Matthew has a special object in his Gospel, to
show the Jews that Jesus is the long-expected Messiah, the Son of David and
that His life fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. The purpose is given in
the first verse. Matthew is the book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son
of David, The son of Abraham. This statement links Christ with two of the
great covenants that God made with David and Abraham. God's covenant with David
consisted of the promise of a king to sit upon his throne forever (II
Samuel 7:8-13). God's covenant with Abraham promised that through him should
all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12:3). David's son
was king. Abraham's son was a sacrifice. Matthew opens with the birth of a
king and closes with the offering of a sacrifice.
From the beginning, Jesus is associated with the Jewish nation. Matthew used wisdom in not alienating the Jews who might read the story. He is convincing them that this one fulfilled every prophecy spoken concerning their promised messiah. He quotes freely from the Old Testament, more than any of the other evangelists. Twenty-nine such quotations are given. Thirteen times he says that this or that event took place that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet.
Matthew links us up with the Old Testament. On every page he is trying to connect the Gospel with the prophets and show that all of their teaching is being fulfilled in the person and kingdom of Jesus Christ.
It is difficult for us to appreciate how great the transition is from the Old to the new. It seemed to the Jew that he must give up his tradition and orthodoxy and accept another creed.
Matthew, in his Gospel, and Paul, especially in Galatians, show the Jewish Christians that they were not giving up their old faith, but rather were only giving up types and shadows for the real substance.
Matthew was well acquainted with Jewish history and customs. He speaks of farming and fishing and the housekeeping of his people in the seven parables in chapter 13. He knew this intimate record would strike responsive chords in the hearts of the Jewish people.
As you read Matthew, get a clear and comprehensive view of the entire Gospel. Keep in mind the messianic character of this Gospel. Note the balance between Jesus' ministry and teaching. we find the genealogy of the king; his birth in Bethlehem, The city of David, according to micah's prophecy (Micah 5:2); The coming of the forerunner, John the Baptist, as Malachi predicted (Malachi 3:1) the ministry of the king; His rejection by Israel; and the promise of His coming again in power and glory.
The author is no doubt a Christian Jew (Matthew 9:9; 10:3) Matthew, "gift of God, " was a tax collector at capernaum, under the Raman law, when Jesus chose him as one of the twelve disciples. His name is found in all the lists of the twelve, though Mark and Luke give his other name, Levi. The only word the author speaks about himself is that he was a "publican" which was then a term of reproach, as the term "politician" so often denotes today. The other evangelists tell about the great feast he gave Jesus, and record the significant fact that he left all and followed Him. No doubt he was a man of means.
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