Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Jesus of Generations

16and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
17Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. (Matthew 1:16,17)

Thoughts: Luke's genealogy says, "He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph."  In Matthew, the line of Joseph is emphasized, so that more subtly the virgin birth is brought out.  It does not spell out that Joseph was the father of Jesus, but Mary was the mother of Jesus. The genealogy of Jesus is the culmination of Israel's past and history.
        Matthew is trying to make a theological point and is less concerned with exact time here as with the plan.  History, he is saying, is divided into neat periods- all part of God's plan.  Jesus' birth was not a happenstance, or an accident, but a matter of purpose and God's providence. 

Prayer: Lord, let me trust your providence and love.  Thank you for sending Jesus to us. 

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