Radical Normality—Jesus The Christ, Part 3

May, 2005

by: Brodie McClain

They waited for the Messiah to deliver them. But he never came. They waited for the King to rescue them. But he never came. They waited for the Anointed One to conquer the land. But he never came. They waited and waited and waited, but to no avail. Would God’s anger be against them forever? Would there be no rest from His judgment? Would there be no end to oppression?

And many Jews still wait for the Messiah to deliver them. But He has come. Many Jews wait for the Anointed One to rescue them. But He has already. Many Jews wait for the day when their conquering King will lift them to power. But the King already came. Like watchmen in wartime who set their faces to the mountains in anticipation of the good news from the front lines – so many await the pronouncement of the good news of their Messiah. But they watch in vain for their eyes have been blinded by the hardness of their hearts.

Matthew made it crystal clear. The Messiah has come, the Anointed One, the heir of Abraham and the Son of David. His name is Jesus and He is the Christ (i.e. the Messiah). His genealogy proved it (Matthew 1:1-17). His virgin birth proved it (Matthew 1:18). The angel of the Lord proved it (Matthew 1:20). The fulfillment of Old Testament Scriptures proved it (Matthew 1:22-23; 2:6; 2:15; 2:18; 2:23; 3:3; 4:15-16). The adoration of the magi proved it (Matthew 2:2). The fear of Herod proved it (Matthew 2:1ff.). Cosmology proved it (Matthew 2:2, 9). The chief priests and scribes proved it (Matthew 2:5-6). Supernatural dreams proved it (Matthew 2:12,13, 20). John the Baptist proved it (Matthew 3:1ff.). The Devil proved it (Matthew 4:1ff.). The ministering angels proved it (Matthew 4:11). But most emphatically God Himself proved it at Jesus’ baptism by declaring, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Matthew leaves no stone unturned in His presentation of the long-awaited Messiah and King of Israel. You may not believe the validity of Matthew, but if you do, you must bow the knee to the King who already came. Matthew leaves no other option.