Scripture Text: Matthew 2:23
And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2:23
In our last study regarding the writings of Apostle Matthew, he directed our attention to the scenario where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus resided in Nazareth instead of Judea. As a result, Apostle Matthew indicated the fulfillment of the words spoken by the prophets of God, as Jesus was called a Nazarene.
Also, in our previous study from this letter, we explored the connection of the Village of Nazareth with the Lord Jesus Christ, who was despised and not given respect by others. As God's prophet, King David, articulated in one of his psalms, Psalm 22:6-8,
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
All who see me mock me;
they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
“He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;
let him rescue him, for he delights in him!
In connection to the other prophecies regarding Jesus as the Nazarene, today we will delve into what Prophet Isaiah wrote, found in Isaiah 53:1-3,
Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Here, Prophet Isaiah foresees the brutal persecution of the Messiah. As we carefully observe, Prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah, who would come in the line of King David, would not be recognized by his fellow Jews. They despised him, rejected him, and refused to show him respect. We witnessed this when the Lord Jesus was arrested, punished, and crucified on the cross like a sinner. Furthermore, in all these events, Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the Father so that we could be saved from our sins.
He carried our sorrows and endured all hardships. He was considered a criminal because people thought that Jesus had transgressed against God. He was beaten and punished by them. Instead of us bearing these punishments, Jesus bore all the wounds and pains so that we could be righteous before God. Jesus endured all these persecutions because it was the will of God.
Jesus Christ, being despised and a suffering servant, serves as the Lamb of God, offered for the forgiveness of our trespasses.
My fellow believer, this is the richness of God's mercy. Because of His great love, even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us righteous and holy in His sight through the finished work and humble suffering of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Reflect
Did you witness the faithfulness of God in allowing His Son to be despised for you?
Did you perceive the grace and steadfast love of our loving Savior for you?
Is it worth sharing with others? If yes, please share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Remember
As the Lord was despised and persecuted, it brought Him joy to save us because He loved us. He is our loving Savior, the Messiah, and the Son of God.
Read
Isaiah 52, 53, 11; Psalm 22, Matthew 2:19-23, Ephesians 2, Philippians 2
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace always, saving sinners like us and making us part of Your kingdom through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This truth surpasses worldly riches because knowing who our Lord Jesus Christ is the true treasure in this life. All glory belongs to You. This is my prayer in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
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