We could use some good news. Our phones and televisions feed us a diet of controversy and catastrophe—all the while, we’re starving for hope. Is there a reliable source of hope-filled, good news?
Yes! The first four books of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are called “gospels” which means “good news.” Each book is a mini biography of Jesus by a different writer who tells about Jesus’ life and ministry from a unique perspective and for a unique purpose. However, they all have one thing in common. They are good news!
The book of Matthew was written by Matthew the tax collector who left his job to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9-13). Even though Jewish tax collectors were lumped together with “sinners” and looked down upon as traitors to their people, Matthew became one of the twelve disciples in Jesus’ inner circle. It’s no surprise that one of the themes of his book is that Jesus “came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). Matthew emphasizes that the people who believed Jesus were rarely the most wealthy or powerful in society. Instead, his followers were sick and poor and sinful. The good news is for those who know they are in desperate need of it.
Matthew emphasizes that the people who believed Jesus were rarely the most wealthy or powerful in society. Instead, his followers were sick and poor and sinful. The good news is for those who know they are in desperate need of it.
Another prominent theme is Jesus’ identity as the Savior who was predicted in the Old Testament. He’s not simply a good teacher. Notice how often Matthew refers to verses or stories from the Old Testament. Take time to look up those verses and reread the stories. You will understand more about Jesus when you know his backstory. According to Matthew, Jesus is the promised king from King David’s royal line (2 Samuel 7:7; Matthew 1:1, 2:1-2). He’s the suffering servant foretold by Isaiah (Isaiah 52-53; Matthew 16:21-28) and the new Moses who will lead his people into God’s kingdom (Matthew 25:31-39). Jesus is the culmination of the whole Old Testament story (Matthew 5:17-20).
One interesting feature of Matthew’s book is that he alternates between retelling the events of Jesus’ life and recounting Jesus’ teaching or instruction. There are five sets of stories paired with teaching. Because they’re paired together, they help us see why the events of Jesus’ life were significant. At the same time, these events give a context to help us better understand his teaching.
As you read this book, pay attention to how different people respond to Jesus. What sort of person trusts him and why? Learn from them what it means to believe Jesus and to follow him. Take encouragement from Matthew that even a scoundrel is welcome among Jesus’ disciples.
Finally, savor the good news. That’s what Matthew’s gospel is all about. It’s good news that Jesus came. It’s even good news that he died because that was the only way he could defeat our enemy, Satan, redeem us from slavery to sin, save us from the wrath of God we deserve, and welcome us into his kingdom. It’s especially good news that Jesus was resurrected! He is our promised king who came to make us citizens of a new kingdom, and he is with us “always to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).