To Fulfill

Matthew 1-4 

“…’ [John said] I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented…he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali - to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun, and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people living in darkness have seen a great light;…”

Matthew 3:14, 15; 4:13-16

Jesus’ family history was recounted by Matthew in his gospel to show that Jesus the Messiah was a direct descendent of King David. 

Why?

Because prophesy had stated it was from that bloodline that the Messiah would be born. He was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, again to fulfill prophesy (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness. He moved to Capernaum in “Galilee of the Gentiles” to fulfill prophesy spoken about his place of ministry.

 If Jesus’ life was guided by God’s Word, shouldn’t our lives also be led by the Spirit and the Word?

Let us ask the Lord if we, too, are in step with his Word for us.

“Jesus, I choose to live for the Father’s will, for your glory.”