“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham…” Matthew 1:1, NIV

There are approximately 400 years between Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, and Matthew, the first book in the New Testament.

As the ultimate bridge between the two testaments, the Gospel of Matthew offers a compelling portrait of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Prince of Peace.

Indeed, Matthew frequently quotes or alludes to the Old Testament to demonstrate how Jesus’ birth, life, teachings, and miracles fulfill prophecies made millennia earlier and fulfill the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

Additionally, Matthew often refers to the Church and its mandate in the world, emphasizing the importance of the expansion of the Kingdom of God through the Gospel.

Our meditation today shows that the Book of Matthew from the onset identifies Jesus as the Messiah.

It goes on to trace His roots to Abraham, David and eventually to Adam!  

By connecting Jesus to Abraham and David, the Matthew, who was Jewish, emphasizes the role of Jesus as the promised Messiah – the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.  

He further underscores Jesus’ Jewish roots and His connection to the Old Testament.  

Additionally, he situates Jesus within a historical framework, linking Him to significant figures and events in Jewish history.  

As the true Messiah, Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection are the ultimate acts of salvation and redemption for all mankind and the entire universe.

Most importantly, Matthew reveals God’s sovereign plan for redemption, showing how Jesus’ birth was part of a divine plan that spanned many millennia.  

The term ‘Messiah’ comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach, which means ‘anointed one.’

In ancient times, people were anointed with oil as a symbol of being chosen or set apart for a special purpose.

This practice was used for prophets, priests, and kings. The ‘oil’ symbolized the unction of the Holy Spirit, giving the person the divine enablement to carry out the assigned task.

On the other hand, the Greek word for ‘Messiah’ is Christos, so, Christ was the fulfillment of the messianic hope for all humanity.

The Messiah, or Mashiach, would be the long-awaited Deliverer, who would rise from the House of David to be anointed to usher in a time of peace, justice, and redemption.

Simply put, the Jews were looking forward to the Messiah who would be a descendant of King David, born in the city of David (Bethlehem) to bring about a time of freedom from the Roman oppressors who had taken control of the Israel in 63 BC when the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Roman control over Judea.  

So, they were rather disappointed that when the person who was said to be Messiah came, He was still subject to Roman authorities like everyone else.

Yet, in Bible prophecies about the Messiah, it is clear that His enthronement names and roles would all be spiritual.

“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).

Therefore, what the worldly-minded Jews did not recognize was that Jesus was anointed to bring deliverance in the spiritual realm – effectively delivering all humanity – both Jews and the Gentiles- from the oppression of Satan, sin and death.

That’s why Matthew 4:23 says; “Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”

As the Messiah, Christ is the anointed Son of God who came to redeem all believing humanity from sin and the oppression of Satan!

As the true Messiah, Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection are the ultimate acts of salvation and redemption for all mankind and the entire universe.

Praise His Holy Name!