January 10 Matthew 1-2
Matthew, also called “Levi,” was a tax-collector before becoming one of the twelve disciples. His gospel was written to the Jews to convince them that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the Son of David, who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. Therefore, Matthew often linked the life of Jesus to the Old Testament prophecies with the phrase, “that the scripture might be fulfilled.”
Matthew’s gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. One thing that the genealogy provides for Jewish readers is that Jesus had a legitimate legal claim to be the Messiah. He was the Son of David and heir to the throne.
One thing that stands out in the genealogy of Christ is that it includes sinful, broken people and messy stories. Tamar is listed. Tamar was Judah’s daughter-in-law. She disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced Judah to continue her family line after Judah’s sons failed to fulfill their duty to her. You can read the story in Genesis 38. Matthew could have skipped this detail in the genealogy, but instead he highlighted it. We find that God doesn’t hide the sins of His people; He redeems them.
None of us are disqualified by our past mistakes. God uses flawed people to carry out His perfect plan. God chooses the unlikely and unexpected for His glory (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Never underestimate what God can do with your life. God came from a broken people in order to save and heal broken people. From a sinful union came a saving King!
When the angel appeared to Joseph, he said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name Jesus means “the Lord is Salvation.”
God interrupted Joseph’s fear with His plan. God often calls us to trust Him even when we don’t understand what He’s doing in our lives. Jospeh obeyed God despite the cost. Don’t overlook Joseph in the story of Jesus’ birth. He played a pivotal role.
God still uses sinful human beings to carry out His plans. He uses plain, ordinary people - people like you and me. Never be afraid to answer to answer God’s call or walk in obedience to him, no matter where it leads.