Scripture

This is the record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.

Application

Matthew lists the ancestors of Jesus, back through Joseph to Abraham. There are three groups of fourteen, which makes seven times six, the numbers of perfection (or God) and of man. Already he is pointing us to Jesus as Son of God and Son of Man.

Jesus is a true descendant of Abraham. He is a true Jew. He cannot be dismissed from respect because of His ancestry. He truly belongs to the children of Israel.

Jesus is also a descendant of David to whom God promised, “One of your descendants will be on the throne of Israel for ever.”

The Gospel of Matthew was written for Jewish people to accept that Jesus is the Messiah.

What is in the genealogy for us today?

• God planned Jesus’ birth right from the beginning of time.
• Although Jesus was sent to the Jews, He is God’s Saviour for all people.
• Both Abraham and David sinned quite spectacularly, but Jesus was without sin.
• Despite their sin, Abraham and David were men of faith and were significant in carrying forward the family line of the Messiah

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the promises, prophecies and pre-planning we see in Scripture. You truly are an awesome God! Amen.