Jesus, but He was not just any ordinary man—He was the Son of God. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ divine sonship is a central theme, as Matthew presents Him as not only the promised Messiah but also the unique Son of God. This is made clear in several key moments in His life and ministry, showing that Jesus was more than a teacher or prophet; He was God’s own Son, sent to save the world.
1. Jesus’ Baptism: The Father’s Declaration (Matthew 3:17)
One of the most significant moments in the Gospel of Matthew is Jesus’ baptism. As John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River, a miraculous event takes place: the heavens open, and the Spirit of God descends like a dove upon Jesus. Then, a voice from heaven declares, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17).
This divine affirmation from God the Father publicly identifies Jesus as His Son. It confirms Jesus’ unique relationship with God, setting Him apart as the one chosen and loved by the Father. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and underscores His divine nature.
Lesson: God’s declaration at Jesus’ baptism confirms that Jesus is the beloved Son of God, with divine authority and a unique role in God’s plan of salvation.
2. The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Jesus’ Divine Glory (Matthew 17:5)
Another key event that reveals Jesus’ divine sonship is the Transfiguration. In Matthew 17, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appear and speak with Jesus.
As this miraculous scene unfolds, a bright cloud overshadows them, and a voice from the cloud says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5). This is the second time God publicly affirms Jesus as His Son, and this time, He also commands the disciples to listen to Jesus, emphasizing His authority.
The Transfiguration not only reveals Jesus’ divine nature but also foreshadows His future glory after His resurrection. It is a powerful demonstration of His identity as the Son of God, worthy of worship and obedience.
Lesson: The Transfiguration shows Jesus in His divine glory and reinforces His identity as the Son of God, with a command for His followers to listen to and obey Him.
3. Jesus’ Divine Sonship in His Miracles and Authority
Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority through His miracles and teachings. He calms storms, heals the sick, raises the dead, and casts out demons. These miraculous acts are signs of His divine power, showing that He has authority over nature, sickness, death, and even the spiritual realm.
In Matthew 9:2-8, Jesus not only heals a paralyzed man but also forgives his sins, a power that only God possesses. This act astonishes the crowd, and they glorify God for giving such authority to a man. Jesus’ ability to forgive sins further confirms His divine sonship, as He shares in God’s authority.
Lesson: Jesus’ miracles and authority over sin and death confirm that He is the Son of God, with divine power and authority given by the Father.
4. Jesus as the Son of God in the Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)
After His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. In Matthew 4:1-11, the devil repeatedly challenges Jesus’ identity by saying, “If you are the Son of God…” Satan tempts Jesus to prove His sonship by turning stones into bread or throwing Himself off the temple to be saved by angels.
However, Jesus does not need to prove His divine identity through miraculous displays. He resists each temptation by quoting Scripture, remaining faithful to God’s will. This event highlights Jesus’ obedience and faithfulness as the Son of God, even in the face of temptation.
Lesson: Jesus’ victory over temptation confirms His identity as the obedient Son of God, fully submitted to the Father’s will.
5. The Confession of Jesus as the Son of God
Several individuals throughout Matthew’s Gospel recognize and confess Jesus as the Son of God. In Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water and calms a storm, the disciples worship Him and say, “Truly you are the Son of God.” This confession comes after witnessing His divine power over nature, revealing their growing understanding of who Jesus truly is.
Later, in Matthew 16:16, Peter boldly declares, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus commends Peter for this confession, stating that it was revealed to him by God the Father. This acknowledgment is pivotal, as it confirms Jesus’ identity as both the Messiah and the divine Son of God.
Lesson: The disciples’ confession of Jesus as the Son of God reflects their growing understanding of His divine nature and mission.
6. The Crucifixion: The Roman Centurion’s Confession (Matthew 27:54)
Even at the moment of Jesus’ death, His divine sonship is recognized. As Jesus breathes His last on the cross, the earth shakes, and darkness covers the land. The Roman centurion and those guarding Jesus are filled with awe and say, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).
This confession from a Roman soldier highlights the power and significance of Jesus’ death. Even those who were not His followers could see that He was no ordinary man—He was the divine Son of God, whose death had cosmic significance.
Lesson: Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is affirmed even at His death, showing the profound impact of His sacrifice.
7. Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension: Confirmation of His Divine Sonship
The ultimate proof of Jesus’ divine sonship comes in His resurrection from the dead. In Matthew 28, Jesus rises from the grave, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. His resurrection is the final confirmation that He is indeed the Son of God, with power over life and death.
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus declares that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). His resurrection and ascension affirm that He is the Son of God, reigning with divine authority at the right hand of the Father.
Lesson: Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate confirmation of His divine sonship, demonstrating His authority and power over sin and death.
Key Lessons on Jesus as the Son of God:
- Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration publicly affirm His divine sonship, showing His unique relationship with the Father.
- Jesus’ miracles and authority over sin, death, and nature reveal His divine power as the Son of God.
- Jesus’ victory over temptation and His faithfulness to the Father demonstrate His obedience as the Son of God.
- Confessions of Jesus’ divine sonship by His disciples, others, and even a Roman centurion confirm His true identity.
- Jesus’ resurrection and ascension are the ultimate proof of His divine sonship, establishing His authority over heaven and earth.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is presented as the Son of God, a title that signifies His unique relationship with the Father, His divine authority, and His role in the salvation of humanity. From His baptism to His resurrection, Matthew weaves together a narrative that highlights Jesus’ divine nature and mission, calling all who follow Him to recognize and respond to Him as the true Son of God.
