These are the main points from the course literature: - Matthew gives us a link with the Earliest Jewish Christian spirituality -Matthew tells stories -had his own stylised ways -Matthew''s five books are meant to recall the 5 books of the Pentateuch -Jesus proclaims a higher standard -Jesus empowers his followers with his own powers -Book 3 brings reassurance to the Jewish Christians -contains advice for the christian community -interspersed with moral directives is much anti-jewish invective -Matthew emphasizes Jewish responsibility for Jesus death -Jesus become our new priest we do not need the old priesthood Conclusion: The study of Matthew and Hebrews should not remain for us merely an academic exercise. It should challenge us in our here and now. It is true that their are many issues rasied here which do not particularly concern us today. But it is also true that there are many others that most certainly do. Matthew gives us many insights into the first proclamation of the kingdom by Jesus himself in the first Galilean and Judaean setting. It is in Matthew and Hebrew''s more than else where taht we become sharpely aware of out Old Testament roots. This provides us with our passport into the world of the Hebrew scriptures. With all its spiritual riches and wisdom for everyday living. Jewish Christian sprirituality seems to have been down to eart emphasises good works sensitive to the divine presence when we are kind to one another (mt:25:37-40) and indeed at all times (mt28:20) As such it appeals to many people today who discern the presence of God in ordinary everyday encounters in rejoicing and in suffering humanity and who wish to articulate this religious experience in biblical terms. Suggested texts KEE and YOUNG- The Living world of the new testament ch 3-5 J ASHTON Why were the Gospels written? pp73-77 E SHARPENTIER- How to read the New Testament scm pp53 65 76 and 103 Need to reference from the new testament, quoting relevance to today.