Priorities and Dominion: An Economic Commentary on Matthew

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