The book of the generation of Jesus Christ

The books. At the beginning of the Old Testament reference is made to ‘the book of the generations of Adam’, the first man, the head of the original creation, Gen. 5. 1. As the New Testament opens we have ‘the book of the generation of Jesus Christ’, the last Adam, the Head of the new creation. We might well say the message of the whole Bible revolves around the history of these two men, Adam and Christ, and all men fall under one of these two heads. Any Jew confronted with the claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah would immediately enquire, ‘Does He have the right genealogy?’ Whilst Luke traces the Lord’s genealogy through Mary, Matthew in this opening chapter traces it through Mary’s husband, viewing the birth of the Lord primarily from Joseph’s standpoint, his perplexity and intention, v. 19, the revelation given to him, v. 20, and finally his obedience, vv. 24, 25. Matthew divides the genealogy into three sections: first, from Abraham to David, the period of the Jewish nation’s growth and development; second, from David to the captivity in Babylon, a period of decline and departure from God; third, from the captivity to Joseph, a period witnessing to the preservation of a remnant and a return to the land, vv. 2-17. The name of ‘David’ is prominent in the genealogy. Twice he is referred to as ‘David the king’; Joseph is identified as a ‘son of David’. God gave David promises concerning his house, kingdom, and throne and, born of David’s line, the Lord Jesus is the One through whom those promises will be fulfilled, 2 Sam. 7. 16.

The birth. The word ‘begat’ is used thirty-nine times in the first sixteen verses but a distinction is made when the chapter records the coming of Christ: not now ‘begat’, but the words ‘born’ and ‘birth’ are used, Matthew thus guarding the truth of the virgin birth, vv. 16, 18. The unique character of the conception was announced by an angel; the unique character of the birth was foretold by a prophet, vv. 20, 22-23. In light of what He would do He was to be called ‘Jesus’, but in light of who He is His name would be called ‘Emmanuel . . . God with us’. Surely we must bow our heads in worship and adoration! 1 Tim. 3. 16.