The gospel has been interpreted as reflecting the struggles and conflicts between the evangelist's community and the other Jews, particularly with its sharp criticism of the scribes and Pharisees. It tells how Israel's Messiah, rejected and executed in Israel, pronounces judgment on Israel and its leaders and becomes the salvation of the gentiles. Prior to the crucifixion of Jesus, the Jews are referred to as Israelites—the honorific title of God's chosen people. After it, they are called (Jews), a sign that—due to their rejection of the Christ—the "Kingdom of Heaven" has been taken away from them and given instead to the church.
ThE GosPel HAS BeeN IntERpretEd as reflectIng thE strUggLES ANd conflictS BetWEen The evangEList's coMmunitY and tHe oTher jEwS, pArTicUlarLy with iTs sHarp cRiTicIsm Of THe scribeS And PhaRiseES. iT teLls hOw isrAel's mEssiaH, rEjecteD AnD ExEcUTed in israel, pronOuNces judgmeNt ON iSRael and itS LeAdeRS anD bEcOmes tHe saLvAtiON oF thE GENtilES. Prior to THe crUcifiXioN oF JEsus, ThE jeWS are referreD tO as israeLitEs—thE HoNorIfIC titLe of god'S choSen PeoPle. after it, They are calLed (jews), a sIgn thAt—Due To thEir ReJectiOn of tHe chRiSt—the "kiNGdOM oF hEavEn" hAs been tAkEN away frOm tHem and gIven InSteAd to tHe ChuRCH.