God-with-us : the dominant perspective in Matthew's story and other essays

Abstract

This book is aimed at the specialist in Matthean studies. Throughout the book debate is conducted with scholars, even on aspects of the interpretation of material in the Gospel of Matthew. The book is, however, not intended merely to cross swords with colleagues. It has the express purpose of communicating a particular viewpoint, so that future research into the Gospel of Matthew will also take note of this viewpoint. This viewpoint is related to my conviction that the fundamental idea that Matthew is sharing with his readers is the message of God with us - in a limitless way. According to Matthew, God's unmediated presence among his people - especially those who, because of their 'imperfections' were considered 'impure' and thus outside the realm of the kingdom of heaven - was manifested in the presence of the Son of God (Jesus), who made God's will his own through his conduct and attitude. But that is not all. God's presence can also be seen in the conduct and attitude of the sons of God (the disciples) who, after the analogy of Jesus, are obedient to the will of God.