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The Gospel of Matthew, like the other Gospels, is a story. The narrative nature of Matthew’s account of the life of Jesus unfolds as a plotted sequence of words and events, beginning with his birth and closing with his presence to the disciples as their risen Lord. The location of any single passage within the flow of the unfolding story is a major guide to understanding this Gospel. Matthew is best known for his account of the birth of Jesus (Matt 1—2); Peter’s recognition of Jesus as the Son of Man, the Son of God (16:13–20); and the final commission of all the disciples to preach the gospel to all nations (28:16–28). But where do these famous passages appear in the story? What preceded them and what follows? The first Gospel famously highlights five major discourses, during which only Jesus speaks. How do they contribute to Matthew’s story of the life of Jesus?
The Shape of Matthew’s Story focuses upon the temporal and geographical flow of the unfolding narrative, and the interacting roles of the protagonists within it. It traces an early Christian storyteller’s single-minded presentation of God, Jesus Christ, the call to discipleship, and the Christian Church.
Francis J Moloney SDB (1940–2025) was a renowned Australian New Testament scholar and Salesian priest, internationally respected for his interpretation of the Gospel of Mark. Known for his clear, insightful, and pastorally grounded scholarship, he authored more than fifty books and taught widely in Australia, Europe, and the United States. His work on Mark brings careful attention to the Gospel’s narrative power and its demanding call to discipleship.
