Matthew 1:

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Comments

Why would Matthew begin his Gospel with a 2000-year history of Jesus’ earthly family - and why should we care? “The book of the genealogy” references back to Genesis 2:4 and 5:1. The first passage is the account of Creation. The second passage is the account of the generations who descend from Adam. Both passages record a change in the universe—of the creation of the world and of the creation of man.

By recording the generations prior to Jesus’ advent, Matthew is telling his readers that there has been another change. Matthew’s Gospel:

• Reminds us of the historical movement of God’s saving purpose.

• Organizes Jesus’ history into three groups of fourteen generations.

• Traces Jesus’ descent through the royal line of Judah and David, thus staking his claim to the title ‘King of the Jews.’

By beginning with Jesus as both the son of King David and the son of Abraham, father of all Jews, Matthew signals that God is fulfilling his plan for salvation.

Application/Reflection

Advent in Latin means coming. For us it has two meanings: the coming of Jesus into the world as an infant to be our Messiah and the coming again of Jesus to be our judge. How will you celebrate Jesus as Messiah this Christmas? How are you living to be prepared for his return?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you created the world and the human race, blessing us by creating us in your image. When that image became tarnished and almost unrecognizable, you sent your One and Only Son to restore us in his image that we might become your children. As we read this Spirit-inspired gospel of Jesus, open our minds to your grace and truth, give us inquiring and discerning hearts, and the spirit to know and love you as you are revealed in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.