Matthew (Bible in 90 Days)

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The four gospels are our most direct insight to who Jesus was as He walked on Earth. Jesus brought radical teaching that shook the Israelite nation. To understand how each writer represented Jesus' message, it is important to know them each a little more. Each of their accounts are both unique and amazingly similar to the three others. This is proof that what they tell is truth, God's Truth.

Matthew (also know as Levi) was a Jewish tax collector and was despised by the people because of his trade. Meeting Jesus, a seemingly simple and humble carpenter from Galilee, changed his life completely.

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Matthew's account of Jesus' life was not written with focus on chronologically recording events, but in order to present clear evidence that Jesus is the foretold Savior. This clear purpose connects the Old and New Testaments well. Matthew opens his gospel by introducing Jesus' genealogy from Abraham to David to the Messiah.

Matthew focuses on the fulfillment of prophecies, which prove Jesus is the coming Savior. Matthew also emphasizes the parables and teachings of Jesus as well as the miracles and power of healing that Jesus possessed. Matthew records several accounts of Jesus healing the sick, lame, blind and deaf. Even death does not hold the Promised One back. He expels demons from the possessed, which only the power of God could accomplish. All of these events lead up to only one conclusion, Jesus is who he says he is, Jesus is the Son of God.

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The Jews did not all accept Jesus as their Messiah. They believed this prophet was intending to overthrow their ways. However, Matthew records Jesus' response to such claims:

Matthew 5:17 -- "Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose."

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Matthew ends his gospel with Jesus' great commission:

Matthew 28:19 -- "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

That is what it is all about. We are to study Jesus' teachings, have faith that He is who He says He is -- the Son of God -- and that He will save us. Then He says to go and share the Good News, the light that he gives us, with others.

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Jesus provides the most reassurance we can have in this evil, unpredictable world:

Matthew 28:20b -- "I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”