Devotion:
Read Matthew 1:22-23; 28:18-20.
In our sermon series that begins this Sunday, we will be looking at how each of the four gospels share the good news of Jesus Christ in distinctive or unique ways. Matthew is known as the teaching gospel, emphasizing and often grouping together the many teachings of Christ. Matthew was writing to a first audience who were primarily fellow Jews, hoping to convince them to accept that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised messiah or Christ. So the Gospel of Matthew constantly shows how Jesus fulfills the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible. Matthew 1:22-23 is a good example, as here he quotes Isaiah 7:14 verbatim. Matthew is showing his first audience and us that Jesus fulfilled that prophecy and is God with us, present in our lives.
Serving as a bookend to this, Matthew’s gospel ends with 28:20 in which Jesus promises to be with us throughout all time. That promise speaks to us just as it spoke to those eleven amazed apostles who stood hearing these words for the first time. We must pay close attention in this passage to the Great Commission Christ gives us, but we must not overlook this powerful promise that He will be with those who follow him through all time.
Personal Worship Option:
What are you being challenged to do or be right now that you are not sure you are equipped and capable of doing? Remember, you are not alone. Pray that God’s presence will seem real and close to you. With God’s help, you can do it!
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