Matthew 1 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Matthew 1

The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew, a former tax collector, captures his unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus in his detailed account. Matthew sets the stage for the remarkable story of Jesus’ birth and early life in this opening chapter. He traces Jesus’ lineage back to the great King David and the patriarch Abraham, establishing Jesus’ rightful claim as the long-awaited Messiah. The chapter also introduces us to the pivotal figures of Joseph and Mary, whose obedience to God’s plan will be tested in the coming events. As we delve into this chapter, we will witness the miraculous conception of Jesus, the divine intervention that guides Joseph, and the looming threat of King Herod’s jealousy and cruelty. These events will lay the foundation for the transformative ministry of Jesus, which will be chronicled throughout the rest of the Gospel.

Matthew 1:1-6

We encounter the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham, in the opening verses of Matthew 1. This genealogy serves as a significant starting point for the Gospel of Matthew because it establishes Jesus’ royal and Jewish lineage. It connects Jesus to the promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3) and the covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-13), thereby linking Jesus to both the patriarchs of Israel and the royal line of Judah.

The mention of Abraham in the genealogy is crucial as he is considered the father of faith in the Old Testament. Through him, God promised to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3), a promise that finds fulfillment in Jesus, who brings salvation not only to the Jews but to all people (Galatians 3:8).

The reference to David in Jesus’ genealogy is also significant because it highlights Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the King of the Jews. The covenant God made with David, promising an eternal kingdom through his line, ultimately points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this promise (Luke 1:32-33).

The genealogy does not shy away from including figures like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth, who were Gentiles or outsiders in their time. This inclusion foreshadows Jesus’ ministry, where he reaches out to the marginalized, the sinners, and the Gentiles, demonstrating that in Christ, all are welcome and can be part of God’s family (Romans 10:12). The mention of King Solomon and his father David in the genealogy progresses, reminding us of the heights of glory and the depths of sin that characterized David’s lineage. Despite the failures and shortcomings of David’s descendants, God’s faithfulness endures, culminating in the birth of Jesus, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

Therefore, Matthew 1:1-6 not only showcases Jesus’ royal and divine lineage but also emphasizes the themes of continuity, faithfulness, redemption, and inclusivity that are prevalent throughout the Bible. It underscores the intricate tapestry of God’s plan of salvation woven through generations, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, who brings hope and redemption to all humanity.

Matthew 1:7-11

The genealogy of Jesus Christ is being traced from the time of the patriarchs to the time of the kings of Judah in Matthew 1:7-11. This genealogy is a significant element in the gospel of Matthew as it establishes the royal lineage of Jesus, linking Him to the promises made to Abraham and David.

Starting with verse 7, we encounter the mention of Solomon, whose mother was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. This reference is particularly noteworthy because it reminds us of the scandalous affair between David and Bathsheba, and the subsequent consequences that befell their household. This story, found in 2 Samuel 11-12, serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin, even for those chosen by God. Despite David’s sin, he was still chosen by the Lord to be an ancestor of Jesus, emphasizing God’s ability to bring redemption out of brokenness.

Moving on to verse 8, we see the mention of King Rehoboam. This recalls the division of the kingdom of Israel into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah after the reign of Solomon. Rehoboam’s reign marked a period of civil strife and rebellion, highlighting the consequences of unwise leadership. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in governance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Verse 9 mentions Uzziah, who was also known as Azariah. Uzziah’s reign as king of Judah was marked by both prosperity and downfall. Initially, he sought the Lord and prospered, but pride led to his downfall when he tried to usurp the role of a priest by offering incense in the temple. This story serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God, as emphasized in James 4:6.

Lastly, verse 10 introduces us to King Jotham. Jotham’s reign brought stability and prosperity to Judah, as he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. His story serves as a contrast to the preceding kings, highlighting the blessings that come from obedience to God’s commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-2. The genealogy presented in Matthew 1:7-11 is not merely a list of names, but a tapestry woven with stories of triumph and tragedy, faithfulness and failure. It underscores the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness to His promises despite human shortcomings and reinforces the importance of seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and obedience in our own lives.

Matthew 1:12-17

The genealogy of Jesus is presented in Matthew 1:12-17, tracing His lineage back to David and Abraham. This section is crucial in affirming Jesus’ rightful place as the promised Messiah, as the genealogy establishes His royal and Jewish heritage. The genealogy is structured into three sets of fourteen generations each, highlighting key figures in Jewish history and underscoring God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises throughout generations.

