The opening pages of the book of Matthew masterfully set the stage for the coming of the Messiah. Determined to convince the Jewish reader that Jesus was the promised Messiah, he offers compelling evidence through the fulfillment of prophecy.
Some people see lists of genealogies as tedious, but the list of chapter 1 carefully details the link from Abraham, through King David, and ultimately to Jesus. He had the necessary credentials. Not enough? Matthew also reveals the Bethlehem birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy from Micah 5:2, as was the slaughter of the innocents from Jeremiah 31.
Even the arrival and gifts of the Magi pointed to the true nature of Jesus. Gold was a gift for a king; incense was a gift for deity; myrrh was a spice used to prepare the dead. All three appropriately delineate Jesus’ identity as the one, true Messiah.
The funny thing about proof is that no matter how convincing, it can be rejected by an unyielding heart.
Lord, I recognize you as the Messiah, the chosen sacrifice and my soon-coming king!
Joe Pritchett
