This past week we crossed over from the Hebrew Bible to the New Testament. While I find the Tanakh compelling and rich in substance, as a believer in the presence of Jesus the Christ, I gladly embraced the hope that is so alive in the Gospel of Matthew. My Lord came into the world, and for that, I say Halleluia! The Messiah is born. For that, we offer gratitudes of praise.
One of the many things that compel me to read the Gospel of Matthew is the foreshadowing of the ministry of Jesus. The beginning is a genealogical record proving Jesus’ identity as a descendant of David, therefore establishing a prophetic connection to the Hebrew people. We pick up themes throughout the text like Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy. His chief antagonists included the Jewish leadership, and by God’s divine authority, Jesus’ teaching is the truth.
The wise men come from the east to worship Him. While this may appear insignificant at first, the idea that people from different faiths and ideologies come to experience the healing nature of Jesus, the Messiah. His leadership allows for a new and revolutionary way in which we observe the Jewish tradition, but begin to share with the Gentiles the good news of God as made flesh in Christ.
We start on our journey through the four gospels, each sharing a glimpse into the brilliance of our God. We are left with the “Great Commission” that Jesus offers as He ascends into heaven. “Therefore, go and make people from all nations into disciples, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20a).
From a Pastor's Point of View 