A Light to the Gentiles

We will be examining various aspects of our Lord's public ministry,leading up to His death and resurrection. And as we do this, it is important again, that we remind ourselves that none of the Gospel accounts are meant to be a biographical sketch of our Lord's
life. We have already seen this, in consideration of His childhood and teenage years, where we are given very little information about the detailed events surrounding them. Again, we must always remember that the authors of the Gospels are only providing us with the information that
is absolutely necessary to suit their primary purpose of affirming the Lord's Messianic calling
and office. The Gospels are transformative messages, and not curiosity satisfying biographies.

You will find that Matthew (like the other Gospel writers) often skips past various events that are recorded by the other writers. And furthermore, in keeping with his primary purpose, at times, you will find him jumping around, unconcerned with presenting His Gospel in a chronologically consistent fashion. Sometimes, keeping things in chronological order can detract from the significance of various events that are meant to be grouped together for a greater theological and teaching
purpose. That is not being dishonest. That is just serving a higher, more significant purpose. And so, none of the Gospel accounts are meant to be an historical biography.
That said, as we jump into our Lord's public ministry then, this morning, once again, we will find ourselves being carried back to the Old Testament, so as, to give us a better appreciation and grasp of the redemptive glory surrounding our Lord's Person, work and ministry.