Key to understanding Jesus’ mission: Matt. 5:17-20:
He did not come to scrap the OT and start something completely new.
But he also did not come merely to continue the OT.  He came to “fulfill” it. 
The Kingdom that Jesus established through his death and resurrection, in fulfillment of OT, can
only be understood in light of his public ministry: identity, teachings, works.

I. JESUS’ IDENTITY
(1) Christ/Messiah: This term means “anointed one”
Jesus’ baptism and anointing: Matthew 3:13-17; Jesus is a new David
In OT, some prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16), and all true prophets were gifted by the
Spirit of God (Numbers 11:16-30).  Jesus is a prophet too (John 3:34).
Priests were anointed (Leviticus 8:12).  Jesus is a priest (Hebrews 7).
Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13). 

Titles that refer to Jesus’ kingship:
1. Christ (already mentioned); definition: God’s anointed one.
2. “Son of David” (Matthew 1:1-17) is a title that identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the
coming king from David’s line who represents the fulfillment of the promise of 2 Samuel 7:14-16.  He is the “shoot” from Jesse’s stump who will rule over a new Israel in a new creation (Isaiah 11). Definition: The promised king from David’s line who will rule over a new Israel in a new creation.
3. “Son of God” (John 1:34, 39; 20:31) is a title that likewise identifies Jesus as the Davidic King.  God promised to adopt David’s sons as his own (2 Samuel 7:14), and the Davidic kings throughout the Old Testament were therefore known as “son of God” (Psalm 2:7).  Jesus has been appointed son of God by his resurrection (Romans 1:4).  Yet Jesus is also “Son of God” in a deeper, eternal sense, as God the Son (John 3:16; 5:18; Romans 8:32). Definition: The promised king from David’s line who is also God the Son from eternity.
4. “Son of Man” (Matthew 25:31) is Jesus’ favorite title for himself.  This title identifies him first as a human being.  As such, he rightfully claims dominion over creation (Genesis 1:27-28; Psalm 8).  But he is no ordinary human being, for he is truly a new Adam (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28), the one who will restore creation (Isaiah 11) and rule over a worldwide kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). Definition: A human being who claims dominion over a worldwide kingdom.

(2) True Adam/True Israel
Luke 3:23-38: Luke traces Jesus’ line through David, Abraham, all the way back to Adam, who
is called “the son of God.”
What is the very next story?
Can you think of any occasion when Adam was tempted?  What about Israel?
How does the devil address Jesus in this story?
How is the outcome of the story different for Jesus?
What does this story teach us about Jesus?

II. JESUS’ TEACHINGS
The Kingdom of God/Kingdom of Heaven
What is the main subject of Jesus’ teachings?  The kingdom of God (kingdom of heaven in
Matthew).
Has come near in Jesus’ ministry: Mark 1:15
What do you think “the time is fulfilled” means?
Why is the nearness of the kingdom a reason to call for repentance?
Is present in him (Matthew 12:22-32)
What is the evidence that the kingdom has come near?
Though present, it remains hidden to most: Matt. 13 and parable of weeds.
Is future (Matthew 6:10; 26:29)
Is tied to himself (Matthew 12:28; 7:21-23; 25:31-46)
How incredibly self-centered Jesus’ teachings are! 
See, for example Luke 14:26
See also John 2:11-22: Jesus is also God’s place now, replacing the temple!

III. JESUS’ WORKS
What does Jesus do?
He casts out demons (Mark 5:1-20), demonstrating his power over Satan’s kingdom.
He heals diseases (Mark 1:40-42), demonstrating his power over sickness; this is a foretaste of
the coming kingdom.
He raises the dead (John 11:1-44), demonstrating his power over death; this too is a foretaste of
the coming kingdom.

The present kingdom:
God’s people: Jesus is the true Adam and true Israel.  Those who follow him are made God’s people through him.  Twelve disciples = new Israel.
God’s place: Jesus is the true temple.
God’s rule and blessing: the new covenant, instituted by Jesus (Luke 22:14-23).