JESUS AS THE PROMISED MESSIAH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 1:1-17
Key Verse: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1 KJV)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6; Luke 24:44; John 1:41; Acts 3:18-26
Description: Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Messiah promised throughout the Old Testament, sent by God to save humanity and establish His eternal Kingdom.
INTRODUCTION
One of the central themes of the Gospel of Matthew is the presentation of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. Matthew wrote primarily to a Jewish audience and carefully demonstrated that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, promises, and expectations found in the Old Testament. From the opening chapter, Matthew establishes Jesus' legal and royal lineage by tracing His genealogy through Abraham and David, proving that He is the rightful heir to the Messianic promises.
For centuries, Israel had anticipated the coming of a Deliverer who would redeem God's people and establish His Kingdom. The prophets foretold His birth, lineage, character, ministry, suffering, death, and ultimate reign. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, numerous events are connected to Old Testament prophecies with the recurring phrase, "that it might be fulfilled." This repeated emphasis highlights that Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet but the fulfilment of God's redemptive plan.
Understanding Jesus as the promised Messiah is essential because salvation, hope, and eternal life are found in Him alone. He came to accomplish what no human being could achieve: the reconciliation of humanity to God. By recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, believers gain confidence in God's faithfulness, the reliability of Scripture, and the certainty of His promises.
1. THE MESSIAH WAS PROMISED THROUGHOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT
God announced the coming Messiah long before His birth.
a) The Promise Began in Eden (Genesis 3:15)
God promised that the Seed of the woman would defeat the serpent and bring redemption.
b) The Promise Was Given to Abraham (Genesis 22:18)
Through Abraham's seed, all nations of the earth would be blessed.
c) The Promise Was Confirmed Through David (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
God promised an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage.
d) The Prophets Foretold His Coming (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Numerous prophecies described the identity and mission of the Messiah.
Biblical Example: God repeatedly reaffirmed His covenant promises to Abraham concerning the coming Redeemer (Genesis 12:1-3).
2. JESUS FULFILLED MESSIANIC PROPHECIES
The life of Jesus perfectly fulfilled what the prophets foretold.
a) He Was Born of a Virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23)
His miraculous birth fulfilled prophetic Scripture.
b) He Was Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6)
The exact location of His birth was foretold centuries earlier.
c) He Came from David's Lineage (Matthew 1:1)
Jesus fulfilled the requirement of being David's royal descendant.
d) His Ministry Fulfilled Prophecy (Isaiah 61:1-2; Matthew 11:4-5)
His works and teachings confirmed His Messianic identity.
Biblical Example: The wise men travelled from the East seeking the King whose birth had been prophetically announced (Matthew 2:1-11).
3. JESUS CAME TO SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM SIN
The Messiah's primary mission was redemption.
a) He Was Sent by God (John 3:16-17)
Jesus came as God's gift to a lost world.
b) He Bore Humanity's Sin (Isaiah 53:5-6)
The Messiah suffered for the transgressions of mankind.
c) He Fulfilled His Saving Mission (Matthew 1:21)
Jesus came specifically to save His people from their sins.
d) Salvation Is Found in Him Alone (Acts 4:12)
There is no other name through which people can be saved.
Biblical Example: The sacrificial system of the Old Testament pointed forward to Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God (Exodus 12:1-13).
4. JESUS ESTABLISHED THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The Messiah came to inaugurate God's Kingdom on earth.
a) He Preached the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17)
Jesus called people to repentance and submission to God's rule.
b) He Demonstrated Kingdom Power (Matthew 4:23-24)
Miracles confirmed the authority of His Kingdom.
c) He Taught Kingdom Principles (Matthew 5-7)
The Sermon on the Mount revealed the values of God's Kingdom.
d) His Kingdom Is Everlasting (Daniel 7:13-14)
The reign of Christ will never end.
Biblical Example: Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and performed miracles as evidence of God's Kingdom among the people (Matthew 12:28).
5. JESUS WAS REJECTED YET REMAINED THE MESSIAH
Many failed to recognize the Messiah despite clear evidence.
a) Religious Leaders Rejected Him (Matthew 21:42)
Many rejected the One whom God had sent.
b) He Was Betrayed and Crucified (Matthew 26:14-16)
His suffering fulfilled prophetic Scripture.
c) His Rejection Was Foretold (Isaiah 53:3)
The prophets predicted that He would be despised.
d) God's Plan Was Still Accomplished (Acts 2:23)
Human opposition could not stop divine purpose.
Biblical Example: Joseph, rejected by his brothers yet later exalted, foreshadowed Christ's rejection and exaltation (Genesis 37:23-28; 41:39-44).
6. JESUS WILL RETURN AS THE REIGNING MESSIAH
The Messiah who came as a Saviour will return as King.
a) He Rose from the Dead (Matthew 28:6)
The resurrection confirmed His identity and victory.
b) He Ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:9-11)
Christ now reigns at the Father's right hand.
c) He Will Return in Glory (Matthew 24:30)
The Messiah will come again with power and great glory.
d) His Kingdom Will Be Fully Established (Revelation 11:15)
Christ's reign will be universal and eternal.
Biblical Example: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many witnesses before ascending into heaven, promising to return again (Acts 1:3-11).
CONCLUSION
The Gospel of Matthew clearly presents Jesus as the promised Messiah foretold throughout the Old Testament. Every aspect of His life: from His birth and ministry to His death and resurrection, fulfilled God's prophetic Word. He came as the Saviour of the world, the King of God's Kingdom, and the fulfilment of every Messianic promise.
Believers today can confidently place their trust in Jesus because He is the Messiah sent by God for humanity's redemption. His first coming fulfilled God's promises concerning salvation, and His second coming will fulfil God's promises concerning His eternal Kingdom. Therefore, every person must recognize Him, follow Him, and submit to His lordship while there is still opportunity.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah in Jesus name.
2. Lord, deepen my understanding of Christ and His mission in Jesus name.
3. Father, help me to trust completely in Jesus as my Saviour in Jesus name.
4. Lord, strengthen my faith in Your promises in Jesus name.
5. Father, help me to live under the authority of Christ's Kingdom in Jesus name.
6. Lord, let my life reflect the character of Jesus in Jesus name.
7. Father, empower me to share the message of salvation with others in Jesus name.
8. Lord, keep me faithful as I await Christ's return in Jesus name.
9. Father, help me to walk in obedience to Your Word in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let Your Kingdom be established in every area of my life in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall grow in the knowledge and revelation of Jesus Christ.
2. Your faith in God's promises shall never fail.
3. You shall walk in the blessings of Christ's redemption.
4. The Lord shall establish His purpose in your life.
5. You shall live under the authority and protection of God's Kingdom.
6. Every plan of the enemy against your destiny shall fail.
7. The grace of God shall strengthen your walk with Christ.
8. You shall be a faithful witness of the gospel.
9. Your life shall continually reflect the glory of Jesus Christ.
10. You shall remain steadfast, fruitful, and prepared for the glorious return of the Messiah, in Jesus' name. Amen.
