THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW The Gospel of Matthew is an eyewitness account written for an audience of believers, under great stress and persecution. Matthew develops a theological plot integrating genealogy, speeches, parables, inter- and intra-textual references, common vocabulary, and fulfillment quotes, with tension building as we are invited into the story. The crucifixion and resurrection bring us to a Christological climax that symbolically points beyond its conclusion to the Kingdom of God, bringing atonement, salvation, and the introduction of the Eschaton. The extraordinary events surrounding the crucifixion serve as commentary, adding important details regarding the death of Jesus.1 The author's intention is Christological. Jesus is the Son of God. He is God among us. Titles recognized in Matthew include Christ, Son of God, Son of Man, Son of David, King, Emmanuel. Furthermore, “Jesus' allusions and actions regarding Matthew's Jesus also communicate his messianic claims.”2 The Gospel functions as a teaching tool and can be used liturgically. The author of Matthew intended for it to be read and for his audience to understand, engage, and appreciate the literary devices and references. He “does not write for bad or casual readers, but rather for good and attentive listeners. Ancient audiences were “accustomed to remembering minute textual details.”3 The Gospel of Matthew presents the plan of atonement and salvation for all and the beginning of a new age. The Kingdom has come. The Gospel of Matthew is eschatological. Through direct use and allusions to the Hebrew scriptures, as well as fulfillment quotes, Matthew clearly connects the life and ministry of Jesus to the traditions of Israel and the promised history.4..... . middle of paper ...... and thus magnify a single circumstance: all attention is directed towards a single thing »21. The words on his lips were not a cry, they were not a cry, they were a prayer. Matthew used the word kraxas for crying. Krazein is a word used in Ps 22:2,5, 24. The word can mean translated as fervent and passionate prayer.22 Jesus died with a prayer on his lips.Works Cited14 Jonathan T. Pennington. Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew. (Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2009), 214. 15 Dale C. Allison, Jr. Studies in Matthew: Past and Present Interpretation. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), 101. 16 Frank J. Matera. Passion stories and evangelical theologies: interpreting the synoptics through their passion stories. (New York: Paulist Press, 1986), 115. 17 Dale C. Allison, Jr. Studies in Matthew: Past and Present Interpretation. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), 229.