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Summary

Matthew 1:1–17 – Genealogy of Jesus Christ

What happens:
This opening passage lists Jesus’ ancestors, tracing his lineage from Abraham through David and the exile to Babylon down to Joseph, the husband of Mary. The names are grouped into three sets of fourteen generations, emphasizing key eras in Israel’s history.

What it means:
By anchoring Jesus in the line of Abraham and David, Matthew shows that Jesus fulfills God’s promises to bless all nations through Abraham’s offspring and to establish an everlasting kingdom through David’s heir. The inclusion of lesser-known and even scandalous figures highlights God’s grace working through imperfect people to bring about redemption.


Matthew 1:18–25 – Birth of Jesus the Messiah

What happens:
Mary, betrothed to Joseph, is found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph plans to divorce her quietly, but an angel appears to him in a dream, explaining that the child is conceived by God and will save his people from their sins. Joseph obeys, takes Mary as his wife, and names the baby Jesus, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of a virgin bearing a son called Immanuel.

What it means:
Jesus’ miraculous conception and divine name (“God with us”) signal that he is both fully God and fully human, come to dwell among us and bring forgiveness. Joseph’s righteous obedience models faithful trust in God’s unexpected plans, ensuring the fulfillment of prophetic promises without public disgrace for Mary.


Application

  • Reflect on Jesus’ roots in God’s covenant history and the surprising ways grace works through imperfect lives
  • Embrace the truth that Jesus is “God with us,” bringing forgiveness and fulfillment of prophecy into everyday life
  • Follow Joseph’s example of obedience and trust when God’s direction challenges cultural expectations
  • Celebrate the miraculous entry of Christ as both Son of David and Son of God, the foundation of our hope

Bible

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

2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

9And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

11And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

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