Matthew: Through Old Testament Eyes
Chapters 8-10
As we travel through this gospel, taking Matthew’s bird’s eye view, we arrive at one of the reasons for Jesus’ coming to earth; He loves His image bearers and wants to make us whole. We’ll see those examples throughout each gospel, but Matthew continues to direct our attention back to the Scriptures he’s so familiar with: Is. 53 is one,
He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.
The chosen people, had been waiting for several millenniums for their promised Messiah, but now that He’s here, many cannot believe, even with proven signs, wonders, and miracles. It’s easy to miss Jesus calling Himself the ‘Son of Man’ in this chapter; however, the scribes could easily make the connection with Dan. 7:13-14. Messiah would be given dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom never to be destroyed. Unfortunately, it seemed they couldn’t or wouldn’t make that connection; what happened to their faith? Pharisees and scribes allowed their relationship with God, the intimacy of David (Ps. 1), of Korah (Ps. 42 and 84), or Asaph (Ps. 80) to evolve into obeying rules instead. That’s an equation we can’t miss: rules … without relationship … equals rebellion. We can’t let that happen.
In Chapter 9 we find Matthew’s unique calling when Jesus’ eyes locked on him at his toll/tax booth and Messiah gave the invitation; “Follow Me.” With no hesitation he became a disciple who experienced a miraculous heart transformation and passionately needed to tell everyone! So he threw a big, expensive party inviting all kinds of people, even notorious tax collectors and sinners, however, it didn’t go unnoticed by the Pharisees. What in the world happened to Levi? He’s a crook and a traitor; why would he follow this rabbi? Jesus’ response? He directed them to Hos. 6:6 the prophet’s declaration that God desires mercy to others more than He does empty religious rituals. Ouch, the Hosea verse includes to ‘go and learn what this means’, may we all learn what that means.
Moving along into Chapter 10 only Matthew records Jesus mentioning the infamous story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18-19); remember that fiery judgment? The apostles needed Abraham’s example of intercessory prayer since their instructions were clear: use your spiritual authority to minister to people, but only go to the lost sheep of Israel for now. By the way, He said, it’s not going to be easy, it wasn’t for Abraham and Lot, but find those who are receptive and give them the gospel message.
What a striking parallel.
By now Matthew’s ears were attuned to Jesus’ Bible references, unlike the other gospel writers, and the apostolic commission was now more than simply following and observing Him; now they’d be doing the same works showing God’s love to people. Jesus was clear, it’ll be hard work with little recognition, even betrayal, hatred, suffering, and persecution, but have no fear, no fear, the Spirit will be with them and reward is coming. That’s our mission as well.
Comments are closed.