My Favourite Gospel
Well, if I guess I had to choose, I would prefer to read the Gospel of Saint Matthew because I find there is a deep sense of continuity within the text. It is also introduces to the burgening Christian the concept of Christian ministry and discipleship. Theologians Dennis C. Duling (1939- ) and Norman Perrin (1920-1976) in there book aptly describe Matthew as providing, an understanding of the past, present and future that make sense of the emerging Church’s ongoing life in the world.
Saint Matthew has, in many ways, embraced his Jewish roots. It begins with the genealogy, starting with Abraham and concluding with Jesus. At Christmastime, one always hears Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus. We hear about Saint John the Baptist in the wilderness as he proclaims the coming of the Messiah.
Saint Matthew wonderfully portrays the beginning of Jesus’ ministry as He preached and gathered disciples around him. I love the imagery of Jesus preaching the Sermon on the Mount and teaching on the Principles of Discipleship. I also enjoy Matthew because Jesus is a miracle worker. I particularly like the healing of the leper and the stilling of the storm. Matthew again brings out the powerful imagery of the storm on the Sea of Galilee and how Jesus calms the storm.
I enjoy reading the Parables that Saint Matthew employes. In particular, ‘The Sower’ (13:1-9) as it explains ministry and its potential failures and successes. Matthew also gives us ‘the feeding of the five thousand’. I understand it to be an interpretation of ministry as it relates to Communion. I believe it is the beginnings of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
In the Gospel of Saint Matthew Jesus walks on water as His Disciples are tested in their faith. They fail, but Jesus helps them up. The text is written with hind-site, but I like the usage of the three predictions of Jesus’ impending death. Can’t we all relate in some way to the story of ‘ The Rich Young Man ’, as he must make a choice to give up all that he possesses to follow Jesus?
I especially enjoy Saint Matthew's presentation of ‘The Great Commission’. This is a Call to Ministry and I find it quite powerful at the end of the Gospel. The Disciples are authorized to Preach, to Teach and Interpret the Revelation of Jesus. I feel that one can relate to the Disciples who have a Mission as true believers. I believe that the Gospel of Saint Matthew clearly points out that this Mission is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and that the Christian message is that there is Salvation and Eternal Life for those who believe and live a life of Faith. This deep sense of continuity found within the Gospel of Saint Matthew continues to introduce to Christians the purpose of service to others.
Originally entitled: The Creativity of Gospel Writers submitted to the Rev. Dr. William Cantelon as a Master of Theological Studies course requirement for 505E - Introduction to Christian Scriptures St. Stephen's Theological College University of Alberta Published on February 24th, 2002 {Revised August 21st, 2024}
© Dr. Charles Warner 2024
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