Matthew, meaning “gift of Jehovah,” the first book of the New Testament, is written from a Jewish point of view, and preserves admirable continuity with the Old Testament. It presents the Lord Jesus Christ as the long sought Messiah of Israel, as their King. His genealogy therefore is traced to David and Abraham. This genealogy is that of Joseph. It therefore establishes Christ’s official title to the throne of David.

Matthew is the only book of Scripture that uses the phrase “the kingdom of heaven.” This shows us that, while under the Law of Moses, the authority of the kingdom of Jehovah had been committed to the Jews. Jerusalem therefore had been its headquarters. But because of Israel’s utter failure, God was revoking this, and His kingdom now would have its headquarters in heaven. He had once spoken on earth among the Jews; now He was speaking from heaven. For this reason Matthew often speaks of the kingdom of God as “the kingdom of heaven.” This Gospel marks a most striking and complete change in the dispensational ways of God; for the Christ, the true King, has come and has returned to heaven.

Consistently with this, we must expect Matthew to insist on thorough subjection and obedience to the sovereign authority of the Lord Jesus, not to law, but to One higher than law. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.” Emphasis therefore is placed on works—works of faith, of course—because authority is Matthew’s great subject, not grace as in Luke. How good if such lessons implant themselves deeply in our hearts.