Articles
Reading Matthew
Reading Matthew
After 400 years of no prophets of God among the people, the life of Jesus begins a new era with the outpouring of God’s activity. God begins sending angels with messages. Matthew leaves off many of the stories that are told by Luke, but specifically writes concerning the nature of Jesus’ birth. Jesus is born to a virgin - a young woman who has never slept with a man. He is conceived not by man but by the Holy Spirit. God has stepped into human history in order to bring about His purpose and plan.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham (1:1). Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise to David (1:1, 6, 17, 20). Jesus came also to save people from their sins (vs. 21). Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah (anointed one) (1:1, 16, 17, 18). Jesus is the promised child to be called Immanuel [God with us] (1:23, cp. Isa. 7:14, 8:8).
As the son of David, Jesus is the great king. He comes preaching the kingdom of God and demonstrating His authority over all creation. Truly, one greater than David has arrived. Jumping to the end of Matthew, we hear Him proclaim: “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me” (28:18).
As the son of Abraham, Jesus will provide blessings not just to the Jewish people but unto all nations. Hence, again jumping to the end of Matthew, “go and make disciple of all nations” (28:18).
As the promised Messiah, Matthew will continually use the phrase “thus it fulfilled what was written…”.
As Jesus, he is the one who would save people from their sins. As our savior, he would live without sin and then be crucified as a sacrifice for sin. He would be raised, glorified, and enter into the very presence of the Father to be our High Priest and mediator.
The writer of Hebrews would write: "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,” (Hebrews 5:8–9). Is He YOUR savior? Are you obeying Him? Hugh DeLong
