Here's what jumped out at me this time around!
The sovereign grace of God in bringing good out of evil. In the genealogy of Jesus Christ several things just leap off the page. The line that leads to Christ includes the son that resulted from the incestuous union between Judah and Tamar (see Gen. 38). It also includes a prostitute, Rahab (see Josh. 2). It includes the son of Bathsheba, the woman with whom King David committed adultery. God used sinful people and their sinful acts to bring into the world the One who would save these people from their sins! Isn't God good?!
The obedience of Joseph. Watch how every time God told Joseph to do something, he did it immediately (see 1:20,24-25; 2:13-14; 19-21). I know that we don't have God appearing to us in dreams telling us to go to specific places, but we do have God's Word that tells us to do (or not do) some very specific things. O, that we would follow Joseph's example of submission to the will of God in our lives!
The reliability of Scripture. How many times are the words "to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet" used in these chapters?! When God predicts something, it happens. He has a perfect track record! Therefore, we can have confidence that everything that He has promised, will come to pass!
The importance of repentance. Notice how "repent" was the theme of the message of both John the Baptist (3:2) AND Jesus (4:17)! Unfortunately, this theme is all too uncommon in present-day preaching!
The glory of Jesus Christ. Of course, this is the theme of the entire NT, but notice how it is emphasized in these first four chapters of Matthew's Gospel. He will save His people from their sins (1:21). He is God with us (1:23). He was worshiped by the magi (2:11). His greatness was acknowledged by John the Baptist (3:14) and confirmed by the Spirit (3:16) and the Father (3:17). His holiness manifested in overcoming the temptations of the Devil (4:1-11). His power in successfully calling men to Himself (4:18-22). His power over sickness and demons (4:23-24). What a Savior!
Well, there it is. I know there is much more in these chapters to point out and discuss, but I'll leave the rest of that for the comments. Feel free to point out what you learned from these chapters and comment on what I've mentioned.
Soli Deo Gloria
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I specifically thought about the variety of people in the genealogy that God used to bring about our Savior. God IS good! It gives me hope that He can use me and others who are also imperfect to bring about His glory. How humbling!
ReplyDeleteI realized the OT was referenced several times and wondered how the Jewish leaders, who knew the scriptures, did not see clearly that Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophets writings. I know that was all part of God's sovereign plan though.
Thank you for all that you pointed out!
Thanks Kris,,,here's 2 things that stuck out for me...1:21b "...He will save His people from their sins." not all people, just his people - the elect.
ReplyDeleteAlso, 3:8 "Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance"...my repentance (as you pointed out, was the message of John and Christ) needs to be born out in fruit-bearing. My thought is, "What fruit is showing because of my repentance?" Very convicting for me.
The vary first word Christ preach in the open air was “Repent!” His first words are just as important as his last “Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
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