Thoughts on Theology Reading

Jeremiah 31:31-34 paints a beautiful portrait of the mediator of the New Covenant. He says that God has told him that this New Covenant will be one of forgiveness and all shall know the Lord. Matthew’s gospel is very consistent with this portrayal and goes as far as to quote Jeremiah directly in Matthew 21:13, when Jesus enters the Temple of Jerusalem. Matthew clearly defines that Jesus is the new mediator and the true interpreter of God’s will and does so using literary devices such as typology, formula quotations and antitheses. It is very clear that Matthew believes Jesus was the gateway into the Kingdom of God and demonstrates that Jeremiah’s prophecy is fulfilled because all who know Jesus now know the Lord. Finally, God forgives the even the wickedest sins of humanity without punishment by sacrificing his only son Jesus by death of crucifixion (Matt 27:32-56). I believe that my understanding of Jesus today has been most influenced by the Gospel of Matthew because it is so easy to understand. Matthew gives a clear and precise description of Jesus and of his Ministry not physically but spiritually.