Son of David
Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:1-17
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the Son of David, the son of Abraham. . .
When you see a Bible genealogy, do you skim through it quickly or maybe just skip over it and go to the next story? Many of us are tempted to do that when we encounter a long list of names, as in our reading for today. But genealogies are in the Bible for a reason. And this one at the beginning of the New Testament is especially important.
The word "genealogy" in our English Bible comes from the Greek word genesis, which means "origin, beginning, coming into being." Here Matthew introduces a new beginning in revelation history, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In addition, as he links fourteen generations in three groupings, Matthew shows his Jewish audience that Jesus is a descendant of some of the most important people in their history. The connection to King David is especially important because God promised that a descendant of David would sit on the throne of Israel forever (2 Samuel 7).
Through this genealogy Matthew is showing that the long-promised Messiah, the greatest deliverer of God's people, has come to fulfill all of God's promises.
Do you sometimes wonder if God keeps his promises? This genealogy shows that he does, and in the power of Jesus the Messiah we can live and serve today with confidence.
O Lord, you are the God of our spiritual ancestors. Through them we see the continuing promise of your love, fulfilled in your Son, Jesus, the Son of David. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!