Day 227 – Matthew: Theme

“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:23

Matthew begins his account of the Gospel by giving Jesus’ genealogy. He continues to tell of Jesus’ birth and early years, including his family’s escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their later return to Nazareth. Following his baptism by John and his defeat of Satan in the wilderness, Jesus began his public ministry by calling his first disciples and giving the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew shows Jesus’ authority by reporting his miracles of healing the sick and the demon-possessed – and even raising the dead.

Despite opposition from the Pharisees and others in the religious establishment, Jesus continued to teach concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. During this time, Jesus spoke with his disciples about His imminent death and resurrection and revealed his true identity to Peter, James, and John. Near the end of His ministry, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a triumphant procession. Soon opposition mounted, and Jesus knew that His death was near, so he taught his disciples about the future – what they could expect before His return and how to live a righteous life until then.

In Matthew’s finale, he focuses on Jesus’ final days on earth – the Last Supper, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the flight of the disciples, Peter’s denial, the trials before Caiaphas and Pilate, the final words on the cross, and his burial in a borrowed tomb. But the story does not end there, for the Messiah rose from the dead – conquering death and then telling His followers to continue His work by making disciples in all nations.

As you read this Gospel, the message is clear: Jesus is the Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Prayer: Father, as we read about Jesus’ ministry here on earth (all the miracles and teachings), awaken our hearts and souls to desire an intimate relationship with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. May any doubt of His Heavenly Kingship be expelled from our minds as we know that Jesus is the Christ. Amen.