Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus to stress the continuity between the First Testament and the new work that God began in Jesus the Christ. Actually the genealogy in Matthew is that of Joseph who is represented as Mary’s husband rather than as the actual father of Jesus. The genealogy places Jesus in the legal line of the king promised to God’s people. Unlike Luke, Mary is presented as “with child of the Holy Spirit”. Joseph’s dream is the first of a series of dreams, revealing divine warning or counsel. Joseph is addressed as son of David, king David. Chapter 2 ends with the flight into Egypt. In Chapter 3 John the Baptist baptizes Jesus and announces the coming of the messiah. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Unlike Mark who depicts the coming of the Spirit as a private experience of Jesus, Matthew implies that the heavenly voice addressed the onlookers. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Immediately upon entering his ministry Jesus is tempted with power, possessions, and fame. After resisting such temptation he begins in Galilee of the Gentiles. With the call of his disciples he begins teaching, preaching and healing.
Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus to stress the continuity between the First Testament and the new work that God began in Jesus the Christ. Actually the genealogy in Matthew is that of Joseph who is represented as Mary’s husband rather than as the actual father of Jesus. The genealogy places Jesus in the legal line of the king promised to God’s people. Unlike Luke, Mary is presented as “with child of the Holy Spirit”. Joseph’s dream is the first of a series of dreams, revealing divine warning or counsel. Joseph is addressed as son of David, king David. Chapter 2 ends with the flight into Egypt. In Chapter 3 John the Baptist baptizes Jesus and announces the coming of the messiah. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Unlike Mark who depicts the coming of the Spirit as a private experience of Jesus, Matthew implies that the heavenly voice addressed the onlookers. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Immediately upon entering his ministry Jesus is tempted with power, possessions, and fame. After resisting such temptation he begins in Galilee of the Gentiles. With the call of his disciples he begins teaching, preaching and healing.
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