This year, 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation- with the anniversary happening when Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenburg Door. Ulrich Zwingli in Zurich Switzerland began his reformation about the same time (1516-1519). In January 1519 he quit using the Catholic lectionary and began preaching straight through Matthew (lectio continua). This blog will go through Matthew in 2017.
This is the genealogya of Jesus the Messiahb the son of David, the son of Abraham: Matthew 1:1
Thoughts: From the very beginning the focus of Matthew's gospel was on Jesus. He is described as "The Messiah, the son of David. the Son of Abraham. The emphasis here is on the utter humanity of the divine Son of God. Jesus had a human pedigree.
Abraham was promised that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:1). Jesus taught his disciples to make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28:19,20). Luke takes Jesus back to Adam, but Abraham was a good stop for Matthew who wanted to emphasize the Jewish heritage of Jesus.
David was promised (2 Samuel 7) he would have a descendant on the throne forever. Jesus, the prince of David- of his line- fulfilled this by ascending to heaven at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus did not come in a vacuum. Since 2,000 years before (the time of Abraham) and 1,000 years before (the time of David) predictions were made of his coming. That he really, physically came is attested to in the genealogy.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you prepared us for your coming. My your blessing continue and may your rule continue now and forever!
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