Matthew is the first book in the New Testament. It was written by a man named Matthew, who was one of Jesus’ special followers. The book of Matthew is like a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

The Old Testament tells us about people who loved and followed God
— Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ruth, David, Solomon and many more. In Matthew 1:1, Matthew begins his book by connecting these people to Jesus. “This is the family history of Jesus the Messiah. He came from the family of David, who was from the family of Abraham.”

Matthew goes on to list many people in Jesus’ earthly family line. It may seem boring to read through all these names. But it is important for us to know that the Old Testament prophets said Jesus would be born into this family line. The book of Matthew shows us that these prophecies came true.

Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ life from His birth to His ascension into heaven. Matthew worked with Jesus and learned from Him, so we can know that the book of Matthew is true. Praise God for this wonderful story about Jesus’ love and salvation!