This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Matthew, the 40th book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 3rd November 2024.

About this book

The gospel of Matthew was aimed primarily at the Jew who was familiar with the Old Testament, quoting it more than any other of the gospels. And in its 28 chapters it presents Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, with Matthew wasting no time, starting with Jesus’ royal lineage back to king David of Israel in the opening chapter. But as well as looking back, it looks forward too, being the only gospel to mention the church by name. And so make no mistake, this is a very necessary book for us to read too.

About this study

We find that this first chapter of Matthew can be simply divided into two parts — with the first 17 verses recording the Genealogy of Jesus, and the final 8 verses recording His birth. Though as John notes in his gospel, this was not when Jesus came into existence — for He is God, He is part of the Trinity, and He was not only present at the creation of the world, but has existed forever. So then, this is recording His earthly lineage, and beginning of His earthly life. And that is the most remarkable thing, that God would send His only Son to earth to live and die in our place.

Application questions

• Have you forgotten how good the good news is?
• Do you realise that God can use a sinner like you?
• Do you act in a spirit of gentleness, as Joseph did?