Matthew's Portrait Of Christ Is That Of

Matthew's portrayal of Christ isn't a simple snapshot; it's a carefully crafted portrait, a mosaic of narratives, theological arguments, and fulfilled prophecies designed to convince a primarily Jewish audience that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the promised Messiah, the King of the Jews. He achieves this through various literary and theological techniques, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, the new Moses, the authoritative teacher, and ultimately, the divine Son of God.

The King of the Jews: Establishing Jesus's Royal Lineage and Authority

Matthew's Gospel opens with a genealogy, a stark contrast to Mark's immediate immersion into the ministry of John the Baptist. This genealogy isn't merely a historical record; it's a powerful statement about Jesus's right to the throne of David. By meticulously tracing Jesus's lineage back to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, and highlighting his descent through David, Matthew establishes Jesus's legal claim to the Messianic throne.

• Emphasis on Davidic Lineage: The genealogy emphasizes the link to David, mentioning him specifically and structuring the genealogy into groups of fourteen generations, a number symbolically linked to David's name in Hebrew numerology (each letter in the Hebrew alphabet has a numerical value). This deliberate structure highlights the significance of David in Jesus's identity.
• Inclusion of Women: The inclusion of women in the genealogy – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba – is unusual for Jewish genealogies of the time. These women share a common thread: their stories involve either questionable circumstances or Gentile origins. This inclusion foreshadows Matthew's emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan of salvation and challenges traditional notions of purity and lineage.
• The Visit of the Magi: Following the genealogy, the arrival of the Magi from the East further reinforces Jesus's kingship. These wise men, guided by a star, come to Jerusalem seeking "the one who has been born king of the Jews." Their journey and worship of Jesus demonstrate the universal recognition of his royal status, even from Gentile nations. Herod's fear and subsequent attempt to kill Jesus highlight the threat that Jesus's kingship poses to earthly power.

Matthew's emphasis on Jesus's royal identity extends beyond the opening chapters. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus is referred to as the "Son of David," a title that resonates deeply with Jewish Messianic expectations. Miracles are often performed in response to pleas addressing Jesus as the Son of David, further solidifying his image as the compassionate and powerful Messiah-King.

Jesus as the New Moses: Lawgiver and Deliverer

Matthew masterfully portrays Jesus as a new Moses, drawing parallels between their lives and ministries to highlight Jesus's authority and his role as the interpreter and fulfiller of the Law.

• Infancy Narrative Parallels: The parallels between the infancy narratives of Moses and Jesus are striking. Both face threats to their lives from tyrannical rulers (Pharaoh and Herod), and both are miraculously saved. Jesus's flight to Egypt and subsequent return echo Moses's own experiences, subtly suggesting that Jesus is destined for a similar role as a deliverer of his people.
• The Sermon on the Mount: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a pivotal moment in Matthew's Gospel. It mirrors Moses's giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. Just as Moses delivered the Ten Commandments, Jesus delivers a new interpretation of the Law, emphasizing its deeper meaning and demanding a higher standard of righteousness. The beatitudes, the antitheses ("You have heard it said… But I tell you…"), and the teachings on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving all demonstrate Jesus's authority to interpret and fulfill the Law.
• Emphasis on Righteousness: Matthew's Gospel places a strong emphasis on righteousness (dikaiosune in Greek), a key concept in Jewish theology. Jesus calls his followers to a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20), a righteousness that is not merely external adherence to the Law, but an internal transformation of the heart. This emphasis on righteousness underscores Jesus's role as the one who fulfills the Law and enables his followers to live in accordance with God's will.
• Deliverance from Spiritual Bondage: While Moses delivered the Israelites from physical slavery in Egypt, Jesus delivers his followers from the bondage of sin and death. His miracles, particularly his healings and exorcisms, demonstrate his power over the forces of evil and his ability to restore wholeness and well-being to those who are afflicted.

By presenting Jesus as the new Moses, Matthew argues that Jesus is not abolishing the Law but fulfilling it. He is the ultimate interpreter and embodiment of God's will, leading his people to a deeper understanding of righteousness and offering them deliverance from spiritual bondage.

The Teacher with Authority: Interpreting Scripture and Revealing God's Will

Matthew's portrayal of Jesus emphasizes his authority as a teacher. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus is seen teaching in synagogues, on hillsides, and by the Sea of Galilee, captivating audiences with his wisdom and insight.

• Parables as Teaching Tools: Jesus's parables are a central feature of Matthew's Gospel. These short, illustrative stories are designed to reveal spiritual truths in a way that is accessible to ordinary people. Parables like the Sower, the Mustard Seed, the Good Samaritan, and the Prodigal Son illustrate key themes of the Kingdom of Heaven, such as the importance of receptivity, the power of small beginnings, the nature of compassion, and the boundless love of God.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew frequently quotes the Old Testament, demonstrating how Jesus fulfills specific prophecies. Phrases like "This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…" appear throughout the Gospel, linking Jesus's life, death, and resurrection to the prophetic tradition. This emphasis on fulfilled prophecy is a key apologetic strategy for Matthew, aimed at convincing his Jewish audience that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah.
• Confrontations with Religious Leaders: Jesus's teachings often clash with the interpretations of the scribes and Pharisees. He challenges their legalistic approach to the Law, exposing their hypocrisy and emphasizing the importance of inner transformation. These confrontations highlight Jesus's authority to interpret Scripture and reveal God's true will.
• The Great Commission: At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This command underscores the importance of teaching and discipleship in Matthew's understanding of the Christian life.

