With all we have to unite us, we still find ways to create division. It is an age-old question: do we focus on what sets us apart, or on what holds us together? According to Matthew, it is Emmanuel—God with us.
The first evangelist and the early Christian community saw themselves first as part of Judaism, not separate from it. A distinguishing feature of Matthew’s Gospel is its use of the Greek term ekklesia, meaning an assembly of those who are called out. Rather than suggesting a static institution, Matthew presents the church as a living community called to embody the kingdom of God in the world.
According to Matthew, the church is an earthly manifestation of God’s kingdom, made up of Jesus’ followers who are called to live righteously, serve with humility, and practice unfathomable forgiveness. In Jesus, a new community is at work for the blessing of the world. What binds us together? Jesus—God with us.
Contents
- Matthew’s Worlds and Ours
- Matthew and the Gospel
- The Genesis of Jesus
- Dawn of the Messianic Age
- A New Community Emerges
- Character Formation of the Messiah’s People
- The Messiah’s Vocation
- An Expanding Mission and Preparations for Conflict
- Quests for God’s Kingdom
- The Son of Man Shows the Way
- The Son of David and David’s Lord
- Jesus Judges?
- The Lifeblood of the Church
- God With Us
