POINTING BACK
One of the intriguing features of Matthew’s gospel is his use of Old Testament references and hints to point us to the validity of Jesus. Jesus, points out Matthew, is not a new thing. He is a culmination of God’s purpose throughout history – at least up to that point.
For example Matthew 2:6 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.
Matthew does this at least 5 times in the first two chapters (not counting the geneology). When he does this Matthew says or implies it is a fulfillment of an Old Testament expectation. You might notice that some of them are a stretch and one of them might simply be a word play (2:23 - I have a number of resources that chase this rabbit if you are interested.) This is how Jewish writers did it. We need not be concerned that prophecy and fulfillment are exact matches as a writer incorporates them.
Take a step back and see what Matthew is saying with the “pile on” of OT references. He seems to be saying: This story is valid because it is THE story – God’s Story - and Jesus is the main character we have been waiting for.
REORIENTING QUESTION:
Which King will win out in your life?
Hint: King Jesus will be the last king standing.
What does that mean for you?
1 comment:
Answer to the reorienting question: King Jesus will win out and I hope for me that means he has a spot at the right hand of his throne. I just want him to be first in my life, because of all he has sacrificed for me.
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