Matthew 1:1-17

 

****Week 1 Memory Verse****

In those days John the Baptist came preaching
in the wilderness of Judea,  and saying,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 
For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”

Matthew 3:1-3



 

Read Matthew 1:1-17!

 

Genealogy

The Gospel of Matthew begins with quite a long list of names.  As a matter of fact, it takes sixteen verses to trace the lineage from Abraham to David, and from David to Jesus' birth family.  At first glance we might have a tendency to just skip over these verses (be honest!), but it is important.  Remember, ALL scripture is "God-breathed". (2Tim. 3:16)  Every verse and passage has a purpose!

We can learn a very valuable lesson from verses 1-17.  God will ALWAYS keep His word.  Through this genealogy, we see many promises fulfilled.  The promise was fulfilled that through Abraham's seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed.  (Gen. 12:3)  God was fulfilling His promise that from the line of David He would raise up a Savior(Is. 11:1).  He would be born of a virgin(Is.7:14)  and be preceded by a messenger preparing the way. (Malachi 3:1, Is. 40:3) 

We really need to get this.  If God says it, if His Word declares it, IT WILL COME TO PASS.   

TIME OF REFLECTION:
Are there promises from God's Word that you are holding on to and have yet to see come to pass?  Write them down and ask the Lord to renew your hope that if He said it, if His Word has declared it, that it will come to pass.

There are many more Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.  Take a few minutes to search the scriptures for some of these prophecies and note them in your journal.  As we see the Promises of God fulfilled through Jesus we will be encouraged by the truth that through Jesus, His promises are Yes and Amen! (2 Cor. 1:20)