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Spiritual heritage is a divine gift to be studied and appreciated for all ages. Paying attention to words and phrases repeated in the beginning of Matthew’s gospel reveal his intentions in writing this record of Jesus’ life.
“The record of the genealogy…” is a phrase used in the Old Testament to describe the beginning of creation or the beginning of generations. This reveals the spiritual reality that Jesus came to begin a new creation and initiate a new generation of people who are redeemed by His blood.
The phrase “Jesus Christ” or literally “Jesus the Messiah” emphasizes his divinity and humanity. “The son of David” reveals that Jesus was born in a kingly line. These have practical and divine implications that are fleshed out further in the rest of the chapter and the book.
Notice the names and references to Jesus repeated throughout the whole first chapter. God intentionally became a man: eternal divinity and royalty became a servant to depraved humanity, that we may know His life.
Background of the culture: The Jewish culture Jesus was born into experienced a crushing tax burden under Roman domination. In addition to the empire’s poll (income) and ground (property) taxes, governors could purchase the rights to charge more taxes for their own gain. The nationals they hired in each conquered nation were called publicans.
Background on Matthew, the author: Matthew (or Levi) was one of these publicans, who were generally despised by their fellow Jews and equated with the worst of criminals. Matthew 9 tells us of Jesus’ call to Matthew that changed his life. It was amazing for Jesus even to approach a publican, let alone for Matthew to follow Him. “Only Jesus could change a soul from being a publican to being an apostle,” who within a few short years would help turn the world upside-down with the message of the Gospel.
Matthew’s character: After accepting Jesus’ call, Matthew threw a party to introduce his old friends to his new Master. Elsewhere in the gospel, he refers to himself in the third-person and humbly gives himself no credit for following Jesus or writing the book.
Application Points: We can find application even in a genealogy and introductory facts of Matthew’s gospel. Isn’t God’s Word amazing?
Matthew obeyed Jesus’ call despite his corrupt occupation and bad reputation. You can run into good people in a bad business who want to get out. Do you know anyone like that? Does that describe you? How can you offer a way out to someone you know, or how can you take an opportunity to follow Jesus yourself, out of a situation that does not honor Him?
Is the change in your life after obeying Jesus’ call evident to your friends? Are you as eager as Matthew was to introduce them to your new Master? What steps can you take to do this?
Reflect on the great distance Jesus descended to live among humankind. What a sacrifice just the Incarnation was! His birth and life led up to His death on the cross – all done for us. Praise and worship Jesus for this condescension. Make sure you have gratefully accepted His gift, and tell others about the purpose of His birth.
Tools for Further Study: Cross References to Explore: Matthew 9:9-10 – the call of Matthew
A Christmas Hymn to Encourage: Hark The Herald Angels Sing, by Charles Wesley
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild – God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all ye nations rise: Join the triumph of the skies. With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ by highest heav’n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see – Hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die – Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”