Matthew 1

Chapter Summary

Matthew chapter 1 begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage from Abraham to Joseph, highlighting key figures such as David and Solomon. The chapter then transitions to the birth of Jesus, explaining how Joseph, being a just man, initially planned to divorce Mary quietly after discovering she was pregnant, but an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, revealing that the child was of the Holy Spirit. The chapter concludes with Joseph obeying the angel's command, taking Mary as his wife, and naming the child Jesus, as instructed. This narrative is intertwined with references to Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing the fulfillment of Scripture in the birth of Jesus, such as in Matthew 1:22-23, which references Isaiah 7:14.

Context for the Chapter

Matthew chapter 1 is the introductory chapter to the Gospel of Matthew, setting the stage for the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is placed within the broader context of the New Testament, following the Old Testament's anticipation of a Messiah. This chapter is crucial for understanding the theological themes and Christological focus of Matthew's Gospel, connecting the promises of the Old Testament to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, recognizing the depth of God's plan for salvation. It invites readers to trust in God's sovereignty, just as Joseph did, and to find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus was born to save His people from their sins, as a personal and profound application of Matthew 1:21.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Matthew chapter 1 tells us about the family tree of Jesus Christ, showing how He is connected to important figures like Abraham and David. It also tells the story of Jesus' birth, including how His mother Mary became pregnant with Him through the Holy Spirit, and how Joseph, Mary's husband, was told by an angel to name the child Jesus because He would save people from their sins, as seen in Matthew 1:21. This chapter helps us understand who Jesus is and why He came into the world.

Voices from the Church

“The birth of Jesus is the grandest of all events, for it brings the Creator into His own creation, and God Himself into the midst of His own people.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The angel's message to Joseph is a remarkable example of how God works even in the darkest of circumstances to bring about His will, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17) — This section presents Jesus' lineage, highlighting His connection to Abraham and David, and thus His qualification as the Messiah.
2. The Birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-25) — The narrative of Jesus' birth, including the angel's appearance to Joseph and the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, is presented to establish Jesus as the Savior.
3. The Fulfillment of Prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23) — Matthew references Isaiah 7:14 to show how Jesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing the divine plan behind Jesus' conception and birth.
4. Joseph's Obedience (Matthew 1:24-25) — Joseph's decision to obey the angel and take Mary as his wife, despite initial doubts, demonstrates his faith and trust in God's plan.
5. The Significance of Jesus' Name (Matthew 1:21) — The name Jesus, given because He will save His people from their sins, underscores the central mission of Jesus' life and ministry.

Core Doctrines

The Virgin Birth

This chapter teaches the doctrine of the virgin birth, emphasizing that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, thus highlighting His divine nature, as seen in Matthew 1:18-20.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

Matthew 1 demonstrates how Jesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 7:14, showing God's sovereignty and plan of salvation.

The Nature of Christ

Through the genealogy and birth narrative, this chapter presents Jesus as both fully human and fully divine, the son of Abraham and the son of David, yet born of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation

The chapter introduces the theme of salvation, as Jesus is named because He will save His people from their sins, emphasizing the central purpose of His mission, as stated in Matthew 1:21.

Lessons from Matthew 1

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — Just as Joseph trusted in God's plan despite confusion and uncertainty, believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty in all circumstances.
2. The Importance of Faith — The chapter highlights the importance of faith, as seen in Joseph's obedience and Mary's acceptance of God's will, demonstrating how faith is central to the Christian life.
3. The Fulfillment of Scripture — Matthew 1 demonstrates how Jesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, teaching the importance of understanding Scripture and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
4. The Significance of Names — The naming of Jesus, as described in Matthew 1:21, underscores the theological significance of names in Scripture, highlighting the importance of understanding the meanings and implications of names given in the Bible.
5. God's Plan for Salvation — The chapter introduces the central theme of God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Jesus was born to save His people from their sins, as stated in Matthew 1:21.

Themes from Matthew 1

1. The Messiah — Matthew 1 presents Jesus as the Messiah, the son of David, emphasizing His role as the Savior of His people.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy — The chapter highlights how Jesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating God's sovereignty and plan of salvation.
3. Salvation — The theme of salvation is introduced, as Jesus is named because He will save His people from their sins, underscoring the central purpose of His mission.
4. Faith and Obedience — The narratives of Joseph and Mary serve as examples of faith and obedience, encouraging believers to trust in God's plan and obey His commands.
5. The Divine and Human Nature of Christ — Through the genealogy and birth narrative, Jesus is presented as both fully human and fully divine, emphasizing the unique nature of Christ.

Questions for Meditation

1. How does the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 contribute to our understanding of His identity and mission?
2. What does the narrative of Jesus' birth in Matthew 1:18-25 reveal about God's character and plan of salvation?
3. In what ways does Matthew 1:22-23, referencing Isaiah 7:14, demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth?
4. How does Joseph's obedience, as described in Matthew 1:24-25, serve as a model for Christian faith and trust in God's sovereignty?
5. What significance does the name 'Jesus' hold, as explained in Matthew 1:21, and how does it relate to the broader themes of the Gospel of Matthew?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Matthew 1

	Sermon	Description
	Reality in the Christian Life by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the precious and magnificent promises that God has given us in the scriptures. He explains that these promises are not meant to solely bring
	He Spared Not His Own Son (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not running ahead of God's plans and desires. He encourages the congregation to prioritize their families and be a blessin
	The Uniqueness of Israel - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate goal of God's plan for His people: to dwell in the land and be in a covenant relationship with Him. The speaker uses the analogy
	Fire of God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a gathering where the bishop, who has been acting strangely, stands up and weeps while struggling to deliver a text. It is revealed
	Genesis by Jim Cymbala	Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures,
	A Descendant of David and Abraham by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both fully man and fully divine. He highlights how Jesus, despite being the promised Messiah, did not fit the pre
	(Basics) 22. One Reason for Failure by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker uses an illustration of a child falling into a pit to explain the concept of forgiveness and salvation. He emphasizes that forgiveness and salvation are
	Joshua Facing the Challenge by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with a man with a drawn sword near Jericho. Joshua asks if the man is for or against them, and the man r
	(Genesis) Genesis 38:27-30 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and ends up in Egypt, where he becomes a prominent
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 1

Matthew Henry's commentary on Matthew 1 emphasizes the significance of Jesus' genealogy, tracing His lineage back to Abraham and David, and highlighting His connection to the covenant promises. Henry notes the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth, particularly the reference to Isaiah 7:14, demonstrating God's sovereignty and plan of salvation. He also reflects on the faith and obedience of Joseph and Mary, encouraging believers to trust in God's plan and obey His commands, just as they did. The commentary underscores the central theme of salvation, as Jesus is named because He will save His people from their sins, emphasizing the profound implications of Jesus' birth and mission for humanity's redemption. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?