A simple look at the arrival of Jesus
Matthew 1-5 tells us so much more than the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth! We also trace his family history, read prophecies that were realized, and discover the hope we have still today through the coming of the Messiah.
In this 5-day devotional, we’ll look at the arrival of Jesus in a simple way, and see how the remarkable events of his birth and ministry invite us to simply trust Jesus today.
Day 1: Read Matthew 1
Matthew’s gospel begins with an important memory. It says, “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob…” and so on. I’ll admit I’ve skipped this part of the story a few times. It’s kind of boring! It’s full of names I can’t pronounce and after a bit I get distracted and forget what I’m reading.
So let’s make it a little more simple. Let’s focus on just these first few names: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The readers of Matthew’s words would have heard these names not as characters in a story, but as powerful reminders. They would have prayed daily to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, recalling the miraculous provision and awe-filled obedience of these three fathers of their faith.
While this genealogy to us can honestly be a little boring, to the original readers of this book, the lineage was among the most powerful words written! These memories permeate the opening verses of Matthew 1.
- They would have remembered Abraham and Sarah, who were given a son in their old age to fulfill God’s promise. Sarah’s miraculous pregnancy is echoed in Mary’s womb as the son of God began to grow there who would welcome all people into his family.
- They would have remembered Isaac, who was saved through his father’s faith and willing sacrifice. The one who “will save his people from their sins” won’t be exchanged on the altar of sacrifice for a ram; he is the one who will choose to lay down his life.
- They would have remembered Jacob, who was transformed through an encounter with God as he wrestled with him face-to-face. His descendants will be called Immanuel, “God with us,” and everyone who encounters him face-to-face will be transformed!
This is the same God we pray to today–the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God of miracles, provision, transformation, and second chances. The God of freedom, love, and life! The same God of these faith mothers and fathers is the one who dwells in you today, and is the same God who was born in a lowly stable manger that we celebrate each Christmas.
The invitation is simply to not rush past the genealogy. Sit with these names and consider the faith that has been passed down from Abraham to you today. We have been adopted into this family through faith, which means we have inherited this history, these memories, and are blessed by the promises and prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. To God be the glory for generations to come!
