Conclusion to the book of Matthew
1) “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1
“20) teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
From beginning to end, the book of Matthew is about giving evidence to the skeptic that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah. The most common phrase in the book is “now all of this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying…” (see Matthew 1:22) Phrases like this appear throughout the whole book. The author highlights innumerable Old Testament prophesies fulled by the birth, life, public ministry, miracles, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Some of these prophecies were done “by” Him, but most were done “to” Him by no act of His own will. This is especially true of the many prophesies fulfilled surrounding His birth and crucifixion. Why is this important? It is impossible for the critic to say Jesus read the prophetic script and manipulated their fulfillment.
The first verse in the book of Matthew begins with His genealogy as a direct descendant of both King David and Abraham. The Messiah had to be a direct descendant of both men.
The last verse in the book of Matthew ends with the statement of the end of the age. The implication is that He is coming back to set up His kingdom. (Compare to Acts 1:6-8) Matthew is implying that His identity as Messiah has been established and therefore His authority and teachings are to be obeyed.
I maintain that Matthew more than accomplished His goal of proving that Jesus Christ was and is the Messiah. But keep in mind, Matthew is merely one of four Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. When these four books are harmonized, we have the most complete historical evidence and proof of authenticity of any religious or secular figure of antiquity or modern origin. No one else comes close!
The claims of His genealogical origin, life, ministry, miracles, teachings, death, burial and resurrection are credibly established beyond all doubt. If you look at the four Gospels as testimony by four eye witnesses in a court trial, they pass the test of authenticity, credibility and reliability. Though a few of them added details skipped by others, there is zero contradiction in their testimonies. They harmonize in every detail.
The evidence points to only one verdict; Jesus Christ was and is the Messiah, the Son of God and the Creator of all things. His word is trustworthy and His promise to return and set up His Kingdom must be taken seriously.
The birth pangs of the end times given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 24-25 read like current events and breaking news. The book of Matthew is complete right down to end time prophecy. The serious reader of the book of Matthew and the four Gospels cannot remain neutral. Your eternal destiny will be determined by your view of Jesus Christ.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
