Matt 1-2

We may find the genealogy of Jesus boring but it is essential to Matthew because Jesus is portrayed as the king of the Jews and the coming Messiah. This is why 1:1 emphasizes Jesus is “the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Messiah means “the anointed one” who is commissioned by God to establish the kingdom of God on earth. Messiah is from a Hebrew word. The Greek form is “Christ.” More than 400 Old Testament passages were taken by ancient Jewish teachers to speak of the Messiah (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 2:2; 22:7, etc.).
The genealogy in Matthew is based on Joseph, Jesus’ official father. But Matthew gives extra attention to show Jesus is the son of Mary (1:16) who is conceived through the Holy Spirit (1:18-25). The point is to proved Jesus is a 100% God and 100% man.

My sharing
No matter how long ago God makes His promises, all of them will be fulfilled one day. The Jews have waited for their savior to come for over 1,400 years. They went through exile (1:12) and they went through 400 silent years (i.e. the intertestamental period). But eventually, God’s promise is fulfilled (1:22). I know JC will come one day for us just as God has promised.

Comments

Audrey said…
I agree that the genealogy provides the evidence of Jesus' kingship. However, I also see that the genealogy gives a brief outline of the history of the Jews. It is a history of the sin of man (the mentioning of the sin of Judah, David v.3, 6), and the judgment of God (the captivity v.11). Therefore the name of Jesus makes sense. He is the one who will save them from sins v.21. He is the God who lives with man v.23. We are sinners and have many failures just like the Jews. Today passage encourage me to look at Jesus for the salvation. God does not abandon the Jews and He has not abandon me.