Daily EncouragementSample

It is good that the opening lines of the New Testament bring us immediately to Jesus Christ. He is the one about whom all the Scriptures testify (John 5:39). The Old Testament finds its culmination in him, and he is the centre of the New Testament. His name is the only name we cannot afford to forget because it is the only name under heaven in which there is salvation (Acts 4:12). He is the ultimate source of encouragement, and no other comfort can compare with that of his love (Phil. 2:1).

It is natural that Matthew reminds his Jewish readers that he is “the son of David” - “great David’s greater Son” - the Messiah King. And he is “the son of Abraham” too - intimately related to “Abraham, our forefather,” as a Hebrew apostle could say “the father of us all,” as Gentile believers may add (Rom. 4:1,16). Yet he was greater than David and Abraham. “How is it . . . that David, speaking by the Spirit calls him “Lord”? (Matt. 22:43); “Are you greater than our father Abraham?” . . . “I tell you the truth . . . before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:53,58).

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel . . . ” says Paul to Timothy (2 Tim. 2:8). (And incidentally, this gospel was announced “in advance to Abraham” (Gal. 3:8).) How could Timothy forget? How can we?