5 Reasons the Gospel of Matthew Was Written
Why was the Gospel of Matthew written?
The Gospel of Matthew was written to present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah of the Jewish people, to show how He fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, and to guide early Christians—especially Jewish believers—in living faithfully under the new covenant. Matthew connects Jesus to Israel’s story, roots the gospel in Hebrew Scripture, and gives a teaching-rich account to shape the life of the church.
Introduction: Matthew’s Purpose and Perspective
The Gospel of Matthew is the most “Jewish” of the four Gospels. It opens with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, the father of Israel. Its pages are filled with references to Jewish law, prophecy, and fulfillment. And yet it ends with a commission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, link). So why was the Gospel of Matthew written? What unique message was it trying to convey?
To answer that, we need to look at who Matthew was writing for, what his Gospel emphasizes, and what was happening in the early church when his account was compiled. It’s not just a biography of Jesus—it’s a theological message written with a purpose.
1. To Show Jesus as the Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy
One of Matthew’s most striking features is how often he says, “This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet…” (see Matthew 1:22, 2:5, 2:15, 2:17, and many more). For Matthew, Jesus is not starting a brand-new religion—He is the long-awaited continuation and culmination of Israel’s story.
Jesus is the “new Moses” who goes up on a mountain to deliver teaching (Matthew 5–7).
Jesus is “Immanuel”—God with us (Matthew 1:23)—as foretold in Isaiah.
Jesus’ birth, ministry, betrayal, death, and resurrection all echo prophetic themes.
Matthew’s Gospel helps Jewish believers see that following Jesus doesn’t mean abandoning the Scriptures—it means seeing them come alive in a person.
2. To Equip a Jewish-Christian Audience for Discipleship
The Gospel of Matthew was likely written for a primarily Jewish-Christian community, probably living in or around Syria or northern Israel. These early Christians were struggling with how to live faithfully to their Jewish identity while recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.
Matthew helps answer questions like:
What do we do with the Law of Moses now? (see Matthew 5:17–20)
How do we pray and worship differently? (see Matthew 6:5–13)
What does it mean to live in God’s kingdom when Rome still rules the world? (Matthew 6:33)
The Gospel is filled with Jesus’ teachings—five major discourses that mirror the five books of Moses. These sections give instruction for living in God’s new covenant community.
3. To Address Tensions in the Early Church
Matthew’s Gospel likely emerged in a time of tension between Jews who believed in Jesus and those who did not. After the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD, questions about authority, tradition, and identity grew sharper.
Who are the true people of God?
What authority does Jesus have to reinterpret the Law?
How do Gentiles fit into the story?
Matthew affirms that the Church is the continuation of God’s people, not a replacement. It includes both Jew and Gentile, united under the lordship of Jesus. (See Matthew 8:11–12, 21:43, 28:19).
He also doesn’t shy away from Jesus’ harsh words for religious leaders who resisted Him. The Gospel reflects both the pain and clarity that come in times of division and transformation.
4. To Present Jesus as King and Teacher
The Gospel of Matthew highlights Jesus as King of the Jews (see Matthew 2:2) and Teacher of the Kingdom. He’s portrayed as the one with authority—not just in miracles, but in interpretation, ethics, and salvation.
His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) sets the tone for a new way of living.
His parables explain what the Kingdom of Heaven is like (Matthew 13).
His final words command global mission (Matthew 28:18–20).
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus doesn’t just die for sins—He instructs, fulfills, judges, and reigns. He is Messiah, Teacher, and Lord.
5. To Encourage Faithfulness in a Difficult World
Finally, the Gospel of Matthew was written to encourage the church to remain faithful. It does not sugarcoat hardship. In fact, Jesus tells His disciples to expect persecution (Matthew 10:16–23), division (Matthew 10:34–39), and the difficulty of following the narrow path (Matthew 7:13–14).
But Matthew also reminds readers that:
God is present (“I am with you always,” Matthew 28:20)
The kingdom will prevail, even if small at first (Matthew 13)
Jesus will return in glory to set things right (Matthew 25)
This Gospel was a lifeline for early Christians under pressure, and it still strengthens us today.
Why Was the Gospel of Matthew Written? Meaning for Today
Matthew’s Gospel was written to anchor faith, connect the past with the present, and prepare the Church for the future. It reminds us that Jesus:
Fulfills God’s promises
Teaches a new way of life
Welcomes all into God’s family
Is with us always, even in hardship
In a fragmented world where many are asking who they are and what God is doing, Matthew’s Gospel still speaks: God keeps His word. Jesus is the Messiah. And the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
FAQ
Who wrote the Gospel of Matthew and when?
While the Gospel is anonymous, early church tradition attributes it to Matthew the tax collector, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. It was likely written between 70–90 AD.
What makes Matthew’s Gospel unique?
Matthew includes more Old Testament quotations than any other Gospel. It emphasizes Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, contains five major teaching blocks, and ends with the Great Commission.
Was Matthew written for Jews or Gentiles?
Primarily for Jewish Christians, though it clearly includes Gentiles in the mission and vision of the Church.
How does Matthew portray Jesus?
As the Messiah, King, Teacher, and fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus is both the promised deliverer and the authoritative interpreter of God’s will.
