The Role of Genealogies in Scripture: An Introduction to MatthewExemplo

The Fulfillment of God’s Promises

The first message of hope we see in this genealogy is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Matthew 1:1 begins, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” This verse immediately connects Jesus to two key figures in the Bible. It highlights the promises made to them and their importance in God’s plan.

The promises to Abraham were foundational. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham to leave his country. God promises to make him into a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name great. In Genesis 15, 17, and 22, God reiterates and expands upon this promise, assuring him that his descendants will become a great nation and that through him, all nations will be blessed. The miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, despite their old age, underscores the divine nature of these promises.

Similarly, the promises made to David emphasize the royal aspect of God's plan. In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God promises David that his offspring will establish a kingdom that will endure forever. This covenant assures points directly to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is both a son of Abraham and a son of David, thus fulfilling these crucial prophecies. By tracing Jesus’ lineage back to these patriarchs, Matthew shows that Jesus meets the genealogical qualifications to be the Messiah. Jesus is the promised descendant who will bless all nations and reign as king forever. This eternal kingdom is fulfilled in Jesus, who reigns not only over Israel but over the entire world.

Take time this week to identify specific ways God has kept His promises to you. Write them down and meditate on them, allowing your faith to grow as you see His hand at work in your life. Recording God’s promises will help you build a history of His faithfulness. It will boost your trust in Him as you face life’s challenges.