The King Has Come: The Dawn of God’s Kingdom
- Be God's Glory
- Oct 11
- 12 min read
Welcome to Day 283 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
The opening chapters of the Gospel of Matthew introduce Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. From His royal genealogy to His divine birth, early threats, and victorious confrontation with temptation, these chapters establish Jesus’ identity and mission. Matthew presents Jesus as both fully human and fully divine—the Son of David and the Son of God—whose arrival marks the breaking of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of God’s Kingdom on earth. Through prophecy, baptism, and temptation, the foundation of Christ’s ministry is set, revealing that He came not only to redeem Israel but to bring salvation to all who would believe.
Matthew 1
Matthew begins by tracing Jesus’ genealogy from Abraham through David to Joseph, demonstrating that Jesus is the rightful heir to the promises made to both the patriarch and the king. This lineage establishes Jesus’ messianic credentials, fulfilling prophecies about the coming Savior from David’s royal line. When Mary, a virgin, is found to be with child by the Holy Spirit, Joseph—being a righteous man—plans to quietly end their engagement until an angel appears in a dream. The angel reveals that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and will be called Jesus, meaning “the Lord saves,” because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew connects this miraculous birth to Isaiah’s prophecy that a virgin would bear a son called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This chapter confirms Jesus as both the divine Son and the promised Messiah who embodies God’s presence and redemption among His people.
Matthew 2
In this chapter, wise men from the east follow a star that leads them to the newborn King of the Jews, symbolizing the recognition of Jesus’ kingship beyond Israel’s borders. Their visit fulfills prophecies that nations would come to worship the Messiah. King Herod, feeling threatened by the news of another “king,” deceitfully seeks to destroy Jesus. God warns the Magi not to return to Herod, and an angel instructs Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt for safety. Herod’s massacre of the male children in Bethlehem fulfills Jeremiah’s prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children. After Herod’s death, the family returns and settles in Nazareth, fulfilling yet another prophecy that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2 highlights God’s sovereignty and protection, showing that no earthly power can thwart His divine plan for salvation.
Matthew 3
John the Baptist emerges in the wilderness, calling Israel to repentance and preparing the way for the coming Messiah. Clothed in camel’s hair and eating locusts and honey, John fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy as “the voice crying out in the wilderness.” His message confronts sin and warns of God’s impending judgment, urging the people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. When Jesus arrives at the Jordan River to be baptized, John initially resists, knowing Jesus is sinless. However, Jesus insists to “fulfill all righteousness,” identifying with humanity and foreshadowing His sacrificial mission. As Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, the Spirit of God descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This powerful moment reveals the divine Trinity at work and inaugurates Jesus’ public ministry.
Matthew 4
Immediately after His baptism, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For forty days and nights, He fasts, mirroring Israel’s testing in the wilderness but remaining obedient where they failed. Satan tempts Him three times—first to satisfy hunger miraculously, then to test God’s protection, and finally to gain worldly kingdoms by worshiping Satan. Jesus defeats each temptation with the Word of God, showing that true strength lies in obedience and reliance on Scripture. After this victory, He begins His ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that light has dawned in the land of darkness. Jesus calls His first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—and begins preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” His healing and teaching draw multitudes, marking the beginning of a ministry that reveals the authority, compassion, and power of the promised King.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Matthew comes from the Hebrew name “Mattityahu”, which means “Gift of Yahweh” or “Gift of the Lord.” This name beautifully reflects Matthew’s role as one chosen by God to record the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, a profession often despised in Jewish society, yet his name signifies that God can transform anyone into a vessel of divine purpose and truth.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of Matthew was written to present Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the rightful King of the Jews. Its primary purpose is to prove that Jesus is the promised Savior who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Matthew emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven, a theme unique to his Gospel, portraying Jesus as both the divine Son of God and the authoritative teacher who reveals the righteousness of God’s kingdom. The book bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection complete God’s redemptive plan. Matthew’s Gospel also provides a blueprint for discipleship, emphasizing faith, obedience, and spreading the good news to all nations (Matthew 28:18–20).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of the Gospel is traditionally identified as Matthew, also called Levi, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was a Jewish tax collector before Jesus called him to follow Him (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28). Early church tradition strongly affirms Matthew’s authorship.
Internal Evidence: The Gospel includes detailed financial references (such as the coin in the fish’s mouth in Matthew 17:27 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30), which align with Matthew’s background as a tax collector and accountant.
External Evidence: Early Christian writers confirm Matthew’s authorship:
Papias (c. A.D. 100–140), as quoted by Eusebius in Ecclesiastical History (Book 3, Chapter 39), wrote: “Matthew composed the oracles (sayings) in the Hebrew language, and everyone interpreted them as he was able.”
Irenaeus (c. A.D. 180), in Against Heresies (Book 3, Chapter 1), stated that “Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome.”
Origen (c. A.D. 230) and Eusebius both affirmed Matthew as the author of the first Gospel.Additionally, the Gospel itself aligns with Jewish customs and thought, indicating that its author had a deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy—consistent with Matthew’s identity as a Jewish disciple.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure, revealed as the Messiah, King, and Son of God.
Mary and Joseph – The earthly parents of Jesus, demonstrating faith and obedience.
John the Baptist – The forerunner who prepared the way for Christ through repentance and baptism.
The Twelve Disciples – Including Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Matthew himself, chosen by Jesus to continue His ministry.
The Pharisees and Sadducees – Religious leaders who opposed Jesus and represent hypocrisy and legalism.
Pontius Pilate – The Roman governor who authorized Jesus’ crucifixion.
Mary Magdalene – A faithful follower of Jesus who witnessed His resurrection.
The Angel of the Lord – A recurring messenger of God’s direction and revelation throughout the narrative.
