Tied Together: A One-Year Journey Through the Bible | Day 274 | October 12, 2026

 

Introduction to Matthew

Matthew opens the New Testament by introducing us to Jesus as the long-awaited King—the Messiah promised throughout the Old Testament. Writing primarily to a Jewish audience, Matthew emphasizes how Jesus fulfills the prophecies and patterns that shaped Israel’s history.

From the very first verse, Matthew connects Jesus to David and Abraham, anchoring Him in Israel’s royal and covenantal line. His genealogy isn’t just a list of names—it’s a declaration that Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Matthew structures his Gospel around five major teaching sections, possibly reflecting the five books of the Law. This format invites readers to see Jesus as the new and greater Moses, giving a new law not written on tablets, but taught with authority and lived out in love.

One of the most well-known portions of Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7), where Jesus teaches what life in His kingdom looks like: humility, mercy, purity, and faith. This teaching flips the values of the world upside down and calls followers to a higher way of living.

Throughout the book, Matthew highlights Jesus as both King and Servant. He performs miracles, confronts religious hypocrisy, and consistently fulfills Old Testament prophecies. Phrases like “this was to fulfill what was spoken…” appear often, showing how Jesus completes the story Israel had been living for centuries.

Matthew also includes powerful moments of personal encounter: the call of the disciples, the healing of the sick, the feeding of multitudes, and the parables that reveal spiritual truths to those willing to hear.

The final chapters focus on Jesus’ betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. Matthew includes the Great Commission, where Jesus sends His followers into the world to make disciples of all nations. This mission still fuels the church today.

As you read Matthew, watch how the Old Testament and New Testament come together. Jesus is the promised Messiah, the greater Moses, the true King—and He invites you to follow Him not just with your words, but with your whole life.

Matthew 1

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