Lesson 2

I.       Observation

A.     Outline

The Genealogy of Jesus (1:1-17)

From Abraham to David (1-6)

From David to exile (7-11)

From exile to Christ (12-16)

3 stages of 14 generations (17)

The Birth of Jesus (1:18-25)

Mary’s conception and Joseph’s intention to divorce (18-19)

Angel’s instruction and Joseph’s obedience (20-25)

B.     Key Words and Phrases

Son of David, son of Abraham, fulfill, virgin, Immanuel

II.    Segment Analysis

1. The book of Matthew begins the genealogy of Jesus with Abraham while Luke traces the genealogy back to Adam. Matthew starts with Abraham to show and emphasize that Jesus was the Son of Abraham, born according to promise.

Matthew follows the line of Solomon while Luke follows that of Nathan (Solomon and Nathan were brothers). Some propose that Matthew’s genealogy records the ancestors of Joseph while Luke’s records the ancestors of Mary.

2. Christ, the son of David, the Son of Abraham.

Christ: the anointed—designation for priests (Lev 4:3; 6:22), kings (1Sam 2:10; 16:13; 24:10; 2Sam 19:21; Lam 4:20); also designation for the coming Messiah (Mt 2:1-6; 16:16)

Son of David (Ps 89:29; 2Sam 7:16; Isa 9:6-7).

Son of Abraham (Gen 22:18, Gal 3:16).

3. Abraham to David: Age of wandering, bondage, and anarchy.

David to the exile: Age of the kingdom

Exile to the Christ: Age of restoration, foreign rule, and silence (Intertestamental period).

4b. At least two of the women were gentile and some of them had had illicit occupations or relationships. But it is possible that Matthew chooses to include them to demonstrate God’s mercy in His salvation plan. It is also God’s will to extend His salvation to all people, regardless of their gender or race.

5. God is faithful to His promises. He is the sovereign and loving Lord who carries out His will throughout all generations. It also reminds us that God acts according to His timetable, and at the proper time, God sent His Son to the world (Gal 4:4)

6. He probably addressed Joseph as the son of David to stress the kingly descent of Jesus.

7. Jesus was God in the flesh. Since He was born as the Son of God, He could not come from human descent because all human beings are under sin (Rom 5:12).

9. 1) Born of the Holy Spirit through a virgin; 2) Fulfillment of prophecy

10a. “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua,” which means “the Lord is salvation.” His name indicated His mission to save God’s people from sin.

10b. The coming of Jesus to the world brought God’s salvation to His people. God’s grace and deliverance had come to His people through Jesus.

12. He could have put Mary to public disgrace to vent his outrage or jealousy, but, instead, he was full of mercy and compassion.