Matthew 1:1-17 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The pedigree.

"The book of the genealogy," etc. This is not the general title of the First Gospel, but rather the particular title of these sixteen or seventeen verses. The scroll, or writing of divorcement, which the Talmudists say consisted exactly of" twelve lines," is called a biblion , or "book" ( Matthew 19:7 ). So the "book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ" may be understood to describe the single skin on which the words immediately before us were originally written. Vitringa remarks that the expression concerning the "names" in the "book of life," in Revelation 3:5 , alludes to the genealogical tables of the Jewish priests (see Ezra 2:62 ; Nehemiah 7:64 ), as the "white raiment" mentioned there does to the priestly dress.

I. THIS IS THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS AS THE CHRIST .

1 . This is implied in his description. "The Son of David, the Son of Abraham."

2 . To assert this is obviously the evangelist's intention. So we understand his words, " genealogy of Jesus the Christ. "

(a) In its lustre. Hence the "unction of the Holy One" is said to convey spiritual teaching and heavenly knowledge ( 1 John 2:20 , 1 John 2:27 ).

(b) In its softening, mollifying, lubricating influences. So the oil of anointing is put for the graces of the Holy Spirit.

(c) Jesus was "anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows," viz. not only in the kited , but also in the degree. He received the Spirit "not by measure."

II. THE PEDIGREE IS GIVEN FOR OUR BENEFIT .

1 . Jesus had no personal glory from it.

(a) Virtue does not run in the blood.

(b) Jesus appeared "in the likeness of sinful flesh."

(c) None are too vile to be saved by him.

2 . To us it certifies his Messiahship.

(2) But that Jesus was also the Son of David in blood as well as in law is evident from the genealogy in Luke, which carries his line up through Mary. Joseph, whose lather was Jacob according to Matthew, is in Luke called "the son of Heli " (viz. jure matrimonii ) , in compliance with the Jewish custom of tracing all genealogies through males. Every way, then, whether by law or by blood, Jesus is proved to be the Son of "David the king" (verse 67, and entitled to the throne.

3 . It encourages the hope of the Gentiles.