Walking in His Truth: A 5-Day Journey Through God's Storyნიმუში

Day 1: The Coming King (in Matthew)

In the law of God, several independent witnesses were needed to verify the truth of a claim to make the matter legal. So God gives us four. Four independent witnesses to tell us about Jesus Christ—the same story but with a different emphasis. We call these independent witnesses the Gospels.

Up first is Matthew, a taxman. Not a popular role in the first century or today. Worse then, actually, because they lined their pockets as traitors to their own people. No one liked them. But Jesus came for taxmen too. And Matthew became one of His first disciples.

Among many issues, Matthew focuses on presenting Jesus as King. Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne of David who will rule over a kingdom that will have no end. That’s why he begins the book anchoring Jesus’ royal lineage in King David: “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1).

Matthew writes primarily to Jewish Christians at some point in the AD 50s–60s, so he continually dips into the Old Testament to prove his point. The activities he chooses to tell, the miracles he recollects, and even the structure of this gospel all show that Jesus is the fulfillment of ancient hopes, especially as the rightful ruler over the kingdom of God.

Moses had given the people five books. So Matthew presents five sermons of Jesus. The five major sermons (surrounded by miracles that display the restored life in the coming kingdom) are helpful for Christians like us in understanding this book:

1. Righteousness: The life of obedient faith in God (3:1–7:29)
2. Mission: Doing ministry despite rejection (8:1–11:1)
3. Kingdom: The growth of the kingdom of God from humble beginnings (11:2–13:53)
4. Discipleship: The life of humility, opposition, and rejection (13:54–19:2)
5. End Times: The return of Jesus to rule (19:3–26:2)

The Gospel of Matthew helps those disillusioned with the rejection of the King to live well until His return. Matthew reminds us that this King, this Messiah, is coming back, and that His followers are to live as kingdom-looking people taking the gospel to all (28:18–20).

Reflect: Matthew highlights Jesus as the King whose kingdom has no end. How does knowing that Jesus is a promise-fulfilling King impact the way you live and make choices today?

Prayer: King Jesus, you are worthy of praise this day and every day. Help me to live with Your kingdom in my mind and heart today, I pray. Amen.