Matthew begins his Gospel by presenting the genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing His identity as the Messiah. This lineage is significant because it connects Jesus to two pivotal figures in Jewish history: David and Abraham. By tracing Jesus' ancestry to David, Matthew highlights Jesus' royal heritage, underscoring His role as the King of the Jews and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. Linking Jesus to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to bless all nations through Abraham's descendants.
This genealogy serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, affirming the continuity of God's plan of salvation. It reassures believers of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The genealogy also sets the stage for understanding Jesus' mission and purpose, as it establishes His legitimacy and authority as the long-awaited Savior. By beginning with this genealogy, Matthew invites readers to see Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the culmination of God's redemptive work throughout history.
