Matthew 1.1-25
B. Matthew also connects Jesus Christ back to David. He calls him the son of David. He makes this connection because God promised a Leader par excellence – a King of Kings who would be the ultimate role model, protector, leader, shepherd and provider for his people. To a small degree, King David was a shallow model of the coming Christ, which is why Jesus was sometimes called the ‘Son of David’ – but he far, far superseded David.
We need a conquering King who can defeat all that defeats us. Jesus Christ is that King – the Messiah – the promised Liberator. He comes to set up a kingdom – God’s kingdom – to remove sin, establish righteousness and peace that never ends. Jesus Christ ushers us in to unending, ever-expanding life!
Jeremiah 23:5, "'The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.'"
Isaiah 11:10, "In that day the Root of Jesse [i.e., the Son of David, Jesse's offspring] will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious."
Matthew is announcing the good news that this Man – this appointed King has arrived. Isaiah spoke about it. Isaiah 9:6-7 says, "The government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." Isaiah 35:10, "the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter
Matthew begins his good news with the declaration that Jesus is both the fulfillment of the promises first given to Abraham and the fulfillment of the prophecy that God would provide a fit leader for humankind. Jesus was rooted firmly into the family tree of humanity but he was more than a man. He was the man prepared by God to fulfill his promises, but he never stopped being God. He is the only God-Man.
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