Devotional Reading: Matthew 1:1-17
Lesson Context: Biblical genealogies are not necessarily lists of ancestors in exhaustive detail. Differences within two accounts of the same family tree are born not out of error but instead of the writer’s intention. We need only consider that Luke’s genealogy of Jesus contains 56 generations between Abraham and Jesus compared to Matthew’s 42 generations.
From Abraham to David (Matthew 1:1-6a).
A. Introduction to Jesus (v. 1). “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1) Matthew presents his theme in the first verse. Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and of Israel’s expectation.
a. The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ: So, Matthew begins his account of the life of Jesus Christ. From the statement in the ancient Greek text, it is difficult to tell what the book of the genealogy refers to. The first two words of Matthew, biblios genseos, may be translated ‘record of the genealogy,’ ‘record of origins’ or ‘record of the history’ (Carson). There is a sense in which each meaning is valid.
In Matthew 1:1-17, we have the record of the genealogy.
In Matthew 1:18-2:23, we have the “record of the origins.”
As a former tax collector (also called “Levi”), Matthew was qualified to write an account of Jesus’ life and teachings. A tax collector of that day must know Greek and be a literate, well-organized man. Some think that Matthew was the “recorder” among the disciples and took notes of Jesus, he left everything behind-except his pen and paper. “Matthew nobly used his literary skill to become the first man to compile an account of the teaching of Jesus.”
B. Pre-Nation of Israel (v. 2):
2a. “Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob.”
2b. “And Jacob begat Judas and his brethren.”
C. Pre-Monarchy of Israel (vv. 3-6a)
3a. “And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar.”
Abraham —Joseph: This genealogy establishes Jesus’ claim to the throne of David his adoptive father Joseph. This is not blood of Jesus through Mary, but the legal lineage of Joseph. The Gospel of Luke provides Jesus’ blood lineage through Mary.
i. “The Jews set much store by genealogies, and to Jewish Christians the Messiahship of Jesus depended on its being proved that he was a descendant of David.” (Bruce)
ii. There are some genuine problems in sorting out the details of this genealogy and reconciling some points in both Luke’s record and those found in the Old Testament.
iii. The author is persuaded that Matthew records the genealogical record of Joseph, and Luke the record of Mary; but this is not accepted without dispute by some. “Few would guess simply by reading Luke that he is giving Mary’s genealogy. The story stems, not from the text of Luke, but from the need to harmonize the two genealogies. On the face of it, both Matthew and Luke aim to give Joseph’s genealogy.” (Carson) Nevertheless, the genealogical difficulties should not prevent us from seeing the whole. Matthew Poole acknowledges that there some problems of Matthew and Luke.
From the Exile to Christ (Matthew 1:12-17):
A. In Babylon (v. 12). “And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel and Salathiel begat Zorobabel.”
B. In Judah (vv. 13-16). “And Zorobabel begat Abiud and Abiud begat ; and Eliud begat Eliakim: and Eliakim begat Azor.”
14-15. “And Azor begat Sadoc: and Sadoc begat Eleazar: and Eleazar begat Matthan: and Matthan begat Jacob.”
Babylon was the low point in Jewish history. The people had been forcibly removed from the promised land by God’s own plan. And the throne was never reestablished in Jerusalem. With Zorobabel, the Old Testament accounts of the kingly line ends Matthew includes nine names in verses 13-15 that come from a source unknown to us.
16. “And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” The final entries in the genealogy are carefully worded. Matthew breaks his pattern of “begetting” with Joseph. He is the husband of Mary, not a biological relative of Jesus. Jesus’ beginning in Joseph’s family was a matter of natural lineage. Mary is the fifth and final woman in the genealogy. Unlike the others, she was a Gentile and was a virgin when she conceived. Mary accepted God’s plan when she conceived. Mary accepted God’s plan for her with faith and humility.
References: David Guzik: Study Guide for Matthew, International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2023-2024