Purpose

The purpose of the Book of Matthew is to show that Jesus is the Messiah—the anointed, promised eternal King sent by God. As the first Gospel, it tells the story of Jesus’ life and ministry. In Matthew, we learn ultimate truths and the hope of our future as Jesus calls His followers to a community centered around His teachings. Through these teachings, we learn that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who humble themselves, are teachable, patient, and willing to repent. Matthew also describes many of Jesus’ miracles, which show that those who repent and follow His teachings will be rewarded with eternal life in God’s kingdom.

About Matthew

Matthew, the author of this Gospel, was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Before following Jesus, he worked as a tax collector and was considered an outcast among his fellow Jews. Yet his life was completely transformed by the works of Jesus. Moved by this change, Matthew wrote his Gospel primarily to the Jewish people to show that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah—the anointed one they had been promised for generations.

Through writing, Matthew wanted to explain the kingdom of heaven by sharing the stories he personally saw for himself. His purpose was to prove that the Messiah had come, the one previously told by the prophets. Many Jews, both then and now, overlooked these prophecies, expecting instead a Messiah who would free them from Roman oppression and establish an earthly kingdom. But Jesus came for something greater. In Matthew 5:17, He says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Matthew’s Gospel also serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, where we see prophecy fulfilled. This is one of his strengths—he helped his Jewish community recognize how Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures they knew so well. Another strength of Matthew’s life was his immediate response to Jesus’ call. He left behind his career as a tax collector, knowing the cost, and never looked back. In return, Jesus gave him a new life, new purpose, and new responsibilities.

Through Matthew’s obedience, trials, and personal experiences, we now have his Gospel—one of the clearest accounts of who Jesus really was. His story reminds us that Jesus accepts everyone, regardless of status, wealth, education, or background. And just as Jesus equipped Matthew with everything he needed to follow Him, we can trust that when God gives us a new life, He will also give us the unique gifts and abilities we need to live out our purpose. Matthew took his pen from recording taxes to recording Jesus’ works, just like we can pick up our own cross and see what God has in store for us. 

Plot

Despite being mocked and despised by many, Jesus continued to fulfill His mission: to reveal the King of Kings and teach about the kingdom of heaven. His ministry began with His miraculous birth through the virgin Mary and continued through His teachings, healings, and miracles.

Jesus chose twelve disciples to walk with Him, including Matthew. What is remarkable is that Jesus did not choose those who appeared most qualified or “perfect” for the job. Instead, He chose ordinary people who could be transformed by His love. These twelve were then sent out to do great things for God, carrying His message that acceptance and forgiveness are available to everyone—especially to the undeserving and the broken.

Matthew records many of Jesus’ miracles, including healings, which showed His authority and compassion. Through these works, the truth began to spread, and people started to follow. But none of this came without opposition. Jesus and His disciples faced hardships, rejection, and hatred throughout His ministry, leading into His crucifixion.

As His time on earth drew near its end, Jesus began preparing His disciples for the future. He taught them about the resurrection and what it would mean to follow Him after His return to heaven. Most importantly, He commanded them to continue His mission. Matthew closes his Gospel with these powerful words from Jesus:

“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Because Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Savior and King, we have hope and the promise of eternal life. And just as the disciples were sent, it is now our responsibility to carry His Word forward.

Baptism

Through Matthew’s account of Jesus’ ministry, we also learn about the significance of baptism and what it means to belong to the kingdom of God. Baptism marks our identification with Jesus—it unites us with Him in His death to sin and His resurrection to new life.

For followers of Christ, baptism is more than a ritual. It symbolizes submission to Jesus as Lord and publicly declares our willingness to live according to God’s way. It is an outward expression that identifies us with His people and represents our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is both a step of obedience and a powerful testimony of faith.

Resurrection

The final chapter of Matthew, chapter twenty-eight, records the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This moment is the cornerstone of our faith and continues to be one of the most debated events in history. Yet the choice remains the same: to believe He truly rose on the third day, or to deny the truth.

Matthew tells us that after a violent earthquake, an angel of the Lord appeared to the women at the tomb and said, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him. Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5–7)

The tomb was empty then, and it remains empty today. Over 2,000 years later, the resurrection stands as both a historical and spiritual truth: Jesus conquered death for the love of the world. The angel’s command—“Go quickly and tell”—is the same call we have today. We are to share what Jesus has done, to spread His love, and to live in the light of His victory.

At the end of Matthew, Jesus reminds His disciples that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him. With that authority, He calls His followers to continue His work—to make disciples, baptize, and teach His Word. This is not just the disciples’ mission, but ours as well.

Reflective Question: 

Matthew’s pen once kept track of taxes, but in God’s hands, it told the story of Jesus. What might God want to transform in your life for His glory?