The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus as Messiah, Fulfillment of Prophecy, and Kingdom Ethics

Introduction

The Gospel of Matthew has been described as the most “Jewish” of the four canonical Gospels, but it is also the one that most clearly points to the universal mission of the church. Its primary concern is to show that Jesus is the Messiah who fulfills Israel’s Scriptures and inaugurates God’s kingdom, calling his followers to live by a new ethic of righteousness, justice, and mercy.

Three great themes dominate Matthew’s theological landscape:

1. Jesus as Messiah — the long-awaited son of David who embodies Israel’s hopes.

2. Fulfillment of prophecy — the one in whom the entire story of Israel comes to completion.

3. Kingdom ethics — the authoritative teacher who gives a vision for discipleship under God’s reign.

Together, these themes create Matthew’s distinctive portrait of Jesus and shape his community’s understanding of their identity and mission. In this chapter, we will explore each theme in depth, showing how Matthew develops them across the Gospel and how they continue to speak with power today.

Part 1: Jesus as Messiah

1. First-Century Messianic Expectations

The term “Messiah” (Hebrew mashiach, Greek christos) literally means “anointed one.” In the Hebrew Scriptures, kings (1 Samuel 10:1), priests (Exodus 29:7), and sometimes prophets (1 Kings 19:16) were anointed with oil as a sign of divine commissioning. By the time of the first century, Jewish expectation of the Messiah had taken on new intensity.

Different strands of messianic hope existed:

• Davidic king: Many longed for a son of David who would restore Israel’s political independence and establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Psalms of Solomon 17).

• Priestly figure: Some groups, like those at Qumran, hoped for a priestly Messiah who would purify temple worship.

• Prophetic deliverer: Deuteronomy 18:15 promised a prophet like Moses, and some expected such a figure to arise.

• Apocalyptic savior: Texts like Daniel 7 pointed to a “Son of Man” who would receive dominion at the end of history.

Matthew addresses these varied hopes by presenting Jesus as the one who fulfills them all, though often in surprising and paradoxical ways.

2. The Genealogy and Birth Narratives

Matthew begins with a genealogy (1:1–17) that firmly roots Jesus in Israel’s story. He is introduced as:

• Son of Abraham: heir of the promise of blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:1–3).

• Son of David: heir of the royal promise of an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

The genealogy is structured into three sets of fourteen generations, highlighting David (since the Hebrew letters of David’s name add up to fourteen). This numerical artistry reinforces Jesus’ Davidic identity.

Matthew’s birth narratives further underline Jesus’ messianic identity. The angel tells Joseph, “He will save his people from their sins” (1:21). The Magi recognize him as “the king of the Jews” (2:2). Herod’s violent opposition illustrates that the true Messiah threatens worldly powers.

3. Messianic Titles in Matthew

Throughout the Gospel, Jesus is identified with messianic titles:

• Son of David: The blind men cry out to him (9:27; 20:30). The crowds acclaim him at the triumphal entry (21:9).

• King of the Jews: The Magi use this title (2:2), and Pilate applies it at the crucifixion (27:11, 37).

• Christ/Messiah: Peter confesses, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:16).

Each title emphasizes Jesus’ messianic role, but Matthew also reshapes expectations by linking them with humility, suffering, and service.

4. Messianic Actions

Jesus demonstrates his messiahship not only in titles but in actions:

• Healing and restoration: Echoing Isaiah’s vision of the messianic age, Jesus opens blind eyes, heals the lame, and proclaims good news to the poor (Isaiah 35:5–6; cf. Matthew 11:4–5).

• Teaching with authority: Crowds marvel that he teaches “as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (7:29).

• Entering Jerusalem on a donkey: This act deliberately fulfills Zechariah 9:9, presenting him as the humble, peaceful king (21:5).

5. The Paradox of the Suffering Messiah

While many expected the Messiah to triumph militarily, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus fulfills his role through suffering and death. Three times, Jesus predicts his passion (16:21; 17:22–23; 20:17–19). At the cross, the mocking title “King of the Jews” becomes paradoxically true.

Thus, Matthew presents a Messiah who reigns from the cross, redefining kingship in terms of sacrifice and service (20:28).

Part 2: Fulfillment of Prophecy

1. The Fulfillment Formula

A distinctive feature of Matthew is his repeated use of “fulfillment formulas”:

• “This took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet…” (1:22; 2:15, 23; 4:14, etc.).

There are at least 12–14 of these explicit formulas in Matthew, more than in any other Gospel.

Examples include:

• Virgin birth: Isaiah 7:14 in Matthew 1:23.

• Birth in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 in Matthew 2:6.

• Flight to Egypt: Hosea 11:1 in Matthew 2:15.

• Massacre of infants: Jeremiah 31:15 in Matthew 2:18.

• Galilean ministry: Isaiah 9:1–2 in Matthew 4:15–16.

2. Typology and Patterns of Fulfillment

Fulfillment in Matthew often goes beyond direct prediction. It includes typology — the idea that earlier events or figures foreshadow Christ.

• Israel as God’s son: Hosea 11:1 originally referred to Israel’s exodus, but Matthew applies it to Jesus’ return from Egypt. Jesus is the true Israel.

• Exodus typology: Jesus’ baptism recalls Israel crossing the sea; his wilderness temptation recalls Israel’s 40 years of testing; his Sermon on the Mount recalls Moses receiving the Law.

• Davidic typology: Jesus is the ultimate son of David who embodies the covenant promises.

