Passage
Matthew 1:1-17 (ESV)
Let All the Earth Be Silent
Habakkuk 2:9-20
Key Verse: 2:20
Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah
Date: Dec. 23, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 1:1
First, God's faithfulness. Tracing the history of God's people, Matthew shows Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises and climax of redemptive work. God gave his promise to Abraham, that all peoples on earth would be blessed through him. God established a nation from Abraham's sons. God raised David as king over them, promising a king from his descendants who would reign forever. This Messianic figure became the hope of all the world. God's people became idolatrous and were taken into exile. Even this did not stop God. In his own zeal he brought Jesus, the Messiah. God is faithful to complete his promises.
Second, a diverse genealogy. In Jesus' genealogy several women, some who were even Gentiles, appear as key figures, whose faith is exemplary (3, 5a, 5b, 6, 16). Both saints and sinners appear in Jesus' genealogy as well. Jesus came as Savior and Lord for all people, regardless of nationality, gender, or other human distinction.
Prayer: Father, thank you for faithfully keeping all your promises and bringing Jesus as Messiah.
One Word: Jesus is Savior and King
