- It was written for a much more inclusive community to include both Gentiles and Jews, rich and poor.
- Jewish leaders often portrayed in negative light, present much of the opposition.
- There is an overlay of the story of Moses. Informing the community that they do not have to choose between their past and Jewish traditions. Jesus came not to abolish the Law of Moses but to expand on it, which is done in the Sermon on the Mount. There is also reference to Moses through the sequence of temptation with his last temptation being located on top of a mountain.
- There is no secrecy motif. This can be seen during the baptism, being addressed to everyone not just to Jesus.