DAY #1: January 1, 2009 - Matthew 1:1-25

Jesus Christ is the main character in Matthew’s Gospel and the opening verse connects Him back to two great covenants in Jewish history: the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7) and the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12). If Jesus of Nazareth is the fulfillment of these two great covenants, how is He related to the rightful lineage? This is a question the Jews would have asked, so Matthew traced Jesus’ family line in detail.

Matthew gives us Jesus’ lineage through His legal father, Joseph (v.16). Thus this genealogy traced Jesus’ right to the throne of David, which came through Solomon and his descendants (v.6).

An interesting fact about Matthew’s genealogy is the inclusion of four Old Testament women: Tamar (v.3), Rahab (v. 5), Ruth (v. 5), and Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba (v. 6). All of these women (as well as most of the men) had a questionable past in some way. Tamar and Rahab were prostitutes (Genesis 38:24; Joshua 2:1). Ruth was a foreigner, a Moabitess (Ruth 1:4), and Bathsheba committed adultery (2 Samuel 11:2-5).

I think Matthew may have included these women in order to emphasize that God’s choices in dealing with people are all of His grace. Also, I also believe God wanted to remind us that He doesn't care about your past and where you've been, only where about where you're going.

Matthew’s genealogy answered the important question a Jew would rightfully ask about anyone who claimed to be King of the Jews. Is He a descendant of David through the rightful line of succession? Matthew answered a resounding YES!

The fact that Jesus was born “of Mary” only, as indicated in the genealogical record (v. 16), demanded further explanation. Matthew’s explanation is best understood in the light of Hebrew marriage customs. Marriages were arranged for individuals by parents, and marriage contracts were negotiated. After this was accomplished, the individuals were considered married and were called husband and wife.

They did not, however, begin to live together. Instead, the woman continued to live with her parents and the man with his parents for one year. The waiting period was to demonstrate the faithfulness of the pledge of purity given concerning the bride. If she was found to be with child in this period, she obviously was not pure, but had been involved in an unfaithful sexual relationship. Therefore the marriage could be annulled.

If, however, the one-year waiting period demonstrated the purity of the bride, the husband would then go to the house of the bride’s parents and in a grand processional march lead his bride back to his home. There they would begin to live together as husband and wife and consummate their marriage physically. Matthew’s story should be read with this background in mind.

Mary and Joseph were in the one-year waiting period when Mary was found to be with child. They had never had sexual intercourse and Mary herself had been faithful (v. 20, 23). While little is said about Joseph, one can imagine how his heart must have broken. He genuinely loved Mary, and yet the word came that she was pregnant. Yet, his love for her was demonstrated by his actions. He chose not to create a public scandal by exposing her condition to the judges at the city gate. Such an act could have resulted in Mary’s death by stoning (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Instead he decided to divorce her quietly.

Then in a dream (Matthew 2:13, 19, 22), an angel told Joseph that Mary’s condition was not caused by a man, but through the Holy Spirit (v. 18, 20). The Child Mary carried in her womb was a unique Child, for He would be a Son whom Joseph should name Jesus for He would save His people from their sins.

As soon as Joseph awakened from this dream, he obeyed God. He violated all custom by immediately taking Mary into his home rather than waiting till the one-year time period of betrothal had passed. Joseph was probably thinking of what would be best for Mary in her condition. He brought her home and began to care and provide for her.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

When I read this passage of scripture concering the genealogy of jesus, I am reminded that God's plan all along was to save His people. His plan all along was to save me. I am humbled by God's love for me and His grace and mercy. I know my heart. I know my sins. I know my short-comings, so does God, yet He still loves me. He still sent His Son for me.

How can I ever NOT show that same love, grace, compassion and mercy to others? God, help me today to care for everyone who comes across my path. Help me be a conduit of your love. Jesus, help me to never write off anybody.

When I read about Joseph and his obedience to you Lord, I am also humbled. How often does God speak to me through the His Word, or through people or circumstances or even dreams and I ignore what He says? Thank you Lord for Joseph and his obedience. Father, help me to obey every one of your commands - every one of your promptings. Lord, give me a heart to to obey TODAY.

PRAYER

Father, give the people of COV a heart to read Your Word. Birth within them a desire to take this Bible reading challenge and get to know You and Your will in a greater way than ever before. Then God, give each of us the courage to live out what we read.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

James 1:22 (NIV)