The redeemed relationship we have with God is real and rich because of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7-8). It is because of Jesus we are saved from the fires of hell for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5). It is because of Jesus we have abundant life (John 10:10). It is because of Jesus we have eternal life (John 6:35-40). It is because of Jesus we can approach the throne of God with boldness for mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:14-16). It is because of Jesus’ saving blood we have the indwelling presence and help of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). It’s all about Jesus. His great love for us is manifested and proclaimed in His death, burial, and resurrection (John 15:13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). What else can we do but live for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20)!
Consider the paradoxical paragraph below from D.A. Carson’s commentary on Matthew as you think about who Jesus is and what He did for you and me.
Mike
At the same time Jesus’ hunger introduces us to a number of ironies to which Matthew more or less explicitly alludes: Jesus is hungry (v.2) but feeds others (14:13-21; 15:29-39); he grows weary (8:24) but offers others rest (11:28); he is the King Messiah but pays tribute (17:24-27); he is called the devil but casts out demons (12:22-32); he dies the death of a sinner but comes to save his people from their sins (1:21); he is sold for thirty pieces of silver but gives his life as a ransom for many (20:28); he will not turn stones to bread for himself (4:3-4) but gives his own body as bread for people (26:26).