The book of Matthew provides an account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. So, who is this Jesus? Throughout the story, we encounter many people with differing answers to that question. To those who grew up around Jesus but didn’t really know him, he was just the carpenter’s son. Others thought Jesus was a prophet that had come back from the dead. Some viewed him as one who could heal, feed the masses, and perform other miracles. Many saw him as a good teacher. Still others saw him as a threat to their way of life. His closest companions came to realize that Jesus was the Son of the Living God. However, it wasn’t just his friends that held this view; even the Roman officer and soldiers overseeing his crucifixion came to that conclusion.
We must also answer that same question, who is Jesus? Some of us may dismiss him as just another man. Others of us might revere him as a good teacher, while others of us might find his teachings uncomfortable. We may view him as someone to call upon to meet our needs. Or, as we read the accounts of Jesus, we may come to realize that he is the Son of the Living God.
Jesus spoke much of the kingdom of heaven; and as Son of the Living God, he is king of that kingdom. But, unlike Herod, who sacrificed his subjects to save his reputation, Jesus sacrificed his life and reputation to save his subjects. By so doing, Jesus enabled us to enter into his kingdom and become his subjects, and as such, to become truly free.
Within the book of Matthew, how does Jesus describe his subjects within the kingdom of heaven? They are to turn from their sins and become like a humble little child. They are to forgive one another just as they have been forgiven, and they don’t take offense when God extends grace to others. Any follower of Jesus is to give up their own way, take up their cross, and follow him. The leaders within the kingdom are to be servants of all. The subjects are to use what Jesus has given them for the growth of the kingdom. They are to wait expectantly for his return. They are not to be hypocrites, but to have hearts and actions consistent with their king, Jesus.
I find this description of a subject within the kingdom of heaven convicting, knowing that I have not lived up to it. But, even Peter had times of failure. That’s why Jesus died that horrible death, to save us from our sins and put his spirit within us. He overcame sin and death and rose from the dead.
Matthew ends with Jesus’ words, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”