Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.8/10

A gospel-centred, accessible guide to Matthew that equips churches to preach and live the kingdom of Christ.

Publication Date(s): 2020

Pages: 376

ISBN: 9781789741445

Faithfulness to the Text: 9/10

Green shows respect for Matthew’s structure and message, handling both narrative and teaching with balance and care.

Christ Centredness: 9/10

Jesus’ identity and mission remain the centre; the commentary continually points readers to Christ as Messiah and Lord.

Depth of Insight: 8/10

Offers thoughtful theological reflection without overloading with academic jargon—sufficient for solid exposition and pastoral preaching.

Clarity of Writing: 9/10

The writing is clear, engaging, and pastor-friendly—well suited for sermon prep or group study.

Pastoral Usefulness: 9/10

Very helpful for sermon series, teaching, or discipleship, especially when leading congregations through Matthew’s Gospel.

Readability: 9/10

Smooth, accessible, and direct—the kind of commentary one can read through without losing clarity or momentum.

We believe The Message of Matthew by Michael Green should occupy a central place on the shelf of any pastor or Bible teacher preparing to guide a congregation through the Gospel of Matthew. This volume brings together sound evangelical conviction, pastoral sensitivity, and clear exposition. It aims to make Matthew’s Gospel accessible and alive, pointing readers toward Christ as Messiah and to the implications of discipleship under his kingdom.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 376 pages
Type: Application, Expositional
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.8 / 10
Strength: Balanced exposition that points the church to Jesus as Messiah with clarity and pastoral wisdom.
Limitation: Not a technical or original-language commentary; less useful for advanced scholarly exegesis.

Michael Green begins with helpful orientation, introducing the author, purpose and structure of Matthew’s Gospel, and surveying relevant historical and theological context. As he moves through the text he highlights how Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s promises: Davidic king, Son of God, Messiah and Lord over all. Green walks us through the narrative and teaching sections of Matthew, helping us see both the continuity with Old Testament promise and the inauguration of the new covenant in Christ.

Throughout the exposition Green remains attentive to central gospel themes: kingdom, righteousness, discipleship, judgement, mercy and the call to follow Jesus. He does not shrink from difficult passages or ethical demands, yet he constantly brings them back into gospel perspective, showing that obedience flows not from moralism but from new life in Christ. In doing this he frames Matthew not as ancient moral code only, but as living word for the church today.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

This commentary offers a readable, pastor friendly guide that helps bring Matthew’s Gospel to life in preaching and teaching. Its balanced combination of historical awareness, theological sensitivity and pastoral application makes it especially valuable for pastors seeking to preach Matthew’s Gospel faithfully without wading into overly technical or academic detail.

Green’s exposition is particularly strong in helping readers see who Jesus is and what his kingdom means for disciples. For a congregation living in a fragmented, post Christian culture, this clarity is critical. The commentary helps preachers and teachers draw out both challenge and hope, calling the church to holiness, love and gospel faithfulness under Christ’s reign.

Because of its readability and clarity, this volume also works well for lay group study or personal reflection. It invites readers to engage the Gospel deeply without feeling overwhelmed by technicality. For many churches, this book could serve both sermon preparation and discipleship purposes.

Closing Recommendation

We warmly commend The Message of Matthew to pastors, church leaders, small group leaders and serious lay readers who want to bring Matthew’s Gospel to life in worship, teaching and community. It combines gospel centred exposition with pastoral warmth and practical relevance, making it a wise investment for any church seeking to ground itself in the good news of Jesus.

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