“Christ’s disciples should flavor the culture and shine as God’s lights in the world. By emulating these ten characteristics, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Jesus’ followers will prove to be citizens of God’s kingdom, already in the here and now, and for all eternity.”
(Andreas J. Köstenberger) Matthew, in his monumental gospel, introduces Jesus as the descendant of Abraham and David, narrating His miraculous virgin conception and birth and recounting His flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth. At the inception of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist cries out, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2). Later, when hearing of John’s arrest, Jesus begins to proclaim an identical message (Matt. 4:17)….