Matthew 1 Enduring Word Bible Study

Introduction to Matthew 1

The book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, and it is attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Matthew 1 is the first chapter of this book, and it serves as an introduction to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In this chapter, we find the genealogy of Jesus, the birth of Jesus, and the visit of the Magi.

The genealogy of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 1:1-17, and it shows Jesus' connection to the Old Testament and the Jewish people. The genealogy is divided into three sections: from Abraham to David, from David to the exile, and from the exile to Jesus. This division highlights the significant periods in Israel's history and demonstrates how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises to the Jewish people.

The Genealogy of Jesus

The genealogy of Jesus is not just a list of names; it is a theological statement that shows Jesus’ connection to the Old Testament and the Jewish people. The genealogy includes notable figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, who were all important in Israel’s history. The inclusion of these figures demonstrates that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jewish people.

Name	Significance
Abraham	The father of the Jewish people
Isaac	The son of Abraham and the father of Jacob
Jacob	The father of the twelve tribes of Israel
David	The king of Israel and the ancestor of Jesus

The Birth of Jesus

The birth of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 1:18-25, and it is a significant event in the life of Jesus. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is a theological statement that shows Jesus’ connection to God. The virgin birth of Jesus demonstrates that Jesus is the Son of God, and it highlights the significance of Jesus’ mission.

The birth of Jesus is also significant because it shows the fulfillment of God's promises to the Jewish people. The prophet Isaiah had prophesied that a virgin would give birth to a son, and this prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God is faithful and that He fulfills His promises.

The Visit of the Magi

The visit of the Magi is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12, but it is closely related to the events of Matthew 1. The Magi were wise men from the East who came to worship Jesus, and they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The visit of the Magi is significant because it shows that Jesus is the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world.

The visit of the Magi is also significant because it highlights the opposition to Jesus' mission. King Herod, who was the king of Judea at the time, was threatened by the birth of Jesus and sought to kill Him. The visit of the Magi is a reminder that Jesus' mission was not without opposition and that He faced challenges from the beginning.

💡 Note: The visit of the Magi is often seen as a symbol of the Gentiles' (non-Jews') recognition of Jesus as the King and Savior.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Matthew 1 is a significant chapter that introduces the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The genealogy of Jesus, the birth of Jesus, and the visit of the Magi are all important events that highlight Jesus’ connection to the Old Testament and the Jewish people. These events demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jewish people and that He is the King and Savior of the world.

As we reflect on Matthew 1, we are reminded of the significance of Jesus' mission and the opposition He faced. We are also reminded of the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of challenges and opposition. The story of Matthew 1 is a reminder that God is faithful and that He fulfills His promises, and it is a call to us to trust in Him and to follow Jesus as our King and Savior.