MEETING JESUS IN MATTHEW

Jesus the teacher “Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them” (Matthew 5:1-2 cf. 7:29)

Outrageous claims! "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. (Matthew 5:21-22) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17

Jesus = greater than Moses “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” (Hebrews 3:3-6)

Jesus the healer “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases’.” (Matthew 8:16-17)

Jesus = God in person “Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.“ At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!“ Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." (Matthew 9:1-6)

Jesus the Saviour "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?“ 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.“ (Matthew 9:11-13)

The meaning of ‘salvation’ ‘…to accept that while unacceptable, God accepts us’.

His death brings life From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!“ Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. (Matthew 16: 21-25)

His death brings life And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!“ (Matthew 27:50-54)

Jesus the Shepherd "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 9:36 and 11:28)

Jesus the Lord "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." "Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.“ “When they saw him, they worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:2; 14:33 and 28:17)

God’s promises come to fruition and are fulfilled in Jesus

So how does who he is affect who we are???