The Son of David and Abraham

Why start with a genealogy?

• It places Matthew’s story within the larger story of God and Abraham’s family. 
• It reminds us of what has already happened to bring us to this point

Two Unusual Features

• The inclusion of 4 women (1.3, 5-6)   Jesus the Messiah
• The list is curated, not exhaustive (cf. 1 Chr. 1).

The Son of Abraham (Gn. 12.1-3; 17.3-8; Mt. 28.19-20)

• God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations, and to bless all peoples through him
• Matthew’s story will end with a risen and victorious Jesus sending his disciples to bring the good news of God’s rule to the ends of the earth (28.19-20)

The Son of David (2 Sam. 7; Mt. 28.18)

• God promises David that he will establish his line and house forever
• Mathew’s story will end with Jesus declaring that, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (28.18).

The End of Exile (Ez. 10; Mt.28.20)

• Exile meant the loss of the promised land and the temple where God dwelled among his people
• Matthews story begins with the incarnation and ends with Jesus reclaiming not just Israel, but all creation, and promising to be with them always (28.20)

Application

• Jesus is the Messiah, the Davidic King who will restore fully Israel from exile and bring the blessings of Abraham to the world
• God works in unexpected ways and through unexpected people to accomplish his purposes.