INTRODUCTION MATTHEW | 1525
of the entire world( e. g., 8:5 – 13; 12:21). Matthew emphasizes that the kingdom of heaven has arrived with Jesus— but at the same time, the kingdom has not yet come in its fullness( compare 4:17; 26:29). That will happen with Jesus’ return( 24:3 – 31).
Matthew uses the designation Son of David to point to Jesus’ human lineage from King David in the Old Testament, showing Jesus’ legitimate right to the throne( 1:1 – 17). In addition, Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the divine Son of God( 3:14 – 17), who has authority to control nature, heal disease and forgive sin. The theme of authority runs just below the surface of the entire Gospel— in the miracle stories, in Jesus’ teachings and parables, and in his confrontations with the religious leaders. In everything he does, Jesus is acting in the name and power of God himself.
By the end of Matthew’ s Gospel, some of Jesus’ disciples are worshiping him— and it is here that it becomes apparent that the people realize what we have also found to be true: Jesus is God himself( 28:17). Today, we proclaim Jesus as our Jewish Messiah, who is also our King and God! He is all we ever hoped for and far more. And this savior, Jesus, inspires us to both praise him and take action— he motivates us to make disciples of all nations, a work that is far from done( 28:18 – 20).