The Gospel in Matthew – Meeting the King Who Came to Save
The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, but it also serves as a bridge to the Old Testament. It stands with one foot in the promises of the Old Testament and the other in the fulfilment found in Jesus Christ.
Matthew wants his readers―especially Jewish readers―to see that Jesus is the promised King, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, and the Saviour of the world.
But Matthew is not just a history book. It is a Gospel―good news. It tells us who Jesus is, why He came, and how we can know God through Him.
1. Jesus in History – A Real Man in a Real World
Matthew begins with something many modern readers skip: a genealogy. But this is not a dry list of names. It is Matthew’s way of saying, “You can check this. Jesus is rooted in real history.”
He traces the Lord Jesus through Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1).
This shows:
• Jesus is a Jew, descended from Abraham.
• Jesus is the rightful heir to Israel’s throne, descended from David.
• Jesus fulfils God’s promises to both men.
But Matthew also shows something unique. Jesus has a family tree, yet He is sinless. We all come from Adam and inherit his sin (Romans 5:12), but Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23). This means He entered the world without the sin that marks every one of us. As the angel said, “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit”.
Only a sinless Saviour can save sinful people.
2. Matthew the Man – A Changed Life
Matthew himself knew what it meant to be forgiven. He was also called Levi, a tax collector working for the Romans―despised, distrusted, and spiritually lost. But when Jesus called him, “Follow me”, Matthew rose and followed (Matthew 9:9). His life was changed forever.
No wonder he writes with such conviction. He wants his readers to meet the same Jesus who transformed him.
3. Fulfilment – Jesus Is the One God Promised
One of Matthew’s favourite phrases is: “That it might be fulfilled…”
He uses it repeatedly to show that Jesus is the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. The promises made across centuries find their completion in Him.
For example:
• Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14 → Matthew 1:23)
• Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:6)
• Called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1 → Matthew 2:15)
• A light to the nations (Isaiah 9:1–2 → Matthew 4:14–16)
Matthew wants his readers to see that Jesus is not an accident of history. He is the centre of God’s plan.
4. The Teaching of the King
Matthew records five major sections of Jesus’ teaching. These are like five great pillars holding up the Gospel:
1. The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7) – ethics, righteousness, and the character of true disciples.
2. The Mission Discourse (chapter 10) – evangelistic outreach.
3. The Parables of the Kingdom (chapter 13) – God’s plan for the world.
4. Teaching on the Church and Forgiveness (chapter 18) – the beginning of a new community.
5. The Olivet Discourse (chapters 24–25) – prophecy and the future of the world.
These teachings show the authority of Jesus. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, the crowds marvelled because “He taught them as one having authority” (Matthew 7:29).
5. The Gospel Message in Matthew
Matthew presents Jesus as both the King and the Saviour. His Gospel clearly explains the good news.
The Lord Jesus came to save sinners.
The angel said: “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
The New Testament echoes this: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
The Lord Jesus calls people to follow Him.
Matthew himself responded to this call. Jesus still says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
The Lord Jesus has the authority to forgive sins.
When the paralysed man was brought to Him, Jesus said: “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” (Matthew 9:2)
The Lord Jesus gave His life as a ransom.
He explained His mission plainly: “The Son of man came… to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
The New Testament clarifies this: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3)
The Lord Jesus rose again.
Matthew records the empty tomb and the angel’s message: “He is not here: for he is risen.” (Matthew 28:6)
The risen Christ then said: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18)
A dead Saviour cannot save. A risen Saviour can save completely.
6. One Person, Four Gospels
Matthew is the first of the four Gospels. Each presents a different picture of the Lord Jesus:
• Matthew – the King
• Mark – the Servant
• Luke – the perfect Man
• John – the Son of God
Together, they show that the Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of Scripture. His life is incomparable. He is glorious. His work is sufficient. And His Gospel is for all.
7. What Matthew Wants You to Know
Matthew writes so that you will see Jesus clearly:
• He is the promised King.
• He is the sinless Son of God.
• He is the fulfilment of Scripture.
• He is the Saviour who died and rose again.
• He is the One who calls you to follow Him.
The Gospel is simple:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31)
Matthew met Jesus and was changed forever. You can be too.
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
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