesus made it clear, even down to His genealogical line, that He came to restore the broken, lost, hurt, and abandoned.
“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13
Even the fact of the author, Matthew, being a former tax collector, shows the mercy that Jesus extends to us as sinners. Tax collectors were hated men in this time. They were evil, corrupt, and disliked by everyone because of their greed. Matthew received Jesus’ invitation to follow Him—and God used him to write the very first book of the Gospels. That is beautiful redemption!
Matthew is full of redemptive stories. Stories of Jesus shifting the atmosphere and changing hearts and minds. He calms storms, He miraculously feeds five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish, and He teaches us how to love one another through parables and stories.
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
There is more written in this book than I will ever have the time to talk or write about. The beautiful thing about the Gospels is that we can read them over and over again, and still find things that awe us, inspire us, and encourage us in our daily lives.
Jesus is our Savior. He came to the world to restore our hearts, to redeem us from our sin, and to bring us into relationship with God our Father. I am so thankful for Jesus today.
I’ve been trying to memorize The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-10 this month. Praying these over you today!
Father God, I ask that you bless me today, as I read through The Beatitudes. Thank you for blessing me, even when I am in lack, for it helps me to realize my need for You. Be near me in heartache, when I grieve and when I mourn. Comfort me when I am discouraged and help me to remain humble. Give me a thirst and hunger for justice. Help me to be merciful to others, as you have shown mercy to me. Give me a pure heart, filled with love for you and others. Help me to bring peace to every situation I am a part of and to always do what is right. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
XO-
Sabrina
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