Jesus Christ, central to Christianity, is believed to be the divine Son of God who came to earth to offer salvation through His teachings, death, and resurrection. His life and miracles, documented in the New Testament, continue to inspire and guide millions of believers worldwide.
Matthew, also known as Levi, was originally a tax collector before heeding Jesus’s call to “Follow me,” leading to his immediate departure from his previous life and his transformation into one of the Twelve Apostles, demonstrating the inclusive nature of Jesus’s ministry. Traditionally credited as the author of the first Gospel, Matthew’s writings are characterized by their structured thematic approach and emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, aimed at a Jewish Christian audience. His Gospel, which includes detailed teachings such as the Sermon on the Mount, highlights themes like righteousness, the kingdom of heaven, and the universality of Jesus’s message, resonating with both Jews and Gentiles. Venerated as a saint, Matthew’s legacy extends to being the patron of accountants, bankers, and tax collectors, with his life story embodying profound themes of conversion, discipleship, and the transformative power of divine grace.
The Beatitudes, as detailed in Matthew 5:3-12, encapsulate Jesus’ profound teachings on the spiritual attitudes that lead to blessedness, revealing the kingdom values of humility, mercy, and righteousness that promise divine comfort and reward.
The Sermon on the Mount, as presented in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, encapsulates the essence of Christian ethics and the teachings of Jesus Christ, offering a profound and comprehensive guide that challenges believers to achieve a higher standard of moral and spiritual integrity.
The Gospel of Matthew is rich in theology and Christology, making it a foundational text for understanding Christian doctrine and the narrative of Jesus’ life as both a fulfillment of and a break from Jewish tradition.