Page 2 - Gospels for Young Catholics

The GOSPEL according to MATTHEW
The Gospel of Matthew is believed to be written by to Matthew, also called Levi, who was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector, who was one of the very first disciples Jesus called. Matthew’s Gospel was written sometime between 80 and 90 A.D., after the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, and draws heavily from the Gospel of Mark, which was written first, around 70 A.D.
Matthew is unique in that it quotes Old Testament Scripture to connect Jesus to the prophecies of old. Verses from the Old Testament occur in Matthew 96 times, more than in any other Gospel. This high number of references to the Old Testa- ment reveals that Matthew is of Jewish descent and that he is most likely writing to those of Jewish descent. His readers would know and recognize these verses from the old books of Scripture referring to the coming of the Messiah, the Chosen One sent by God to save us from sin, death, and the devil. Jesus was the One long await- ed, Matthew was declaring.
Matthew follows chronologically the life of Jesus on earth, beginning with the birth and early years of Jesus. This section includes the family tree of Jesus (called a genealogy), then tells of Jesus’ birth—through the eyes of Joseph—and the visit by the wise men. This section ends with Jesus’ journey to Egypt with Mary and Joseph to escape King Herod.
The story of Jesus’ ministry in the region of Galilee follows, which includes Je- sus’ Sermon on the Mount, his miracles, his selection of the 12 disciples and his parables of the Kingdom.
Jesus expands his ministry beyond Galilee in Matthew’s Gospel, to Phoenicia, then Decapolis, Caesarsea Philippi, Judea and Perea, where he teaches and heals, preaches parables and speaks with those who come to him with questions and requests.
The events of Holy Week are described in detail, including Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, his cleansing of the temple, the anointing of his feet, and his arrest, trial and Death. The last section highlights the Resurrec- tion of Jesus with an earthquake, angels, Jesus’ encounter with the women and his Great Commission to his disciples to go and preach the Gospel.
10
SAMPLE
Pflaum Publishing Group