Matthew Chapter 1
As we begin in this first gospel of the New Testament we are given the genealogical record of the Christ, the Messiah.
This record meticulously kept by the Jewish people is so very important to our faith and is really amazing.
I will point out that there seems to be a few discrepancies between the way the different gospels record Jesus’ genealogy, and even in this first chapter if you count the names there seems to be a name missing. If we count the 14 names from Abraham to David then fourteen names from David to the deportation, and then 13 names which Matthew records as 14 names from the deportation to Jesus.
In reality there is a name not included in the genealogy between Josiah and Jechoniah. His name was Jehoakim. Jehoakim was so wicked that the prophet Jeremiah gave the promise that no blood descendant of his would sit on the throne of Israel. See Jeremiah 36:30-31
Does this mean that there are discrepancies that discredit scriptures, not at all. There are other examples in scripture where genealogies are listed but certain generations were skipped. What is extremely incredible is the family line that is recorded here. That is a lot of genealogy to unpack. And through the study the most important fact remains that God kept His promise in delivering a Messiah.
Let's Reflect
1. When Joseph and Mary came together to be betrothed (or engaged) what had already happened with Mary?
2. The engagement of a Jewish couple being a covenant relationship as is marriage made this to be a serious problem for Joseph. He was considered to be her husband. What did he think was the best action to take at the time?
3. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and gave Joseph a different direction. What name did the angel call Joseph in this dream? And what direction did he tell Joseph to take?
4. The angel told Joseph that Mary had not been unfaithful to him, but rather she had conceived a baby by what means?
5. He was told they would have a son and they would name Him Jesus. What was the purpose of Jesus being born?
6. What prophecy did the angel tell Joseph was being fulfilled?
7. The other named mentioned of Jesus was Immanuel. What does that name mean? It is the very name of Jesus that gives us our hope.
Devotionals
