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Bookends of Matthew
Bookends of Matthew:
The beginning is the end, Immanuel means “God with us” and Jesus concludes with, “I am with you.” So are there other connections between Matthew 1 and 28?
1. Beginning: Jesus as the Son of Abraham/David vs End: Jesus as the Son of God.
2. Beginning: Jesus the descendant of those “Fathered”, although not fathered by Joseph vs End: Jesus the Son of the Father.
3. Beginning: Jesus given the names, Immanuel and Jesus vs End: Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
4. Beginning: Israel goes into Exile because of sin vs End: New Israel goes into all the world to save from sin.
5. Beginning: The Holy Spirit is invoked in the conception of Jesus vs End: The Holy Spirit is invoked in our baptism (our new beginning).
6. Beginning: Mary the mother of Jesus vs End: Other Mary’s.
7. Beginning: An angel appears to Joseph vs End: An angel appears to the women.
8. Beginning: Joseph told “Don’t be afraid” vs End: Women told “Don’t be afraid”
9. Beginning: Angel gives a task to Joseph vs End: Angel gives a task to the women.
10. Beginning: Prophecy fulfilled (Isaiah 7) vs Prophecy fulfilled (“he has risen just as he said)
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