INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW
God Himself came to save us from our sins and to live with us. The Gospel of Matthew begins with this incredible truth. The first chapters tell of the birth of a baby who is to be called “Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (1:21). With this explanation, we understand from the beginning that Jesus is our
Savior. Another name reveals that this child was God Himself: “‘They shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us)” (1:23). God had chosen to become like the people He so dearly loved, to live among them, and to rescue them from their sins.
Matthew’s Gospel ends with the same message of salvation and the same promise of God’s presence. Jesus had been raised to life after death on the cross. He sent His disciples into the world to share the good news.