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Emmanuel, God With Us (Matt. 1-4) Matthew presents in these opening chapters the Christ, the One who had been anticipated that was now come and presents reasons why He should be listened to and followed. |
Emmanuel, God With Us (Matt. 1-4)
Matthew presents in these opening chapters the Christ, the One who had been anticipated that was now come and presents reasons why He should be listened to and followed.
- Fulfiller of Prophecy — From His lineage, His birth, His life, and His death Jesus was exactly who the prophets foretold of and who men should have been looking for.
- Matthew shows Jesus legal right as the son of David (Matt. 1:1-17) and mentions often prophecies fulfilled (1:22-23; 2:1, 5-6; 15, 17-18; 23; 3:3; 4:13-16).
- The apostles would point back on these events as proof that Jesus is the Christ (Luke 24:25-27, 44; Acts 17:2, 3)
- Doer of God’s Will — All the accounts of Jesus remind us of a central desire in His life – to please His Father.
- Both His baptism (3:13-17) and His temptations (4:1-11) show a desire to please His Father and do His will.
- Others highlight this desire as well (John 4:34; 8:29)
- Fisher of Men — Likewise Jesus shows His purpose in life of drawing men to Himself, the One we need to hear and follow, the One who would save us from our sins.
- His was come to save men from their sins (1:21), now He begins preaching, teaching, and working miracles (4:17, 23-24) in the presence of the people (4:25) and His disciples who will carry on this work (4:18-22).
- All this showed His interest in people (Matt. 9:36) and the desire to fulfill His Work (Luke 19:10; John 12:32).
Thus Matthew sets the stage to present Jesus’ teaching/work…
