While not chronologically the first book written, the Gospel of Matthew begins our common New Testament. Matthew introduces us to the wonder of the Good News of Jesus, providing a thoughtful and intentional transition from the Old Testament to the New. The rich history and generational legacy of those who came before—of Abraham, David, Elijah, and Isaiah—are continued and fulfilled through Jesus and the Gospel he embodies. Matthew’s Gospel looks back with compassion and admiration and ahead with hope and inclusion, revealing that the chosen status once reserved for few is now open to all
Through the imagery of continuation, of ages past and futures imagined, we reflect on our connection to one another and the shared vision of Shalom offered to us all by our Creator. The Gospel of Matthew urges us to pause and ponder; perhaps the very thing—the very person—we’ve been searching for has been before us all along. We are invited to enter fully into the restoration of Jesus.
