According to Matthew, the Gospel story is the first book of the New Testament in the Bible. The New Testament's Gospel narratives are intended to offer us details of our Savior Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, as well as to convey His teachings. It's crucial to grasp the historical and literary contexts surrounding the Gospel of Matthew, as well as the value and significance of Matthew himself, as with any other story. Matthew is here as a Gospel to present us with the story of Jesus Christ as our Messiah, as prophesied in the Old Testament. While it is critical to consider the comprehensive context surrounding Matthew's tale, the significance of the narrative can be discovered by linking it to the events related to the other Gospels. It is simple to examine the underlying meaning and relevance within the framework of the Gospels by comparing Matthew 13 and Matthew 27-28. Because the Gospels were created as narratives to give us knowledge about Jesus Christ's life and death, as well as all that transpired in between, it's critical to compare the many accounts recorded in the Gospels whenever feasible.
The Bible's parables recount a story in a straightforward manner that captures the attention of the listeners. An inferred analogy is referred to as a parable. By drawing parallels between everyday life and the Kingdom of God, Jesus declares the Kingdom of God. During His public ministry, Jesus spoke parables. Apart from the parables told in the Gospels, Christ gives them a sign and a foretaste of what is and will be the Kingdom of Heaven. Because they attempt to unveil this hidden kingdom among the people, all of Jesus' deeds during His public life have a vision or a parabolic sense. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God with wisdom and simplicity, and he utilizes parables to reveal fresh information. At the same time, Jesus asks listeners to be drawn to and excited about this kingdom through a new vision. For all Christians, all parables have profound importance. As a result, parables cause listeners to analyze and think, which is why he constantly warns at the end of them: “I talk to them in parables, because they have sight but do not see, and hearing but do not hear or understand” (Matthew 13). With that statement, Jesus is implying that only those with an open heart to conversion and a soul willing to reject sin will comprehend and internalize these short stories.
In Chapter 13, Jesus' teaching approach shifts in response to opposition. Instead of boldly declaring the kingdom, Jesus proceeds to speak in parables that make sense to believers but are incomprehensible to nonbelievers. A sower sowing a field (Matthew 13:3-9), a woman kneading yeast into bread (Matthew 13:33), a treasure hunter (Matthew 13:44), a pearl dealer (Matthew 13:45-46), some fisherman (Matthew 13:47-50), and a homeowner (Matthew 13:47-50). These aren't, for the most part, stories about the work they depict. We don't learn how to properly plow a field, prepare bread, or invest in commodities from Jesus. Instead, Jesus incorporates material objects and human work into stories that teach us about God's kingdom. Even when depicting eternal reality, our work can convey significance. This serves as a reminder that we, along with the rest of creation, are part of God's kingdom.
Matthew emphasizes the earth-shattering implications of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection more than any other Gospel writer and returns us to the core motif of the kingdoms of heaven and earth. To the Jews, the darkening of the heavens, the shaking of the earth, and the resurrection of the dead (Matthew 27:45-54) would have been unambiguous evidence that the current era was coming to an end age to come had begun. Life and work, on the other hand, seemed to go on as usual; it was business as usual. What happened at that cross on Golgotha's hill? The answer is a loud yes, according to the Gospel of Matthew. The crucifixion of Jesus dealt a fatal blow to a world system based on human strength and wisdom. His resurrection signifies the world's first encounter with God's methods. Although God's dominion has not yet conquered the entire planet, Christ reigns over those who will follow Him. Jesus' earthly ministry was coming to a close. In Matthew 28:16-20, Christ commissions those who will follow Him: “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age'”.
Christians tend to emphasize the evangelistic part of this verse, which is sometimes referred to as the Great Commission. However, the commission is to 'create disciples', not just 'earn converts'. Work is an important part of becoming a disciple. Understanding our labor in light of Christ's Lordship is an important aspect of carrying out the Great Commission. Our marching orders have been issued. We are to preach the gospel to all nations, baptizing those who believe, and instructing them to “follow everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). When we look back through Matthew's twenty-eight chapters, we see numerous commands that apply to our employees. These teachings are for us and future generations.
Finally, I want to emphasize that my focus here is on the primary plot, not on Matthew's unique purpose in comparison to the other synoptists. As I make an argument, I look at the Gospel from a broad viewpoint. Also, when we want to define what components of the Gospel contribute to making the story persuasive for following generations up to this day, studying the core of the Gospel message is more intriguing. In the Gospels, Jesus and other people declare these viewpoints, which are known as the Christian message, or the Gospel. All of the ingredients of argumentation appear to be present here: viewpoints supported by arguments in a setting of conflict and persuasion. However, because the evangelists primarily wrote to believers, it could be claimed that they had no argument to make. However, because the Gospels are the only records of Jesus' life, it's improbable that the evangelists didn't see the necessity of delivering the story in a trustworthy and engaging manner. These writings have long served as both fundamental pieces of devotional and instructive literature for Christians, as well as the literary framework for carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) to non-Christians. Even in their first purpose, the Gospels contain an argumentative role, because believers likewise seek arguments to sustain their beliefs.