Matthew has introduced Jesus, giving his genealogy, linking him to the story of God’s chosen people in particular to David the great king (messiah) and Abraham the ancestor (patriarch) whom God first chose and blessed to be the blessing of the rest of humanity, and four really interesting women. He has told the birth, with a focus on kingship (messiah) and opposition (Herrod’s massacre of innocents). The escape to and return from Egypt – as well as being Messiah Jesus recapitulates Israel. Matthew effectively told us that what Israel should have been Jesus is!
Now three tests, one dumb, one diabolical and the last showing us that Jesus is a real human, and not just a god taking a holiday in human skin.
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