December 3 - Jesus Christ

December 3 - Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham - Matthew 1:1

The verse that I want to focus on today is simply Matthew 1:1. There was a lot of information that Matthew delivered in this first verse.

The original Greek word for genealogy or generation or whatever word used in your translation is 'genesis.' This announces a new beginning to Jewish readers. In many ways this passage mimics Genesis 5 which traces the genealogy from Adam to Noah.

He began by identifying Jesus with his historical name (Jesus), and his title (Christ or Messiah). These were not generally used together until after the Ascension.

Then, Matthew introduces the two ancestors with whom God set up the major covenants in the Old Testament. God's Covenant with Abraham comes from Genesis 12:1-3. God promised to make Abraham's people a great people and to bless the world through him. The promise was repeated in Genesis 26:4 to Isaac and then in Genesis 28:14 to Jacob. There was a lot of power in this promise and we see it about to be fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. All people on earth would be blessed through this line.

God's Covenant with David is found in 2 Samuel 7:12-17. Goodness, I can barely get through this passage without becoming emotional. David wanted nothing more than to build a temple for God. Something that was more glorious than the palace he himself lived in. But God said 'thanks, but no thanks. In fact, I am going to establish a house for you!' Look at the amazing power of these words God sends to David through the prophet Nathan.

"I will raise up your children - from your own body. I will establish his kingdom. I will establish the throne of your son's kingdom forever ... Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever."

Can you imagine being on the receiving end of this promise? David had been a simple shepherd who was anointed King of Israel. Now, God promised that He would establish a kingdom from David's line that would endure forever.

1 Peter 2:9 says that we are the chosen people, the royal priesthood, the holy nation. We are this kingdom ... Christ, the Messiah is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 19:16).

This single verse reveals history fulfilled.