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January 1 — Matthew 1:1

A Few Minutes in Matthew
Matthew 1:1
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

Explanation of the Text
Matthew begins his Gospel with a title that sets the agenda for everything that follows. “The book of the genealogy” echoes Genesis. In fact, the Greek word here is genesis, and the verse literally says, “the book of the beginning of Jesus Christ.” More than that, Matthews’ words signal that in Jesus, God is beginning something new, and yet what He is doing fits perfectly with His promises in the Old Testament. Matthew’s entire Gospel is framed with this fulfillment in mind: Jesus is the One in whom Israel’s story reaches its goal.

In calling Jesus “the Christ,” Matthew identifies Him as the long-promised Messiah. It is important to note that this is not a last name; it is a title. He is the Anointed One, the King sent by God to rescue His people. The other titles have meaning as well. “Son of David” places Him in the royal line; “Son of Abraham” ties Him to the covenant promise that through Abraham’s offspring all nations would be blessed. Matthew intentionally leads with identity because, before we hear anything Jesus says or does, we must know who He is.

Everything that follows, His teaching, healing, cross, and resurrection, flows from this singular truth: Jesus is God’s faithful King and the fulfillment of centuries of promise.

What This Teaches Me About God
God keeps His promises, not vaguely or symbolically, but concretely in real history. He works patiently through generations, never forgetting what He has spoken. He brings salvation not in ideas but in a Person.

What This Teaches Me About Myself
I am someone who needs God to act for me. I cannot fulfill the promises required for my salvation. I need a King, a Savior, a Messiah, not a life coach or example. God knows this, and He meets my need in Jesus.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming as the promised Christ. Help me begin this year with confidence in who You are and trust in what You have done for me. Amen.