Christ in All the Scriptures by A.M. Hodgkin
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Book Information: Christ in All the Scriptures
Table of Contents
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The four evangelists have been compared with the four cherubim of Ezekiel and Revelation. Matthew shows us our Lord in His kingly aspect as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; Mark exhibits Him as the faithful Servant of Jehovah, the ox, ready alike for service or for sacrifice; Luke presents Him as the Son of Man, full of human sympathy, as the emblem of the man suggests; whereas, with John, we see Him as the Son of God, the eagle, soaring into the heavenly blue with a majesty that transcends all our thought and imagination.
Dr. Monro Gibson has pointed out the beautiful unity of plan between the Old and New Testaments, as shown in the following table:—
| Old Testament | Law | Law | Giving of the Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Books | Application | ||
| Prophets | Poetical books | Experience | |
| Prophetical Books | Outlook beyond | ||
| New Testament | Christ | Gospels | Giving of the New Covenant |
| Acts | Application | ||
| Apostles | Epistles | Experience | |
| Revelation | Outlook beyond |
Matthew—Christ the King
In this Gospel we see the royal majesty of our heavenly King. The Gospel by Matthew was written for the Jews. It sets forth the Law, and refers constantly to the Old Testament Scriptures, showing how both have been fulfilled by Christ.
This Gospel opens thus: “The book of the generations of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). This shows His covenant position as Son of Abraham, and His royal position as Son of David. “David the King,” in Matthew 1:6, emphasizes our Lord’s position as David’s royal Heir.
His wondrous divinity is announced in His birth through the power of the Holy Ghost, in His personality as Savior (Jesus), and in His absolute Godhead as revealed in the name Emmanuel—God with us.
Matthew alone recounts the visit of the Magi. The whole world at this time was expecting the advent of some Great One. “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” Their adoration foreshadowed His universal dominion. Matthew alone tells us how Herod, the usurper of David’s sovereignty, sought to slay the heir.
