January 7 Reading: Matthew 1-2
Chapter 1 of Matthew begins with a detailed genealogy of Jesus Christ. It begins with Abraham and ends with Joseph. There are a host of characters in this genealogy. Many of the names are hard to pronounce and it is tempting to gloss over them. Imagine for a moment if your name was written down in Holy Scripture. Would you be quick to share it with others? In the
Now each of these individuals is important. Some are very notable individuals and some are relatively unknown. There is also a wide range of moral character in this genealogy. Not all of them are saints. Rehoboam, Abijah, Joram, and Manasseh are wicked individuals.
“Good or evil, they were part of Messiah’s line; for though grace does not run in the blood, God’s providence cannot be deceived or outmaneuvered.”1
But when we read about Joseph we read he was a “just” man. Now the word “just” here is debated concerning its exact meaning and use by Matthew. Regardless, Joseph was a man who sought to obey the law of God for this is why he desired to divorce her, yet it was his compassion that desired to do it quietly and not to publicly shame Mary (1 Peter 4:8). He was a “just” man.
Joseph’s desires to faithfully follow the law of God and act compassionately is an encouragement for me to do the same.
Although no additional names will be written in holy scripture the listing of moral and immoral people in the genealogy of chapter 1 motivates me to live morally, because my name is known among my family members and friends.
Lest we become consumed with ourselves or others the real “just man” in these verses is the Lord Jesus Christ. His heritage, miraculous conception,
1 Carson, D. A. (1984). Matthew. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 8, p. 67). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
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