Articles
The Good News of Matthew
Most of the time we watch the news it’s bad news, isn’t it? Train wrecks, Middle East violence, natural disasters, immorality—you name it. But Matthew tells us that when Jesus preached in Palestine He went around “proclaiming the gospel [literally, ‘good news’] of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23). Jesus didn’t come to bring more negativity but a positive message of:
Comfort. The world is full of problems, and we have problems ourselves! It was no different in Jesus’ day. In fact, for that reason He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:3-4).
Rest. Life can be burdensome, especially if you are weighed down by the guilt and power of sin. But Jesus invited, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest…For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
Truth. Hypocrisy is a timeless evil. Since the time when Cain killed his brother then feigned ignorance before God people have tried to hide who they really are. To see religious frauds deceiving the masses is disheartening, but Jesus offers us sight through the freedom of His truth: “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6).
Victory. Death seems to rule over this world, doesn’t it? Evil reigns with an unsettling amount of force. Yet after Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus response, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18).
Salvation. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). Such is refreshing in a time when people only look out for themselves. Far more importantly, though, is the fact that Jesus’ eternal grace is abundantly and readily available to all. We have good news to share. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matt. 28:19).
