Establishment of the Church
In Matthew 16:13-20, following Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus pronounces a foundational statement about the Church: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." This passage underscores the Church's establishment on the apostolic witness to Jesus as the Messiah and its invincibility against the forces of death and evil.
Authority Granted to the Church
- Keys of the Kingdom: In the same passage (Matthew 16:19), Jesus speaks of giving Peter "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," signifying authority to bind and loose on earth, which will be reflected in heaven. This authority, later extended to all the disciples in Matthew 18:18, points to the Church's role in discerning and declaring God's will, particularly in matters of doctrine and discipline.
- Discipline and Forgiveness: Matthew 18:15-20 lays out procedures for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness. The passage concludes with a promise of Jesus' presence "where two or three gather in my name," underscoring the Church's role as a community of restoration and the embodiment of Christ's presence on earth.
Mission of the Church
Matthew 28:18-20, known as the Great Commission, extends the mission of Jesus to His disciples and, by extension, the Church. They are commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations," baptizing them and teaching them to obey Jesus' commands. This mission encompasses evangelism, discipleship, and the establishment of a global community united in faith and obedience to Christ.
Ethical and Eschatological Dimensions
- Sermon on the Mount: While not explicitly about the Church, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provides ethical teachings that are foundational for the Church's life and witness. The Beatitudes, along with teachings on love, forgiveness, and righteousness, outline the character and lifestyle of the Kingdom's citizens, which the Church is called to embody.
- Preparation for the End Times: Throughout Matthew, Jesus teaches about vigilance, preparedness, and faithfulness in anticipation of the Kingdom's fulfillment (e.g., Matthew 24-25). The Church is to live in a state of readiness for Christ's return, actively engaging in its mission while awaiting the consummation of the Kingdom.
The Church as a Community of the Kingdom
- Inclusive Community: The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the inclusivity of the Kingdom of Heaven, which extends to tax collectors, sinners, Gentiles, and all who were marginalized or excluded under the old covenant (e.g., Matthew 8:11-12, 21:31-32). The Church, therefore, is envisioned as a diverse and inclusive community that transcends ethnic, social, and cultural boundaries.
- A Model of Righteousness and Justice: The Church is called to model the righteousness and justice of the Kingdom, serving as a light to the nations (Matthew 5:14-16). This involves both proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel through acts of mercy, justice, and love.
Conclusion
In the Gospel of Matthew, the theme of the Church is intricately linked to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Church is portrayed as the community of Jesus' followers who are called to live out the values of the Kingdom, exercise authority in matters of faith and conduct, and participate actively in Jesus' mission to make disciples of all nations. Through its teachings on the Church, Matthew provides a vision for a community that is not only grounded in the apostolic witness to Christ but is also actively engaged in transforming the world through the power of the Gospel, under the guidance and presence of Jesus Himself.