In the first seven chapters of Matthew, we have studied the credentials of the King, seeing the lineage of Christ, as the rightful heir to the throne of David, as well as the forerunner, John the Baptist, proclaiming the kingdom of heaven is at hand. After the baptism and temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, he began proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. The constitution of the kingdom was delivered at the sermon on the mount, in chapters 5-7.
This brings us to the public ministry of Jesus, manifesting his power of various illnesses, diseases, and conditions, in chapters 8 & 9. There are 12 particular instances recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke that demonstrate that the Messiah has truly come to offer the kingdom to Israel.
We looked at a few verses to lay some groundwork, as we make our way through this critical time in Jesus's ministry.
First, we must remember that Jesus earthly ministry, was always focused on the lost sheep of the house of Israel – Matthew 15:24. His ministry and message was going to be rejected, but his mission was to fulfill the prophecies concerning his coming.
Romans 15:8-9: Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Secondly, he knew that not only Israel would be restored in the coming kingdom, but there would be a place for the Gentile nations to come and worship in the kingdom, while many Jews will be cast out, because of their unbelief.
Matthew 8:11-12: And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (See Luke 13:28-29)
Micah 4:1-2: But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Zechariah 8:23: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
The nation of Israel is going to through incredible persecution in the days leading up to the 2nd Advent. We are watching events unfold, even now, concerning the persecution of Israel. It will be far worse after the rapture of the Church Age saints! One third of all Jews were killed in WWII, but in the last half of Daniel's 70th week, when the scales fall from the eyes of Israel, the Beast will unleash his fury and seek to annihilate the nation. The elect of Israel will be saved when the Deliverer comes!
Zechariah 13:8-9: And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Romans 11:26-27: And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
I am looking forward to walking through Matthew 8 – 10 this coming Sunday!
Matthew 8
Jesus cleanses the leper and the Centurion's faith:
Matthew 8:1-4: Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16
Matthew 8:5-13: Luke 7:1-10
Peter's Mother in Law and many others are healed:
Matthew 8:14-15: Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39
Matthew 8:16-17: Mark 1:32-34, Luke 4:40-41
The Test of Discipleship:
Matthew 8:18-22: Luke 9:57-62
Matthew 8:23-27: Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
Jesus casts our Demons:
Matthew 8:28-34: Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39
Matthew 9
The Healing of the Paralytic:
Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26
Matthew is called:
Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32
The Question about Fasting:
Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39
Miracles of Healing:
Matthew 9:18-38, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56, Luke 10:2-3
Matthew 10
Jesus identifies the 12 apostles:
Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16
Jesus sends the 12 apostles out to preach the gospel of the kingdom:
Matthew 10:5-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6
Jesus forewarns the Apostles:
Matthew 10:16-23, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-17
Jesus explains the Meaning and Cost of Discipleship:
Matthew 10:24-39, Luke 12:8-9, Luke 12:51-53, 14:26-27
The Reward of Service:
Matthew 10:40-42, Mark 9:41
