Abide Together: Reflections on Matthew 1-2

In Matthew 1, Matthew gives us Jesus genealogy through his legal father, Joseph. It linked Jesus to both Abraham and David showing HE indeed was the Messiah.  Matthew also lists 5 women in Jesus genealogy, which was uncommon. All of these women would have been considered unworthy to be part of the Messiah’s family tree.  Verse 3 – Tamar (posed as a prostitute to fool Judah), Verse 5 – Rahab (Gentile and prostitute), Verse 5 – Ruth (Moabite, therefore forbidden to enter the assembly of the Lord for 10 generations, Verse 6 – Bathsheba (committed adultery with David), & Verse 16 – Mary (thought to be with child while unmarried).  This points to the fact that the LORD is not limited by sin to bring about His plan of redemption.  It also points to the fact that Jesus came to redeem the unworthy, for all are unworthy of grace.  In Matthew 2, Matthew records the coming of the Magi to worship Jesus, Joseph, Mary and Jesus’ flight to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath and their settling down in Nazareth in Galilee.  The worship of the Magi stands out to me and reminds me of my only poster before the LORD.  LORD, remind me that it is by grace alone that I am called your son and by your grace empower me to be one who extends grace to others.

– Bryan McKenzie