We took a side journey in Matthew 8 & 9, looking at the four titles given to Jesus as he began his public ministry revealing himself to be the messiah. These four titles encompass every aspect of his ministry and give us a simple Bible study tool as we navigate through the four gospels.
Son of God – 8:29: This title is declared by the demons who possessed the two men outside Gadara on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. It is incredible that Satan and his minions knew who Christ was long before his disciples! It is found 39 times in the gospels.
Matthew 4:3,6, Matthew 14:33, John 5:22-27
Son of man – 8:20, 9:6: This is an all encompassing title that includes the Lord's purpose of sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, as well as being the rightful judge of all humanity, and King of the entire world. Jesus refers to himself as the Son of man 81 times.
Mark 10:45, Luke 19:10, Romans 3:21-28, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, 1 John 2:1-2 all give reference to the substitutionary death of Christ for our sins.
Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 25:31-32, John 5:27, Revelation 20:11-15 paint a picture of righteousness and judgment that belong to Christ alone. God the Father committed the authority of judgment to his Son, because he alone has the right to judge the world for rebellion against himself and the forgiveness he provided.
Son of David – 9:27: This title introduces the Lord Jesus as the rightful heir to the throne of David as King of Israel. It is found 14 times in the gospels directly referring to the Lord.
The Bridegroom – 9:15: Jesus introduces this 2nd Advent title concerning his return to establish his everlasting kingdom, which begins with the millennium. It is found 10 times in the gospels.
Matthew 22:1-10, Matthew 25:1-10. Luke 5:34-35. John 3:29 (John the Baptist declares himself to be the best man.)
