Peter Money

The Gospel of Matthew has its own flavour. But why four Gospels? This was always a question I had growing up in a Christian home and going to church very regularly from Sunday to Sunday. So I figured it was about time I figured it out for myself.

One thing is for sure. Matthew very much has a different flavour than each of the other Gospels. Each of the statements that he makes are inspired by the Holy Spirit, but I am one that believes that in some miraculous way, the LORD designed the Bible in such a way that the inspired writers were also given an opportunity to give of their personalities as well when writing. Matthew's Gospel is a very good example of a book whose author shines through - not as the main character - but as a grateful follower of Jesus Christ. As Wiersbe explains in his introduction, Matthew's experience with Jesus in Matthew 9:9-17 shows a gracious exchange between a Saviour and the one needing to be saved. Matthew, a tax-collector and Jesus, a sinner-collector; rips Matthew from the hands of Satan and brings him into eternal life through his promises of resurrection. Matthew's Gospel, among other things, is a thank-offering for what Jesus has done in his life. Matthew's name, we are told, means 'Gift of God'. And so he is.

After all is said and done, my desire is to discover again the wonderful work that the LORD can do in a heart and how, through that one heart, many lives are changed and the church is formed. It is not by chance that Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. Many new believers in their first look at the Bible, logically look to the first book - Matthew. It is here that they will find the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, but it is also here that they will find what Jesus can do with one who has been saved and is brought into his Church.

So, kindly follow along with me. I am grateful for the Word of the LORD and how it is ever alive and speaking because it has been inspired by the LORD's Holy Spirit. May we meet the same Jesus Matthew did in these pages to come. So now begins the Journey of Matthew.