3. Fulfillment as Divine Providence

By stressing fulfillment, Matthew underscores that history is guided by God. Jesus’ life, ministry, and even his suffering occur “so that Scripture may be fulfilled.” This gives Matthew’s community confidence that their faith is not a betrayal of Israel’s story but its true completion.

4. Fulfillment and Universal Mission

Matthew also uses fulfillment to open Israel’s story to the nations. The Magi fulfill prophecies of Gentiles coming to Israel’s light (Isaiah 60:1–6). The Great Commission (28:18–20) universalizes Israel’s mission of blessing all nations (Genesis 12:3).

In Matthew, fulfillment is both particular (rooted in Israel) and universal (extended to all).

Part 3: Kingdom Ethics

1. The Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew prefers the phrase “kingdom of heaven” (32 times) rather than “kingdom of God.” Most scholars agree this reflects Jewish reverence for God’s name. The kingdom is both already present in Jesus’ ministry and not yet complete, awaiting eschatological fulfillment.

• Present: “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (12:28).

• Future: Disciples pray, “Your kingdom come” (6:10).

This tension of “already and not yet” shapes Matthew’s ethic.

2. The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7) is the charter of kingdom ethics.

• Beatitudes (5:3–12): Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the persecuted. These values invert worldly priorities.

• Radical righteousness: Jesus intensifies the Law — not abolishing it, but fulfilling it (5:17). He deepens commandments against murder, adultery, and oath-breaking to include inner attitudes (5:21–48).

• Lord’s Prayer (6:9–13): Teaching disciples to live in dependence on God.

• Golden Rule (7:12): Summarizing the Law and Prophets in a call to love.

The Sermon demands a righteousness that “exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees” (5:20).

3. Parables of the Kingdom

In chapter 13, Jesus teaches kingdom ethics through parables:

• Mustard seed and leaven: The kingdom grows from small beginnings.

• Treasure and pearl: The kingdom is worth total commitment.

• Net: Final judgment will separate the righteous from the wicked.

These parables stress the hidden yet transformative power of the kingdom.

4. Community Ethics

Matthew also emphasizes life together in the church.

• Humility: “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest” (18:4).

• Forgiveness: The parable of the unforgiving servant (18:21–35) teaches limitless forgiveness.

• Discipline: Matthew 18:15–20 outlines a process of reconciliation, guided by love.

• Servant leadership: “The greatest among you will be your servant” (23:11).

These teachings show how disciples are to embody kingdom values in their relationships.

5. Eschatological Ethics

Matthew links ethics with final judgment.

• Ten virgins (25:1–13): Preparedness for the coming kingdom.

• Talents (25:14–30): Faithful stewardship of God’s gifts.

• Sheep and goats (25:31–46): Service to “the least of these” as service to Christ.

Ethics in Matthew are not optional ideals but the criteria by which disciples will be judged.

Part 4: Theological Integration

These three themes — Messiah, fulfillment, kingdom ethics — interweave throughout Matthew:

• Jesus is the Messiah who fulfills prophecy and teaches kingdom righteousness.

• Fulfillment demonstrates that the Messiah is the climax of Israel’s story and that discipleship is the faithful continuation of covenant life.

• Kingdom ethics show how believers live as citizens of the Messiah’s kingdom in anticipation of its fullness.

Matthew thus provides both assurance (Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises) and challenge (disciples must live in radical obedience).

Suggested Assignments

1. Messianic Expectations Essay

• Task: Write a 1,500-word paper comparing first-century Jewish messianic expectations with Matthew’s presentation of Jesus.

• Purpose: To understand how Matthew redefines messiahship around suffering and service.

2. Prophecy Fulfillment Study

• Task: Create a detailed chart of 12 fulfillment citations in Matthew.

• Deliverable: Include the Old Testament passage, Matthew reference, original context, and theological significance.

• Purpose: To grasp Matthew’s interpretive use of Scripture.

3. Sermon on the Mount Analysis

• Task: Write a 2,000-word essay analyzing Matthew 5–7 as the foundation of kingdom ethics.

• Focus: Beatitudes, fulfillment of the Law, and the Lord’s Prayer.

• Purpose: To practice close reading and theological integration.

4. Parable Exegesis

• Task: Choose one kingdom parable from Matthew 13. Write a 1,000-word exegesis on its meaning for Matthew’s community and for today.

5. Eschatological Ethics Reflection

• Task: Reflect in 1,200 words on Matthew 25:31–46. How does this passage connect ethics with final judgment? What implications does it have for Christian social action today?

6. Community Application Journal

• Task: Keep a 500-word reflective journal on Matthew 18:15–20. How might Jesus’ instructions guide conflict resolution in modern church communities?

References

Allison, D. C. (2010). Constructing Jesus: Memory, imagination, and history. Baker Academic.

Bauckham, R. (2006). Jesus and the eyewitnesses: The Gospels as eyewitness testimony. Eerdmans.

Brown, R. E. (1997). An introduction to the New Testament. Doubleday.

Davies, W. D., & Allison, D. C. (2004). A critical and exegetical commentary on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew (Vols. 1–3). T&T Clark.

France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans.

Keener, C. S. (1999). A commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans.

Luz, U. (2007). Matthew 1–7: A commentary (Rev. ed.). Fortress Press.

Stanton, G. N. (1992). A gospel for a new people: Studies in Matthew. Westminster John Knox.

Turner, D. (2008). Matthew (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). Baker Academic.

Wright, N. T. (2012). How God became king: The forgotten story of the Gospels. HarperOne.