Dr. J. Vernon McGee - Matthew 2-4

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Dr. McGee's message in these excerpts from his study of Matthew emphasizes that the Gospel of Matthew was specifically written to the nation of Israel and aims to demonstrate how the life and ministry of Jesus Christ fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies. He highlights the visit of the wise men, correcting the common misconception of there being only three and pointing out that their journey, prompted by a star (which he believes was a supernatural event, not merely astronomical), was in response to prophecies like Balaam's prophecy of a star coming out of Jacob. The gifts they brought had symbolic significance, with gold representing his kingship, frankincense his life, and myrrh his death.

Dr. McGee explains the subsequent flight into Egypt and the return to Nazareth as literal fulfillments of Hosea 11:1 and Isaiah 11:1 (as it relates to being called a Nazarene) respectively, showing how God orchestrated events to align with prophecy. He underscores that these seemingly disparate prophecies were fulfilled literally and naturally.

The introduction of John the Baptist is presented as the fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord. John's message was one of repentancebecause the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand, which Dr. McGee clarifies as the rule of heaven over the earth, present in the person of the King.

The baptism of Jesus by John was not for Jesus' own repentance, as he was sinless, but rather for him to identify with sinful mankind and to fulfill all righteousness. Dr. McGee also notes that it set him aside for his office as priest, with the Holy Spirit descending upon him.

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness was a genuine test, but Dr. McGee insists that Jesus could not have fallen. This test was to prove and demonstrate his perfect character, contrasting it with the temptation of Eve. Jesus consistently used scripture to overcome Satan's temptations, highlighting the importance of knowing and using the Word of God. Dr. McGee also raises the point that the devil seemed to have the authority to offer Jesus the kingdoms of the world.

Dr. McGee then discusses Jesus moving his headquarters from Nazareth to Capernaum, explaining this as another fulfillment of prophecy from Isaiah, bringing light to the region of Galilee of the Gentiles. Jesus continued the message of repentance and the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven, echoing John the Baptist. He called his first disciples, promising to make them "fishers of men". Jesus' ministry in Galilee involved teaching, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and performing numerous healings, demonstrating his power and authority. Dr. McGee concludes by mentioning the Sermon on the Mount as the manifesto of the King.