Matthew presents Jesus as the ultimate teacher, whose words have the power to transform lives and lead people to a deeper understanding of God's will. He is not merely a transmitter of information; he is a revelator of truth, whose teachings challenge, inspire, and ultimately lead to salvation.

The Son of God: Revealing Jesus's Divine Identity

While Matthew emphasizes Jesus's humanity and his role as the Messiah-King, he also clearly portrays him as the Son of God, possessing divine authority and sharing in God's very nature.

• The Baptism of Jesus: At Jesus's baptism, the heavens open, the Spirit of God descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This event marks the beginning of Jesus's public ministry and affirms his divine sonship.
• Peter's Confession: In Matthew 16:16, Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus affirms Peter's confession, stating that it was revealed to him by God the Father. This moment is a pivotal point in the Gospel, as it marks the disciples' recognition of Jesus's true identity.
• The Transfiguration: The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) provides a glimpse of Jesus's divine glory. He is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, his face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear with him, further emphasizing his connection to the Law and the Prophets. A voice from heaven repeats the declaration made at Jesus's baptism, confirming his divine sonship.
• Jesus's Claims to Divine Authority: Throughout the Gospel, Jesus makes claims that imply his divine authority. He claims the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2-7), a power traditionally attributed only to God. He declares that he is greater than the Temple (Matthew 12:6) and that he will judge the nations (Matthew 25:31-46). These claims, coupled with his miracles and teachings, point to his divine nature.
• The Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of his divine identity. By rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrates his power over death and sin, confirming his claim to be the Son of God.

Matthew's portrayal of Jesus as the Son of God is not meant to diminish his humanity but rather to emphasize the unique relationship he has with the Father. He is both fully human and fully divine, the God-man who came to earth to redeem humanity.

Addressing Jewish Concerns and Objections

Matthew's Gospel is carefully crafted to address specific concerns and objections that his Jewish audience might have regarding Jesus's Messianic claims.

• The Law and the Prophets: Matthew emphasizes that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). He argues that Jesus's teachings are not a rejection of the Old Testament but rather a deeper understanding and application of its principles.
• Gentile Inclusion: The inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan of salvation was a controversial issue for many Jews. Matthew addresses this concern by highlighting Jesus's interactions with Gentiles, such as the healing of the Centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13) and the Canaanite woman's daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). He also emphasizes the Great Commission, which calls for the disciples to make disciples of all nations.
• Suffering Messiah: The concept of a suffering Messiah was difficult for many Jews to accept. They expected the Messiah to be a powerful king who would overthrow their oppressors and establish a glorious kingdom. Matthew addresses this concern by emphasizing Jesus's prophecies about his own suffering and death (Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19). He argues that Jesus's suffering was part of God's plan of redemption, and that his death was a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

By addressing these concerns and objections, Matthew seeks to persuade his Jewish audience that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the King of the Jews, the new Moses, the authoritative teacher, and the Son of God.

Literary Devices and Their Impact

Matthew employs various literary devices to enhance his portrayal of Christ and to engage his readers:

• Structured Narrative: Matthew's Gospel is meticulously structured, using devices like the five major discourses (Sermon on the Mount, Missionary Discourse, Parables of the Kingdom, Discourse on Church Life, Olivet Discourse) to organize Jesus's teachings and to highlight key themes.
• Parallelism and Repetition: Matthew uses parallelism and repetition to emphasize important points and to create a sense of rhythm and flow in his narrative. For example, the phrase "Truly, I say to you…" is used repeatedly to introduce important pronouncements from Jesus.
• Imagery and Symbolism: Matthew uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey spiritual truths. The Kingdom of Heaven is often described using metaphors like seeds, nets, and banquets, which help readers to grasp the nature of God's reign.
• Contrast and Irony: Matthew uses contrast and irony to highlight the differences between Jesus and his opponents and to expose their hypocrisy. For example, the scribes and Pharisees are often portrayed as outwardly righteous but inwardly corrupt, while Jesus is portrayed as compassionate and merciful.

These literary devices contribute to the overall effectiveness of Matthew's Gospel, making it a compelling and persuasive portrayal of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Portrait of the Messiah

Matthew's portrait of Christ is not a monolithic image but rather a multifaceted portrayal that emphasizes different aspects of Jesus's identity and mission. He is presented as the King of the Jews, the new Moses, the authoritative teacher, and the Son of God. Matthew's Gospel is carefully crafted to convince his primarily Jewish audience that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, and the savior of the world. By using various literary and theological techniques, Matthew creates a powerful and persuasive portrayal of Jesus that continues to inspire and challenge readers today. His emphasis on fulfilled prophecy, righteous living, and the inclusion of Gentiles has shaped Christian theology and practice for centuries. The Gospel of Matthew remains a vital resource for understanding the life, teachings, and significance of Jesus Christ.