Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 1

Matthew 1:1-17

I. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH, 1:1-2:23
A.  Jesus' Genealogy: Interesting Roots, 1:1-17
(Luke 3:23-28)
1  It shows Jesus to be the legal heir (v.1)
  a.  To the throne of David (v.1a)
  b.  To the blessings of Abraham (v.1b)
2  It encourages believers scattered abroad (v.2)
3  It symbolizes God's glorious mercy (v.3-6)
  a.  In the Gentile woman, Tamar (v.3-4)
  b.  In the Gentile woman, Rahab (v.5a)
  c.  In the Gentile woman, Ruth (v.5b)
  d.  In the sinful woman, Bathsheba (v.6)
4  It demonstrates that God's grace is not inherited; it is given as He wills (v.7-10)
5  It emphasizes the power of God to keep His promises (v.11-16)
  a.  In delivering His people through terrible times (the Babylonian captivity) (v.11-15)
  b.  In sending forth the Christ, the Messiah (v.16)
6  It symbolizes generations of spiritual history (v.17)
  a.  Abraham-David: Birth and growth (v.17a)
  b.  David-Babylonian captivity: Regression and enslavement (v.17b)
  c.  Babylon-Christ: Liberation and triumph (v.17c)



Matthew 1:18-25

B.  Jesus' Divine Birth: Unusual Events, 1:18-25
(Luke 1:26-28; Luke 2:1-7)
1  His birth was of the Spirit (v.18a)
2  His birth created a predicament (v.18b-19)
  a.  Joseph's predicament: Mary was pregnant before marriage (v.18b)
  b.  Joseph's character and solution (v.19)
  1)  Character: A just man (v.19a)
  2)  Solution: Not to expose Mary (v.19b)
3  His birth necessitated a special revelation (v.20-21)
  a.  To give assurance (v.20a-b)
  1)  He was chosen (v.20a)
  2)  He was not to fear (v.20b)
  b.  To guide: In taking Mary to be his wife (v.20c)
  c.  To explain: The child is of the Spirit (v.20d)
  d.  To reveal the child's destiny (v.21)
  1)  His name: Jesus (v.21a)
  2)  His mission: To save (v.21b)
4  His birth was a fulfillment of prophecy (v.22-23)See: DS7
  a.  Predicting His virgin birth (v.23a)
  b.  Predicting His name: Emmanuel (v.23b)
5  His birth wrought a great obedience (v.24-25)