THE CONCLUSION OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Emmanuel – The Fulfillment of God’s Promise
The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah, the Son of David and Son of God, who fulfills the Law and the Prophets and establishes the Kingdom of Heaven. Written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience, it portrays Jesus as the new Moses and divine teacher whose words and deeds reveal God’s saving plan for all humanity. Through His parables, miracles, passion, death, and resurrection, Matthew unveils Christ as Emmanuel—“God with us”—who brings forgiveness, mercy, and redemption to the world. The Gospel culminates in the Great Commission, where the risen Lord entrusts His disciples with the universal mission to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and promising His abiding presence until the end of time.
1. Affirmation of Jesus as the Messiah
The Gospel of Matthew opens with the proclamation that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). From the genealogy to the resurrection, Matthew confirms Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah foretold by the prophets. He fulfills the covenantal promises made to Israel—uniting the royal lineage of David and the faith of Abraham in His own person. Each episode, from the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14) to the triumphal entry (Zechariah 9:9) and Passion (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53), reveals Him as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. For Catholic theology, this fulfillment does not abolish Israel’s story but brings it to completion: in Christ, every divine promise finds its “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Jesus is both the culmination of salvation history and its living continuation in His Church.
2. Summary of Central Themes
Matthew’s Gospel presents a unified vision of the Kingdom of Heaven—God’s reign breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. Its central themes weave together discipleship, mercy, and obedience to God’s will. The Kingdom of Heaven calls all people to conversion and participation in divine life. Discipleship demands radical obedience—following Jesus in humility, forgiveness, and love. The fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17) shows Jesus as the perfect interpreter of God’s righteousness. Forgiveness and mercy permeate the Gospel (Matthew 18:21–22), revealing the Father’s heart. The divine presence of Emmanuel, “God with us,” binds the entire Gospel—from His birth (1:23) to His promise, “I am with you always” (28:20). Together, these themes form a catechism of Christian living, calling every disciple to embody the Beatitudes and walk the narrow path that leads to life.
3. The Authority and Teaching of Jesus
Matthew presents Jesus as the new Moses—the divine lawgiver who ascends the mountain to proclaim the Sermon on the Mount. His teachings surpass those of any prophet or rabbi, revealing the inner law of love that fulfills the old covenant. Jesus speaks “as one having authority” (Matthew 7:29), commanding both nature and human hearts. His parables unveil the mysteries of the Kingdom, and His miracles confirm His divine mission. The Catholic Church sees in Jesus’ teaching ministry the foundation of her own magisterium: He entrusted this authority to His apostles and their successors so that His word might continue to shape faith and morality throughout the ages.
4. The Call to Mission
The Gospel culminates in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), where the Risen Lord sends His disciples to “make disciples of all nations.” This universal mission transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. The Church’s evangelizing work flows from Christ’s authority and presence; it is not merely human effort but divine mandate. Baptism and teaching remain the twin pillars of this mission, introducing believers into the life of the Trinity and forming them as disciples who live and proclaim the Gospel. The command “Go” continues to echo in every age, reminding Catholics that evangelization is not optional—it is the very essence of Christian identity.
5. Matthew’s Use of the Old Testament
Matthew’s Gospel is richly interwoven with the Scriptures of Israel. Over sixty direct quotations and hundreds of allusions connect the story of Jesus to the Torah, the Prophets, and the Psalms. Each citation—“that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled” (Matthew 1:22)—underscores divine continuity. For Catholic exegesis, this pattern reveals the unity of both Testaments: the Old prepares for the New, and the New fulfills the Old. Jesus stands as the true Israel, the faithful Son who accomplishes all righteousness and renews the covenant in His blood.
6. Hope of the Second Coming
Matthew not only recounts Christ’s first coming but also directs our gaze to His glorious return. In chapters 24–25, Jesus speaks of vigilance, judgment, and the consummation of the Kingdom. The parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the final judgment call believers to faithfulness, mercy, and readiness. The eschatological promise assures the Church that history is moving toward fulfillment in Christ’s return. Catholic teaching interprets this hope not as fear but as confident expectation: the Lord who reigns now will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, completing the redemption He has begun.
7. Application for Today
Matthew’s Gospel challenges believers to live faith concretely. True discipleship means embodying the Beatitudes, forgiving seventy times seven, and loving even one’s enemies. It means building one’s house on the rock of Christ’s word (Matthew 7:24). In today’s world, this Gospel calls for a renewal of mercy, integrity, and missionary courage. Through prayer, the sacraments, and service, each Christian becomes a living witness of Emmanuel—God with us in every act of charity, every defense of truth, and every act of compassion toward the poor and the brokenhearted.
8. Unity with the Broader Christian Witness
The Gospel of Matthew harmonizes with the other three Gospels to present the fullness of the mystery of Christ. While Mark highlights action, Luke emphasizes compassion, and John reveals divine mystery, Matthew focuses on fulfillment and teaching. Together, they form a fourfold witness to the one Lord and Savior. The Church venerates this harmony as inspired by the Holy Spirit, providing a complete portrait of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Redeemer of the world.
Final Catholic Reflection
The Gospel of Matthew is a Gospel of fulfillment, formation, and faith. It begins with the cry of expectation—“Where is the newborn King of the Jews?”—and ends with the assurance of divine presence—“I am with you always.” Between those two lines unfolds the greatest story of God’s love: the coming of the Messiah who redeems humanity and founds His Church upon the rock of faith. Matthew’s witness remains timeless—a guide for the Church’s mission, a lamp for discipleship, and a promise of Emmanuel’s abiding presence until the end of the age.
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of David and Son of God, we thank You for the saving truth revealed in the Gospel of Matthew. You are the fulfillment of all prophecy, the new lawgiver, and the everlasting Emmanuel. Help us to live Your teachings faithfully, to proclaim Your Gospel with courage, and to await Your glorious return with steadfast hope. May Your words take root in our hearts and bear fruit in love, mercy, and holiness, until we share the joy of Your Kingdom forever. Amen.