January 14 - Matthew 1

January 14:   Matthew 1


Matthew, a Jewish Christian, writes his gospel for Jewish readers.   He is making the case for Jesus being the Savior of the world by showing Him to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  Note, as you read, the many times Matthew quotes the Old Testament.

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vv 1-17  Today, as you read the genealogy of Jesus, what names do you recognize? 

Why might it have been important for Jesus to be descended from Abraham and David?  (Abraham was the father of Israel, and David its greatest king.  Both had received promises that the Savior of the world would be a descendent of theirs.)

The women included in the genealogy include Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba.  Tamar and Bathsheba are known for their sin.  Rahab was a prostitute who protected the Israelite spies.  Ruth is a foreigner.  Why might these have been included in Jesus' genealogy?

v. 21:  "Jesus" is the Greek form of the name "Joshua," which means "the Lord saves."  Why is Joseph told to give the baby this name?

v. 20, 24 -- What is Joseph instructed to do by God?  How does Joseph respond?  Do you think this was a difficult decision?  What difficult decisions do you face today?

vv. 23-25  -- "Immanuel" means "God with us."  In what ways do you experience God with you in daily life?