Conclusion
The Book of Matthew serves as a powerful declaration that Jesus Christ is the promised King and Savior who fulfills God’s covenant promises. It bridges prophecy with fulfillment, law with grace, and Israel’s hope with the world’s redemption. Matthew’s Gospel calls believers to recognize Jesus not only as the Messiah of Israel but as the Redeemer of all humanity. Through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus reveals the heart of God and the call for His followers to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The book concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), reminding us that God’s purpose for His people is to share His truth, make disciples, and continue His work on earth through faith, obedience, and love.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Matthew 1
In Matthew 1, God reveals Himself as faithful, sovereign, and purposeful in fulfilling His promises. Through Jesus’ genealogy, we see God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham and David, demonstrating that His plans are never delayed nor denied. Even in the midst of human imperfection and brokenness, God brings forth redemption through divine intervention. His character shines through as compassionate and just—He works through ordinary people to bring about extraordinary salvation.
The name Immanuel “God with us” is revealed in this chapter, emphasizing God’s nearness and divine presence among His people. This name fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy and confirms that God doesn’t remain distant—He steps into humanity to bring deliverance. The lesson God teaches in Matthew 1 is that He is a promise keeper who enters our circumstances to bring salvation and hope. Through Jesus, God reminds us that He is not only the Creator above us but also the Savior beside us.
Matthew 2
In Matthew 2, God’s character is displayed through His divine protection, wisdom, and sovereignty. Even when the wicked king Herod plots evil, God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Through dreams and guidance, He directs Joseph to safeguard the infant Jesus, showing that He is always present to protect and guide His people through danger. God demonstrates His authority over earthly rulers, proving that He governs history and that no one can stand against His will.
While no direct Hebrew names are mentioned, God’s actions reflect His nature as Yahweh Tsevaot (The Lord of Hosts)—the Commander of all heavenly armies who protects and defends His purpose. The lesson in Matthew 2 is that God’s sovereignty reigns even in seasons of chaos. When we trust His direction, He leads us through uncertainty and ensures His promises come to pass, no matter how dark the opposition may seem.
Matthew 3
In Matthew 3, God is revealed as righteous, holy, and relational. Through John the Baptist’s message of repentance, we see that God calls His people to return to Him with pure hearts, desiring transformation rather than religious routine. When Jesus is baptized, God’s character is revealed in fullness—the Father’s voice of approval, the Son’s obedience, and the Holy Spirit’s presence. This shows a God who is intimately involved with His creation and delights in relationship with His children.
Although no specific Hebrew names are mentioned, God’s triune nature is displayed, reflecting Elohim, the Creator God, who exists as Father, Son, and Spirit. The lesson God teaches in Matthew 3 is the importance of repentance, humility, and submission to His will. True righteousness comes from aligning with God’s plan, and He blesses those who walk in obedience and faith.
Matthew 4
In Matthew 4, God reveals His power, authority, and faithfulness. Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, faces temptation and triumphs through obedience to God’s Word. This shows a God who equips His people to overcome trials and remain steadfast in truth. He is not indifferent to human struggles; instead, He provides strength through His Word and Spirit to help His children stand firm against evil.
While Hebrew names are not directly stated, the nature of Yahweh Nissi, “The Lord is My Banner”) is seen as Jesus conquers temptation under God’s authority. The lesson God teaches in Matthew 4 is that victory over the enemy comes through dependence on Him and His Word. When we are anchored in Scripture and led by the Spirit, we can withstand temptation and walk confidently in our divine calling.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 reveal His commitment to His promises throughout Scripture?
What does the name Immanuel (“God with us”) teach us about God’s desire to dwell with His people and be involved in their everyday lives?
In Matthew 2, how does God’s protection of Jesus through dreams and divine direction show His sovereignty over human plans and rulers?
What does God’s voice at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:17 reveal about His love and affirmation toward His Son—and by extension, toward His children today?
How does God’s character as righteous and just shine through in His call to repentance through John the Baptist?
In Matthew 4, how does Jesus’ victory over temptation demonstrate God’s holiness and His faithfulness to empower His people to overcome sin?
What aspects of God’s nature—such as His compassion, patience, and power—stand out most clearly across these first four chapters, and how do they shape your view of Him?
Questions About Themes:
What central theme connects Jesus’ genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation, and how does it reveal God’s redemptive plan for humanity?
How do the prophecies fulfilled in these chapters demonstrate the overarching theme of God’s Word being trustworthy and eternal?
What role does obedience play in these chapters (Joseph’s obedience, John’s ministry, Jesus’ submission), and how does it tie into the Kingdom of Heaven theme?
How does the contrast between earthly kings (like Herod) and the heavenly King (Jesus) highlight the theme of true authority and divine kingship?
What is the significance of repentance and righteousness as recurring themes, especially as Jesus prepares to begin His ministry?
How does the wilderness temptation scene emphasize the theme of spiritual warfare and dependence on God’s Word?
How do these chapters together set the foundation for understanding Jesus not only as the Messiah for Israel but also as the Savior for all nations?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can recognizing God’s faithfulness in Matthew 1 help you trust His promises in your current season of life?
What areas of your life might God be calling you to greater obedience, as He called Joseph to trust Him despite uncertainty?
Like the wise men who sought Jesus, what intentional steps can you take to pursue God’s presence and honor Him in your daily walk?
What does repentance look like in your life today, and how can you respond to God’s call to “prepare the way” for Him in your heart?
When facing temptation or trials, how can you apply Jesus’ example in Matthew 4 by using God’s Word as your defense and strength?
How does Jesus’ humility in being baptized and submitting to the Father’s will challenge your approach to serving others?
As Jesus began His ministry with the message “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” what does it mean for you to live as a true citizen of God’s Kingdom right now?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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