The Obedient Son

In this work the author argues that the articulation of Jesus as Son of God in the Gospel of Matthew is significantly influenced by the Deuteronomic concept of obedient sonship. In support of the thesis, Matthew's multifaceted use of Scripture is considered, along with the prominence of Deuteronomy and the related themes of sonship and obedience in early Judaism and Christianity. It is concluded that Matthew has utilized these prevalent themes in a unique way, applying them messianically to Jesus, and consequently also to the early Christian community.