Matthew 1 -- Heredity Is Important

In chapter 1, Matthew presented "the Heredity of the King", for "royalty depends on heredity."  My commentary said, "Jesus Christ is the only Jew alive who can actually prove His claims to the throne of David!  All the other records were destroyed when the Romans took Jerusalem in A.D. 70."

"All of Jewish history prepared the way for His birth.  God in His providence ruled and overruled to accomplish His great purpose in bringing His Son into the world.  This genealogy also illustrates God's wonderful grace."  Tamar was Judah's daughter-in-law, but she was listed as the mother of two of Judah's children, due to his sin.  Rahab was a harlot from Jericho -- the city destroyed by God when Joshua marched around its walls.  It even mentions that Solomon's mother had been Uriah's wife, and David had arranged for Uriah to be killed to cover up his own adultery with Uriah's wife.  And Manasseh, perhaps the vilest of Judah's kings, was Jesus' ancestor as well.  God overruled his sin to bring His Savior into the world!

Another interesting item from my commentary:

"Every child born into the world is a totally new creature.  But Jesus Christ, being eternal God, existed before ... any of His earthly ancestors."  It's amazing to think of Jesus watching from Heaven as David grew up, knowing that the product of his sin with Bathsheba would be overruled to carry His royal line on down to Him when He was incarnated on earth!

Father, I love and cherish Your grace.  To think that You can us me, in spite of my sin, as You have used millions in the past, is so incredible.  Thank You for Your grace!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford