THE BOOK OF MATTHEW
CHAPTER 1
The Book of Matthew tells us the good news that Jesus is the promised Saviour, the one through whom God fulfilled his promises to his people in the Old Testament.
The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus
Matthew 1 is not just the opening chapter of the New Testament; it’s the opening act of God’s grand play of redemption, setting the stage for Jesus’s ministry and His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
Through the genealogy and the miraculous birth, we see the integration of divine prophecy and human obedience in God’s salvation plan, reminding us of God’s omnipotence, faithfulness, and His closeness to us.
Genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1: 1-17)
The chapter opens with an exhaustive genealogy, tracing Jesus Christ’s ancestry from Abraham, through David, and up to Joseph, Mary’s husband. This genealogy is structured in three groups of fourteen generations, representing a symbolic organization of Jesus’s lineage.
The Birth of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1: 18-25)
The second part of the chapter tells the miraculous story of Jesus’s conception. Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, is found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. When Joseph discovers this, he plans to divorce her quietly to avoid public shame.
However, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, assuring him that the child Mary is carrying is of the Holy Spirit, and he should not be afraid to take her as his wife.
The angel instructs Joseph to name the child Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
These events fulfil the prophecy of a virgin bearing a child named Immanuel, meaning “God is with us”.
Following the divine intervention, Joseph obeys the angel’s command: He takes Mary as his wife, but does not consummate the marriage until she gives birth to Jesus.
Matthew 1, the opening chapter of the New Testament’s first book, establishes the historical and theological foundation for the life of Jesus Christ. By tracing Jesus’s lineage from Abrahamic heritage.
It then recounts the miraculous circumstances of Jesus’ conception and birth, highlighting Joseph’s obedient response to God’s command in a dream.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS?
- The genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:1-17
It presents the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph. The husband of Mary. This establishes Jesus’s legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
- Fulfilment of prophecy
The genealogy highlights the fulfilment of God’s promises to Abraham and David. Jesus is the promised seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and the rightful heir to David’s throne (2 Samuel 7: 12-16)
- Inclusion of Gentiles and sinners
The genealogy includes women like Rahab and Ruth, who were Gentiles, and Bathsheba, who was involved in a scandalous sin. This inclusion demonstrates God’s grace and the universal scope of the gospel.
- The Virgin Birth (Matthew 1:18-25)
It describes the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, affirming the doctrine of the virgin birth. This event fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel.
- Joseph’s righteousness and obedience
Joseph’s response to the angel’s message shows his righteousness and obedience. Despite the potential for public disgrace, he takes Mary as his wife, demonstrating faith and trust in God’s plan.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
- Trust in God’s promises
Just as God fulfilled His promises through Jesus’s lineage, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises in our lives.
- Embrace God’s grace
The inclusion of imperfect people in Jesus’s genealogy reminds us that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of our past.
- Obedience to God’s call
Like Joseph, we are called to obey God’s direction, even when it challenges societal norms or personal comfort.
- Value of scripture
The genealogy underscores the importance of understanding Scripture and its fulfilment in Christ, encouraging us to study the Bible diligently.
PRAYER POINTS
- Thanksgiving for fulfilled promises
Thank God for His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through Jesus Christ.
- Grace and redemption
Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s grace and redemption in our lives.
- Obedience and faith
Ask for the strength and courage to obey God’s call, even when it is difficult.
- Wisdom in scripture study
Pray for wisdom and insight as we study the Bible, that we may see Christ in all of scripture.