The mention of the deportation to Babylon in verse 17 marks a significant event in Jewish history. This deportation refers to the exile of the people of Judah to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. This period was a tumultuous time for the Jewish people as they were uprooted from their land and taken captive to a foreign land. However, even in the midst of exile, God’s faithfulness and sovereignty are evident as he preserved His people and eventually allowed them to return to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

The genealogy in Matthew 1 also includes notable figures such as King David, who is a central figure in Israel’s history. David’s kingship is significant as he was chosen by God and established a covenant with him, promising that his descendants would rule forever. This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who is often referred to as the Son of David in the New Testament. Through Jesus’s lineage, the prophecy of a Messiah from the line of David is fulfilled, emphasizing the continuity and coherence of God’s plan throughout history.

Furthermore, the genealogy includes less prominent figures such as Zerubbabel and Azor, demonstrating that God works through both the famous and the seemingly ordinary individuals to accomplish His purposes. This inclusivity highlights the importance of every individual in God’s redemptive plan and serves as a reminder that God’s salvation is available to all, regardless of status or background. The genealogy in Matthew 1 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and the fulfillment of His promises through the generations leading up to the birth of Jesus. It underscores the meticulous planning and divine orchestration of God’s redemptive plan, laying the groundwork for the unfolding of salvation history through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:18-21

The verse in Matthew 1:18-21 can be broken down into a few important sections. Mary’s Pregnancy (Verse 18): The passage starts with the account of Mary’s pregnancy before she and Joseph came together as a married couple. This unusual circumstance set the stage for the miraculous birth of Jesus, as Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. This event is pivotal in the overall narrative of the Bible as it fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”.

1. Joseph’s Dilemma (Verse 19): Joseph, upon discovering Mary’s pregnancy, faced a dilemma as he knew he was not the father of the child. Being a just man, Joseph planned to divorce Mary quietly to spare her shame and himself the public humiliation. Joseph’s initial reaction is understandable given the social and cultural norms of the time, but it also speaks to his character of compassion and righteousness.

2. The Angel’s Message (Verses 20-21): An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him of the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy. The angel instructed Joseph not to fear taking Mary as his wife, for the child she carried was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was to be named Jesus, meaning “the Lord saves”. This angelic visitation not only provided Joseph with clarity and direction but also affirmed the supernatural origin and significance of Jesus’ birth.

This passage highlights the theme of divine intervention and fulfillment of prophecy throughout the Bible. The miraculous conception of Jesus underscores his unique identity as the Son of God and Savior of the world. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in God’s plan, as seen in Joseph’s willingness to trust in the angel’s message and take Mary as his wife.

Furthermore, this event sets the stage for the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, such as Isaiah 9:6 which describes the child to be born as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The lineage of Jesus, traced back to King David as mentioned in Matthew 1:1, further solidifies his royal lineage and fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Matthew 1:18-21 serves as the introduction to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing his divine nature, purpose, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It showcases the importance of faith, obedience, and God’s sovereignty in orchestrating the redemption of humanity through the birth of Christ.

Matthew 1:22-25

1. Breakdown of the verse into important sections:
2. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
3. “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

4. “But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

5. Matthew is referencing a prophecy spoken by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14, where it foretells the birth of a child by a virgin who will be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This prophecy is crucial in establishing Jesus’ divine nature and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. Matthew is linking the birth of Jesus to a long-standing promise made by God to His people by quoting this prophecy.

Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s command demonstrates his faith and trust in God’s plan. Though the situation seemed impossible and went against societal norms, Joseph chose to trust God rather than succumb to fear or doubt. His decision to take Mary as his wife, despite her unexpected pregnancy, ultimately played a significant role in the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the birth of Jesus. Joseph’s humility and obedience in this moment exemplify the kind of faith and trust that God calls His followers to have.

The names given to the child are also significant. Jesus, the name given to the child born to Mary, means “the Lord saves” or “Savior.” This emphasizes Jesus’ role in bringing salvation to humanity, as expressed in Matthew 1:21, where an angel instructs Joseph to name the child Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins.” Furthermore, the name Immanuel underscores the divine nature of Jesus, highlighting that He is God in human form, dwelling among His people to bring redemption.

1. Connecting to other relevant verses:
   This passage reinforces the theme of fulfillment of prophecy throughout the Old Testament. The birth of Jesus fulfills various prophecies, not only regarding His miraculous conception and birth but also His mission as the Savior of the world. This aligns with the overarching message of the Bible, which emphasizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His redemptive plan for humanity through Jesus Christ. The obedience and faith of individuals like Joseph serve as examples for believers to trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem challenging or incomprehensible.

After Matthew 1

We have seen the genealogy of Jesus Christ in this chapter, tracing His lineage from Abraham to Joseph. Through this lineage, we see how God has been at work throughout history, fulfilling His promises and preparing the way for the birth of His Son. The faithfulness of God and His sovereign plan for salvation remind us as we reflect on the names and stories mentioned in this chapter. God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events according to His perfect will as we close this chapter and prepare to delve into the next. Just as He was faithful in the past, we can trust that He will continue to be faithful in the future. We eagerly anticipate the unfolding of God’s plan as we continue our journey through the pages of Scripture.