Israel's mission was to reveal God to the nations (Deut. 4:6-8). But Israel failed to accomplish her mission because she failed in the three ways the devil will test Jesus. Will Jesus, the new Israel, fail too?

Matthew 3:13-17

Easter Message 2025

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God Will Send Another Prophet Like Elijah. This prophet will prepare the way for the LORD. There will be judgment on the proud and wicked. There will be mercy and rejoicing for the righteous.

Jewish communities were spread throughout the Nile Delta and along trade routes. Many Jews settled in Egypt for economic opportunities, military service, or as refugees from persecution.

Though Herod was only half Jewish, he was given the title of "King of the Jews" by Rome in 40 BC. He took control of Jerusalem in 37 BC until his death in 4 BC. Despite great achievements, he was a vicious man consumed by suspicion and paranoia.

Joseph became the earthly father through marrying Mary and adopting Jesus. In doing so, Joseph willingly accepted all the fatherly responsibilities, and simultaneously, legally established Jesus as a son of Abraham and of David.

Throughout his gospel, Matthew will show over and over again the various ways Jesus fulfills the COVENANTS and PROPHECIES of the Hebrew Scriptures.

What Are Matthew's Main Themes? Matthew proves Jesus is the Messiah. Matthew shows that Jesus did not fail to establish the kingdom (the failure was the nation of Israel's). Because the nation of Israel failed to respond, the Gospel was now open to Gentiles.