Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah Matthew 1:2

Matthew was a Jew, writing specifically to the Jews about a Jew whose name was Jesus. Matthew employs many Old Testament references throughout his book to prove that Jesus is indeed the Messiah for whom the Jewish people awaited. Matthew began his book with the words, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham”, and in chapter one and verse two of his gospel, Matthew begins to share the lineage of Jesus from “Abraham” where we read:

Abraham beget Isaac; and Isaac beget Jacob; and Jacob beget Judas and his brethren;

The verse reads, “Abraham beget Isaac; and Isaac beget Jacob; ” Matthew began with the word, “Abraham” which means “father of a multitude” and was “the son of Terah and the founder of the Jewish nation” “beget Isaac” or “fathered and engendered a son whose name means to laugh”; “and Isaac” which means “to laugh” “beget Jacob” which refers to “fathered and engendered a son whose name means heel-catcher or supplanter”. Matthew begins to share Jesus' lineage with “Abraham” fathering “Isaac” who “fathered” “Jacob”.

The verse goes on to say, “and Jacob beget Judas and his brethren.” Matthew continued with the words, “and Jacob” which means “heel-catcher or supplanter” “beget Judas” or “Judah” which means “fathered and engendered he shall be praised” “and his brethren” which means “and Judah's brothers”. Matthew continued to share Jesus' lineage with “Judah” and his brothers.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we begin to seen how Jesus descended from the line of “Abraham”. “Abraham” was mentioned “first”, who had “Isaac”, who had “Jacob” who had “Judah”. Each of these men were used by God to bring Jesus into the world. When we understand God was intentional and planned this genealogy, we realize His passionate desire to save people through His Son Jesus. Even though genealogies may seem laborious and tedious on the surface, let us keep in mind that God had a plan for salvation, and every name mentioned has God's purpose behind it.

Next time Matthew continues Jesus' lineage with “Phares and Zara of Thamar, Esrom and Aram” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.