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Matthew 1:1
To begin a book/letter that is addressed (primarily) to the people of Israel by introducing the main character, Jesus Christ, as, “the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1, NKJV) would certainly get everyone’s attention. We can learn about the great warrior King David in the Old Testament books of 1Samuel 16 – 1Kings 2; 1Chronicles 11 – 29. As the reign of King Saul was ending because of his disobedience to God, the Prophet Samuel proclaimed to him of the next king (David) and why God would choose him to be the next king. 1Samuel 13:14 declares, “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
But also included in this title of the gospel of Matthew, Jesus is not only referred to as, “the Son of David,” but “the Son of Abraham.” All of Israel considered themselves sons of Abraham and direct descendants of him through the twelve tribes of Israel. We can learn more about Abraham in the Old Testament book of Genesis 11:27 – 25:11. Receiving righteousness through faith, as the Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 4, is centered in our belief in God as was Abraham declared righteous for his believing in God. Genesis 15:6 states of Abraham, “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” In these two physical ancestors of Jesus Matthew shows all that would be expected in the Messiah: a great Warrior King as was King David, and One who is at the root of all Israel as was their founding father Abraham through the covenant that God made with him.
This is a promise and example of the Messiah, His ties to the human race in His physical being, and as we will see, His deity in being the Son of God.
I have researched numerous ideas about the origin of the Gospel of Matthew. It is believed by many that the original letter was written in Hebrew, which would make sense as his primary audience is perceived to be the nation of Israel – those who were still yet striving to keep the Law that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. But today we can see that this gospel account of the life and ministry, death and resurrection, and everlasting life of Jesus is to benefit all who will put their faith in Him as Lord and Savior, and hopefully lead many people to Him to begin that journey – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
As we open Your word to study the Gospel of Matthew, please open our minds and hearts to not just hear what You have to teach us, but that we would be drawn closer to You through this study. When we all stand in Your presence may we hear You say the words of Matthew 25:21, 23 (NKJV), …“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” In Jesus name I pray, amen.