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Matthew Introduction

Introduction
The book of Matthew begins by showing that God has kept his promises to Israel. Jesus is the promised Messiah, or king. The rule of God has come to earth. This is what the story of Israel is about. Matthew lists the names of the people in the family line of Jesus. Jesus came from the family line of Abraham, the ancestor of all the tribes of Israel. That family line continued to the great King David. Then Matthew shows that Jesus came from David’s family. God really had kept his ancient promises.
Matthew makes connections between Jesus’ life and the story of Israel. Just as Israel crossed the Jordan River, Jesus went to the Jordan River. As Israel wandered in the desert, Jesus was tempted in the desert. In addition, Matthew presents Jesus as the new Moses. Matthew presents the story of Jesus’ life and work in five parts. These five sections contain the five main speeches given by Jesus. Each speech ends with words similar to “After Jesus finished saying all these things.” These five parts remind us of the five books of Moses in the Old Testament.
Jesus celebrates a Passover meal with his disciples. This is just like the time Israel celebrated the Passover meal before leaving Egypt. After the Passover Israel was freed and no longer in slavery in Egypt. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to make his people free. Those who believe in him will be free from sin and death.
At the beginning of the book, Jesus is given the name “Immanuel.” That name means “God with us.” At the end of the book, Jesus sends his followers into the world. He sends them out with a promise that he would always be with them.

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Matthew Introduction: NIrV

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