The Lineage of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings - Matthew 1:1-17

A message from preacher Michael Orlino, exploring Matthew 1:1-17. This message is about unpacking the history that leads up to the gracious coming of the Saviour, and the wonder of his significant lineage, as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Every word in your Bible is the inspired word of our Lord - and so it is profitable for godliness and training. We could easily skip over the genealogy section, not stopping to realise the importance of it and the fulfilment of God's prophetic plan.

This message digs deep into the Word of God, and unfolds the powerful significance of the lineage of the Saviour back in time.

Matthew 1:1-17 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; 9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; 10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Note how the graciousness of our Lord is shown and bestowed upon many people down through history, ultimately through the fulfillment of God's covenant, and then as embodied in the person our precious Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The grace of our Lord is ever present - and will always always be there. The book of Matthew shows that Jesus Christ is the long awaited Messiah. This book is particularly written for the Jews. In Matthew 28:20 it goes much wider, though, as God's people are then commanded by our Lord to proclaim the gospel good news to the whole wide world.

Jesus is portrayed as the king. Through his genealogy we can trace back his royal lineage. The majestic lineage of our Lord is of a kingly descent. He is the promised King, the long-awaited Messiah from the line of Judah.

Notice: Grace emphasised through the covenants of Grace: Jesus Christ is both the son of David, and also, the son of Abraham.

This one from eternity past entered time and history, in the incarnation. He who is God, truly God, became God-man. He has the ultimate power and sovereignty - yet became man. John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God… John 1:14 …the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Jesus Christ is truly son of David and also the true son of Abraham.

Of David, it was said, 2 Samuel 7:12, …I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever… Our Lord has the legal right to the throne of Israel. He is the true king - the king of kings.

He is reigning now - and he will reign forever and ever. Have you pledged your allegiance to the real king of the heavens and the earth?

Our Lord is also called the son of Abraham. His father is Father Abraham. He belongs to the chosen people, the Israelites. God promised a covenant to Abraham …I will make of thee a great nation and I will bless thee and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing… in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed…

So, we can see the grace of God - emphasised through the covenants.

Secondly, we also see Grace exposed through history. The record shows God's gracious keeping of His people. We also note God's extraordinary use of ordinary people. God used ordinary people throughout history, men and women. Though ordinary, and sinners, yet God used them and worked through their lives, despite all their faults, and they brought Him glory.

Thirdly, notice God’s Grace embodied through Jesus Christ. He is the Saviour. His name is Jesus. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Our Lord is also the Christ - the anointed one - the true Messiah.

May you place your trust in Him.