Matthew’s view towards Jesus is different than other disciples like Mark and Luke. Unlike Mark’s view, miracle-working, Matthew, or author of the Book of Matthew, describes Jesus as “teacher”. Possible idea is that because Matthew was tax-collector before he decided to follow Jesus as himself a disciple. He had the characteristic of Jesus as ‘official figure’, such as teachers, or professor. His past job would give influence to Matthew that he would have different characteristic of Jesus. Also, Matthew emphasizes more in spiritual way than other disciples who wrote their own book. In Matthew 5:3, he writes that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Also he writes on Matthew 5:6 that “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”. The words “spirit” and “righteousness” added in his scripture while Mark only writes phrase “Blessed are the poor.”

Sermon on the Mount provides the way of how Christians should live in this world; and it is different life than others. Matthew 4:17 states that “From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”. This describes that whoever acknowledge their sins and repent, God will give that person the salvation.  This makes a difference from Roman Empire. Roman Empire pursues more like ‘perfect life’; they are the ruler, everyone else is just a second-class people. From Sermon on the Mount, it gives me the idea that there is no discrimination. All we have to do is acknowledge the Son of God, and we are the sinners.

Daniel Lim.