The Generation of Jesus Christ – Matt 1
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” — Matthew 1:1
Three years ago, I started reading through my Bible very slowing, no more than one chapter a day. I wanted to read each chapter carefully, think about it, and try to write at least one devotional thought from each chapter.
Up to this point, I have been in the Old Testament. As the message of the Old Testament unfolds, there is a growing sense of expecting the Messiah to come.
As I open the New Testament, these words introduce the moment that all the Old Testament saints have waited for, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” In other words, “Here is a record of the life of Jesus the Messiah.”
Matthew is saying, “I am going to give you an account of the genealogy, birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus who was the promised Messiah, the Christ, the one all of history looked forward to and looks back to.”
What an exciting thing it is to know that that Messiah has come, has lived in this world, has fulfilled God’s promises to David and to Abraham (“son of David” and “son of Abraham), and will save from sin (v.21)!
May we respond to Christ’s coming with faith, with obedience, with humility, and with respect as Mary and Joseph did. May we look for no other Deliverer or Saviour. The Messiah has come. It was Jesus of Nazareth. And He is coming again. On Him do all our hopes and dreams rest.