Second, Matthew reveals that this Jesus is more than just the Messiah; He is the very Son of God! Jesus is the image of God Himself in human flesh. This was not something expected by the Jewish people, and was met with a great deal of opposition. Nevertheless, Matthew unashamedly presents this doctrine, including in his gospel passages like Peter's Confession to Jesus: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Third, Matthew's gospel becomes even more controversial in teaching that the Jews do not automatically inherit the kingdom of heaven on the basis of their ethnicity, but rather by repentance and faith in Christ. In fact, one of Matthew's most shocking truths is that some Gentiles will be ushered into the kingdom while many Jews will be cast out. This was a very hard pill for the Jewish people to swallow, having been taught since childhood that they alone were God's chosen people, and that He was their God.
The gospel of Matthew includes some of the most endearing, difficult, and glorious verses in the Bible. It has long been viewed as the first place for disciples to start in learning how to follow their Lord. Do you long to know more perfectly the character of Jesus? Do you long to know more completely the values He loved and the sins He despised? Are you willing to face the challenge of dying to your own wants and pursuing Christ as King? Then brace yourself. Prepare your heart. Ask the Spirit to make you ready.
Let's go!
Justin Nale is pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC http://www.mhmbc.org
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