Gary North

The economic outlook of the Gospel of Matthew is structured by the theme of priorities.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

In this Gospel, Jesus set forth the principle of the centrality of the kingdom of God, which the author refers to repeatedly as the kingdom of heaven. This Gospel is kingdom-centric. The kingdom is growth-oriented.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof (Matthew 13:31-32)

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened (Matthew 13:33).

This is the foundation of the New Testament's doctrine of economic growth. It extends to the world the principle of God's blessings in history, including economic blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Moses spoke regarding the nation of Israel. Jesus' accent on kingdom expansion extended this to the world.

Matthew