In 3 stories Jesus shows his astonishing transformational power. He brings light in the darkness in Zebelun & Naphtali, his call makes Peter, Andrew, James & John change career and heals the lives of many in Galilee in this section of Matthew’s Gospel.
Jesus fulfils all righteousness by being baptised and by overcoming Satan’s temptations in the wilderness. In this passage we are shown what Jesus’ goodness looks like and why Jesus’righteousness is important.
Matthew 3 introduces us to an extraordinary man, John the Baptist. His lifestyle challenges us, his message is critically important, but most of all he spends his entire ministry pointing to the one who is mightier, Jesus Christ.
The Messiah described in Isaiah 11 wins a glorious victory, which causes thanksgiving and celebration in chapter 12. How should Christians respond to Jesus Christ, our Lord, Saviour and Messiah.
After two chapters of judgement in Isaiah 9 & 10, Isaiah prophesies hope in chapter 11, speaking of the Messiah to come, on whom the Spirit of God will rest. The wisdom & understanding, counsel & might, knowledge & fear of the LORD of Jesus Christ fills Isaiah’s listeners and us with glorious hope.
Just as Israel was judged by God in chapter 9, so Assyria is judged for her arrogance in chapter 10. God is portrayed as a powerful, yet terrifying, gardener or woodsman, chopping down and burning up trees and weeds, representative of the sinful Assyrians.
In chapters 9 & 10 of Isaiah, God reveals his righteousness and his wrath upon Israel’s sin. We are also guilty of pride and arrogance, not seeking the Lord and not caring for the needy.
In the previous chapter, Isaiah prophesied judgement on the land of Judah, but in chapter 9, he prophesies about light and hope. He prophesies about a Son who would be born, who would be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”, who would reign over a growing Kingdom of Peace on David’s...
Our Easter Sunday sermon message focused on Jesus’ words in Luke 24:46-47, on the death and resurrection of Jesus and the message of repentance and forgiveness that accompanies the Easter events.
God will execute justice on the land of Judah through his instrument, the King of Assyria. King Ahaz was gearing the wrong thing! We, too, might at this time fear coronaviurs, when we should be fearing God and seeking mercy and shelter in Jesus Christ.
