* The OT ends with a mention of fathers and the NT begins with a list of dads.
* The OT is about promises - the NT is about fulfillment of those promises - this is why the NT starts with a genealogy. It had to fulfill Isaiah 11:1 and 2 Samuel 7:11-16 that says the Messiah will come from the line of David.
* We typically skip genealogies, but for God’s people they are extremely important.
* Every one of the people mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy have stories about them in the OT. Those stories are REALLY IMPORTANT! Why?
* In Hebrew thought you are the summation of all those past generations.
* The Hebrew word used was “hityahsu” - the main idea is “to be enrolled.” Literally means “be part of the list of all whom you belong to.”
* In Hebrew, you are a collection of all those past relationships.
* They all happened because God engineered them.
* What’s this mean for us? TWO THINGS:
* 1) You are responsible to those who came before you - you have a debt to pay.
* You aren’t the independent autonomous center of your own world - you don’t even exist without those who’ve gone before you.
* You OWE them.
* 2) You are responsible to those who come after you - you owe a debt to them too. You must “pay it forward.”
* This is what relationship is all about - you owe the past and future.
* ANALOGY: Live your life as a rower of a boat.
* As you start the new year, move forward by looking at the past.
* Look at all those who went before you (both personally and in the Scripture).
* Move forward into the dark of the future and think of those who await our choices.
* You have a debt to both - don’t let them down!
* (Notes taken from Skip Moen commentary)
Matthew 1:1 (1/2/20)
Payment
January 2, 2020 • Benham Brothers
Matthew 1:1 (1/4/18)
January 4, 2018 • Benham Brothers
* The New Testament must open up with a genealogy that shows two things: * 1) Jesus was a Jew descended directly from Abraham. * 2) Jesus was royalty descended directly from David. * The word used for genealogy is “hityahsu” - in Hebrew this means “be part of the list of all whom you belong to.” (Skip Moen) * Matthew was showing that Jesus belonged to the Jews as their king. * vs 2:1 - Herod was a descendant of Esau, which went against Genesis 25:23 that stated Esau would serve Jacob. * The opening of Matthew 2 could read like this - "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days when the descendants of Esau ruled over the descendants of Jacob....." * God had to set the stage for His Son to enter the world, and it was at a time when all hope seemed lost. But everything was about to be restored!
Matthew 1:18-25 (1/5/22)
January 5, 2022 • Benham Brothers • Matthew 1:18–25
* The OT is the genealogy of the first Adam / the NT is the genealogy of the last Adam. * the Bible is a book about RELATIONSHIPS. * these genealogies aren’t about people, but payment. * Row the Boat - to move forward, look at the past. * look at those who went before you and those who come after you. * Backstory - Matthew is trying to convince Jews that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah (lots of OT references). * God chose Mary & Joseph to raise His Son (like choosing adoptive parents). * What kind of guy was Joseph? How did he handle relationships? * Notice the actions Joseph took when he discovered his soon-to-be wife was pregnant with a child not his own: * 1) He covered (vs 19) - he was willing to bear the shame (he wouldn’t tell people what happened). * To cover someone means you’ll take the blows headed their way. * The foundation for intimacy (to be fully known and fully accepted) is an assurance that you are safe to reveal yourself (you’re covered). * 2) He considered (vs 20) - he was “considerate.” * Being considerate is about three words - YOU BEFORE ME! * We’ll see later he considered God’s ideas over his own. * 3) He obeyed (vs 24) - he obeyed God whatever the cost. Think about his options: * If he divorced her, he’s seen as a man who didn’t honor his commitment. * If he stayed with her, he’d be considered a fornicator. * 4) He honored (vs 25a) - to honor means “to give regard.” * He didn’t touch Mary before they got married. * He honored God by obeying Him and not touching her. * 5) He took authority (vs 25b) - naming rights signifies authority. * He walked in authority because he was faithful in his responsibility.
Matthew 1:19 (1/3/19)
January 3, 2019 • Benham Brothers
* When Joseph discovered his fiancée was pregnant he stopped to consider what he would do. * This is so good - he didn’t let his emotions determined his actions. * Because he took time to consider, he crafted a plan to cover her. * He would divorce her secretly. * He was going to exercise justice, but would show mercy at the same time. * In the midst of his considering the angel shows up and brings clarity. * Clarity will come only when you stop and consider. * Matthew Henry - “Those who would have direction from God must think on things themselves, and consult with themselves. It is the thoughtful, not the unthinking, whom God will guide.”