Seek First the Kingdom: God’s Invitation to Life and Joy in the Book of MatthewSample

Who Is This King?

Matthew 1–3 builds the argument that Jesus is the Messiah whom God promised to Abraham, David, and the entire Israelite nation. The details of His birth align perfectly with many Old Testament prophecies regarding this Messiah, who would serve God by creating a people who enjoy His provision and rest under His protective power in a specific place.

We’ve already learned some of the ways Matthew described Jesus and connected Him to the Old Testament, but what in His life confirmed He was the Messiah sent from God? We’re going to skip around in the Book of Matthew today in order to answer this question.

Read Matthew 8:1-17. What did Jesus exhibit authority over? In what groups of people did He exhibit this authority?

Read Matthew 8:23-27. What did Jesus exhibit authority over? In what group of people did He exhibit this authority?

Read Matthew 9:1-8. What did Jesus exhibit authority over? In what “group” of people did He exhibit this authority?

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-3 in the synagogue and attributed it to Himself. Read Isaiah’s prophecy about the Anointed One below and think about what we’ve seen Jesus do and/or groups of people to which He’s ministered.

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified."

Isaiah 61:1-3

Who is this King? Jesus is one with authority over disease and spiritual malaise. And He is a King who exercises that authority for the benefit of those who come under His protective power.

The fulfillment of these prophecies shows us that God is a promise-keeping God. What promises are you struggling to believe? Ask God to give you faith where it’s lacking.