The Gospel According to Matthew

Introduction
As time went by, the followers of Jesus as Messiah are just one more group; there were looked upon with suspicion or tolerance. It seems that it is in this context that the gospel of Matthew finds its roots: perfectly familiar with the Jewish customs and traditions.
It presents continuity and newness. Continuity, because in Jesus, the awaited Messiah, the promises of the Scriptures are fulfilled. But it takes distance from Jewish customs and interpretations.
Matthew’s community feels in continuity with Israel: they are the authentic Israel that has already entered into the final stage. Jesus has proclaimed the imminence of the “reign of God” and through his death and resurrection has performed the final act. The community gathers now in fidelity to Jesus, the Messiah and Teacher, new Moses and son of David.
Old traditions have attributed this gospel to Matthew. The infancy narratives resemble an overture announcing what will follow: identification-persecution-liberation-acknowledgement from Jews and pagans.

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