Purpose

To present Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, especially to Jewish readers.

Author

Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before Jesus called him. As a tax collector, he was skilled in record-keeping and would have been literate in multiple languages, making him perfect to write for Jewish audiences.

Historical Context

Written: 50-70 AD. Written to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Significance

Bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

Key Themes

Jesus as Messiah, Kingdom of Heaven, Fulfillment of Prophecy, Discipleship, Great Commission

Interesting Facts

• Matthew quotes the Old Testament more than any other Gospel (over 60 times)
• The phrase 'Kingdom of Heaven' appears 32 times - only in Matthew
• Matthew includes 5 major teaching sections, paralleling the 5 books of Moses

Prophecies

• Over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled every Messianic prophecy perfectly

Matthew Chapter 8 begins with Jesus coming down from the mountain where he had delivered the Sermon on the Mount, a significant teaching moment in his ministry. As he descends, a great crowd follows him, illustrating his growing popularity and the anticipation surrounding his miracles. The chapter opens with a powerful encounter between Jesus and a leper, who approaches him in humility, seeking healing. With a simple touch and a command, Jesus cleanses the leper, showcasing his authority over illness and social stigma. He instructs the healed man to present himself to the priest, adhering to the Mosaic law, which serves as a testament to Jesus’ respect for Jewish tradition. Next, the narrative shifts to Capernaum where a Roman centurion seeks Jesus’ help for his paralyzed servant. This interaction emphasizes the theme of faith, particularly as the centurion expresses profound humility and belief in Jesus’ authority. Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, declaring that he has not found such faith even among the Israelites. This moment foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of Heaven, which would have been a radical idea for Matthew's Jewish audience. The chapter continues with Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law and many others afflicted by various ailments and demonic oppression, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah about the Messiah bearing our sicknesses. This serves to reinforce the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah. Towards the end of the chapter, Jesus addresses the cost of discipleship, highlighting the sacrifices involved in following him. When a scribe expresses his eagerness to follow Jesus, Jesus responds with a sobering reminder of his own lack of earthly comfort, indicating that true discipleship requires commitment beyond mere enthusiasm. The chapter closes with a powerful illustration of Jesus’ authority and compassion, setting the tone for the subsequent teachings and miracles that will unfold in the Gospel of Matthew.

Purpose

To present Jesus as the promised Messiah and King, especially to Jewish readers.

Author

Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before Jesus called him. As a tax collector, he was skilled in record-keeping and would have been literate in multiple languages, making him perfect to write for Jewish audiences.

Historical Context

Written: 50-70 AD. Written to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Significance

Bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

Key Themes

Jesus as Messiah, Kingdom of Heaven, Fulfillment of Prophecy, Discipleship, Great Commission

Interesting Facts

• Matthew quotes the Old Testament more than any other Gospel (over 60 times)
• The phrase 'Kingdom of Heaven' appears 32 times - only in Matthew
• Matthew includes 5 major teaching sections, paralleling the 5 books of Moses

Prophecies

• Over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled every Messianic prophecy perfectly

Matthew Chapter 8 begins with Jesus coming down from the mountain where he had delivered the Sermon on the Mount, a significant teaching moment in his ministry. As he descends, a great crowd follows him, illustrating his growing popularity and the anticipation surrounding his miracles. The chapter opens with a powerful encounter between Jesus and a leper, who approaches him in humility, seeking healing. With a simple touch and a command, Jesus cleanses the leper, showcasing his authority over illness and social stigma. He instructs the healed man to present himself to the priest, adhering to the Mosaic law, which serves as a testament to Jesus’ respect for Jewish tradition. Next, the narrative shifts to Capernaum where a Roman centurion seeks Jesus’ help for his paralyzed servant. This interaction emphasizes the theme of faith, particularly as the centurion expresses profound humility and belief in Jesus’ authority. Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, declaring that he has not found such faith even among the Israelites. This moment foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of Heaven, which would have been a radical idea for Matthew's Jewish audience. The chapter continues with Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law and many others afflicted by various ailments and demonic oppression, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah about the Messiah bearing our sicknesses. This serves to reinforce the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah. Towards the end of the chapter, Jesus addresses the cost of discipleship, highlighting the sacrifices involved in following him. When a scribe expresses his eagerness to follow Jesus, Jesus responds with a sobering reminder of his own lack of earthly comfort, indicating that true discipleship requires commitment beyond mere enthusiasm. The chapter closes with a powerful illustration of Jesus’ authority and compassion, setting the tone for the subsequent teachings and miracles that will unfold in the Gospel of Matthew.