Jesus, Name Above All Names预览

Son of Abraham

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1)

Jesus was by His earthly birth a descendant of some important and powerful Jewish believers: of David the king, and of Abraham the founding father of Israel. Abraham was the man from whom the nation of Israel was born.

God promised Abraham that a Savior would be born of his descendants who would become a blessing to all people. (Genesis 12:1-3)

The Jews in Matthew's day knew the promises of God about the Savior to come, and they looked forward to their fulfillment. Matthew himself, as a Jewish boy, had also grown up with the words of God. With Jesus' birth, a new time dawned for Israel. Through Jesus, Matthew's own life had also received a new beginning. (Matthew 9:9).

From the very beginning of this new life, God made it clear: This Son is more than an “ordinary man.” He comes to fulfill what I have promised. Therefore, Matthew used special words for this Son in his genealogy. Instead of calling Joseph “the father of Jesus”, he writes: “Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16). Not Joseph, but God Himself begot the promised Son.

Thank You Jesus, that in Your coming to the world we may see all God's promises fulfilled. Thank You for Your great love for us.