The Gospel of Matthew

Matthew and Mark

The synoptic Gospels of Matthew and Mark differ significantly in their perception of Jesus, but share great similarities in the way in which they state salvation should be sought. Within Matthew, Jesus is described as Godlike, but within Mark Jesus is seen as a special man, but not as a God. Mark and Matthew are similar in their perception of the attainment of salvation. Matthew describes salvation through repenting, keeping the commandments and giving to the poor and needy, while Mark also describes the attainment of salvation through keeping the commandments and good works. Together, the similarities and differences that exist within these closely related texts serve to highlight the challenges of the interpretation of the Bible.

Matthew describes Jesus as Godlike. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is not shown as fallible or limited in power or authority, as he is in Mark. Further, Matthew's Gospel contains an account of Jesus' birth as a virgin birth, where the Holy Spirit impregnates Mary. Matthew 1:18, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Later, the story of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead portrays Jesus as a powerful figure. Matthew 28:18-28:20 reveal Jesus' Godlike nature, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

In contrast, Mark depicts Jesus as a special man, but not as a God. In his Gospel, Jesus was the son of God, and the messiah of the Jews. In Mark 1:11 the voice of God comes down from the heavens, "And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Jesus had profound powers and authority, but was not necessarily all-seeing or all-powerful. Jesus is tested by God, and found worthy, Mark 1:12-1:13 "And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him." within Mark, Jesus commits many profound acts, including the multiplication of the fishes and loaves of bread (Mark 6:41-6:44), walking upon water (Mark 6:48-6:49), and stilling the wind (Mark 6:51). Further, Mark does not describe a virgin birth, and Joseph is presumably the natural father of Jesus. Further, the resurrection of Jesus seems to have come at the hand of God, rather than through the actions of Jesus himself.