Mateus 1
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 1
Spurgeon diz que neste grande Nome IMANUEL “é o soneto da eternidade, o aleluia do céu, o grito dos glorificados, a canção dos redimidos, o coro dos anjos, o oratório eterno da grande orquestra do céu”. Ele acrescenta que "John Wesley morreu com as palavras" O melhor de tudo é DEUS ESTÁ CONOSCO "em sua língua. Que o Espírito de Deus nos capacite a viver com essas mesmas palavras sempre em nossos corações!" "Velada em carne, a Divindade vê; Salve a Deidade encarnada, Satisfeita como o Homem com os homens para habitar, Jesus, nosso Emanuel." (John Wesley) Louvemos Aquele que é ao mesmo tempo transcendente e ao mesmo tempo acessível, o Deus Altíssimo e ainda Deus Conosco, Emanuel! Embora existam apenas 3 ocorrências de Emanuel nas Escrituras (Is 7:14+, Is 8:8+, Mt 1:23+), há muitas passagens que falam da verdade da presença de Deus com Seu povo. O Evangelho de Mateus abre com “Eis!… EMANUEL… DEUS CONOSCO” (Mt 1,23+) e encerra com “Eis! ESTOU SEMPRE CONVOSCO, até o fim dos tempos! (Mt 28,20+) J C
Mateus 1
Spurgeon - ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.’ 1 Timothy 1:15 In the genealogy of our blessed Lord we find the names of certain of the chief of sinners. Three women especially hold a position in it, who were each notorious for sin. Not many women are mentioned, but among the first is Tamar, guilty of incest. The next is Rahab the harlot, and a third is Bathsheba the adulteress. This is a crooked pedigree, an ancestral tree whose branches are more than a little gnarled and twisted. Admire the condescension of our Lord in coming of such a stock. He came of sinners, because he came for sinners. According to the flesh he comes of sinners that sinners may come to him. There was mixed in the veins through which flowed his ancestry the blood of Ruth the Moabitess, a heathen, brought in on purpose that we Gentiles might see how truly he was bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. I say not that there was any defilement in his humanity, for he was not born after the manner of men, so as to be polluted in that fashion, but still I say that his genealogy includes many great sinners in order that we may see how closely he allied himself with them, how thoroughly he undertook their cause. Read the roll of his ancestry, and you will see that David is there, who cried, ‘Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,’ and Solomon, who loved ‘strange women’, and Rehoboam, his foolish son, and Manasseh who ‘shed innocent blood very much,’ and worse men than they, if worse could be. Such sinners as these are in the genealogy of the Saviour of sinners. ‘He was numbered with the transgressors’. He was called ‘a friend of publicans and sinners.’ It was said of him, ‘This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.’ Still he delights to save great sinners. It will delight him to save you! Four Grandmothers and a Mother Matthew 1:3, 5, 6, 16 INTRODUCTION: In the Matthew genealogy, five women are mentioned. Four grandmothers of our Lord and His mother the Virgin Mary are included in this account. I. TAMAR: THE PRINCIPLE OF SINFULNESS When this woman became angry with her father-in-law, she disguised herself as a prostitute and sat by the wayside and seduced her husband’s father. She later used this incident to blackmail her father-in-law as a measure of revenge. Despite this despicable affair, however, she is included as one of the grandmothers of the Saviour (Gen. 38). II. RAHAB: THE PRINCIPLE OF FAITH The story of Rahab is recorded in the book of Joshua (Joshua 2). She believed the spies, and thus she represents the soul’s relationship with God. Faith pleases God (Heb. 11:6). Faith makes the approach to God so simple (Rom. 10:8). Herein lies its universal appeal, for faith can be exercised by everyone. III. RUTH: THE PRINCIPLE OF GRACE Ruth, a Gentile from the land of Moab, married a Jewish young man, the son of Naomi. In like manner, we are the recipients of the grace of God. Like Ruth, we have nothing to commend us to our Boaz, Christ. In His infinite love, He has regaled us with His affection, even though we are unworthy (Romans 5:8). IV. BATHSHEBA: THE PRINCIPLE OF RESTORATION This woman had an affair with David. Despite this horrible involvement, the forgiving love of God allowed this erring woman to enter the line of the Messiah. She represents the mercy of God with wayward Christians. V. THE VIRGIN MARY: THE PRINCIPLE OF THE INDWELLING CHRIST The Virgin Mary was chosen to be the physical receptacle of the body of Christ (Matt. 1:20). She was privileged to carry the infant God in her womb for 280 days. This sacred trust became for her a source of joy and gratitude. Matthew 1:4 Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. Amminadab: Ru 4:19,20 1Ch 2:10-12 father of Nahshon: Nu 1:7 2:3 7:12,17 10:14, Lk 3:32+ ESV Study note - The four generations between Perez (Mt 1:3) and Amminadab encompass approximately 450 years. The six generations from Nahshon to the rise of the monarchy with David total about 400 more. Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. Ruth 4:18 (cf 1Ch 2:10-12) Now these are the generations of Perez: to Perez was born Hezron, 19 and to Hezron was born Ram, and to Ram, Amminadab, 20 and to Amminadab was born Nahshon, and to Nahshon, Salmon, (cf Lk 3:32+) 21 and to Salmon was born Boaz, and to Boaz, Obed, 22 and to Obed was born Jesse, and to Jesse, David. Cross-references: Salmon - Ruth 4:20; Ruth 4:21; 1 Ch 2:51, 54. Matt. 1:4; Matt. 1:5; Lk. 3:32 Nahshon - Ex 6:23. Nu 1:7. 2:3. 7:12, 17. 10:14. Mt 1:4. Matthew 1:5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. Salmon: Ru 4:21 1Ch 2:11,12, Rahab: Jos 2:1-22 6:22-25 Heb 11:31 Jas 2:25, Boaz: Ru 1:4,16,17,22 2:1-4:22 Obed: Lk 3:32+ Rahab the Harlot Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab - Note that elsewhere in the NT, Rahab is known by the epithet "Rahab the harlot," either in the esteemed "Hebrews hall of faith" in Hebrews 11. Go figure! This is grace like Paul described writing that "The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." (Ro 5:20) Don't you love God. He reaches down and saves those that society ostracizes and casts off, those who do not deserve salvation! I know because He saved me from the guttermost to the uttermost! Ruth 4:21+ and to Salmon was born Boaz, and to Boaz, Obed, Hebrews 11:31+ By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. James 2:25+ In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? John Walvoord - Rahab, a harlot rescued from Jericho because she delivered and sheltered the spies (Jos 2:6; 6:25), is declared by Matthew to have been the wife of Salmon, the father of Boaz. There is no Old Testament support for Matthew’s statement. Ray Pritchard summarizes the story of Rahab - We pass now to the second woman on the list—Rahab. Most of us know more about her. In fact, she is almost always mentioned by a certain phrase in the Bible, a phrase most of us know by heart: Rahab the harlot. But that’s not all. Rahab was also a Canaanite—who were the hated enemies of Israel. Her most exemplary deed was the telling of a lie. Think about that. A Harlot, a Canaanite and a liar. You wouldn’t think she would have much chance of making the list, but there she is. Her story is tied in with the larger story of Joshua’s conquest of the walled city of Jericho. When Joshua sent spies into the city, Rahab hid them in her house. In exchange for safe passage out of the city, they promised to spare her and her household when the invasion took place. All she had to do was to hang a scarlet cord from her window so the Israelites could identify her house. She agreed, hid the spies, and when the king of Jericho sent messengers asking her to bring out the men, she lied and said they had already left the city (they were hiding on the roof). She let them out of a window with a rope, whereupon they returned to Joshua. It’s a great story with many lessons, but we mustn’t miss the point that Rahab was a harlot. That was her “trade.” The men hid there because people would be accustomed to seeing strangers come and go at all hours of the night. We also can’t deny the fact that Rahab told a bald-faced lie. Is there anything good we can say about her? Yes! She was a woman of faith. You don’t have to take my word for it. Hebrews 11:31 says, “By faith Rahab …” She was a believer! And her lie was motivated by her faith! When the invasion came, she was spared and in the course of time became the great-great grandmother of King David. A harlot … a Canaanite … and a liar. Also a woman of faith. She made the list and she’s a part of Jesus’ family tree. (Four Women in Jesus' Family Tree). Spurgeon on Rahab the Harlot - I have often tried to put myself in Rahab’s place and have said, ‘Suppose I had been hiding two servants of God during the days of Claverhouse’s dragoons; for instance, if I had Alexander Peden and Cameron in the back room, and two dragoons should ride up to my door and demand, “Are the ministers here?” ’ I have tried to imagine what I should say and I have never yet been able to make up my mind. I suppose I have more light than Rahab and certainly more leisure to consider the case, and yet I do not see my way. I do not wonder, therefore, that she blundered. I am not astonished that she said what she did, for it would readily suggest itself to her ignorant and anxious mind. I have turned over a great many schemes of what I would have said. I do not see how I could have said, ‘Yes, they are indoors.’ That would be to betray God’s servants, and that I would not do. I have concocted a great many pretty-looking plans, but upon examination they appear to be more or less tinctured with the deceit which tries to justify or conceal deceit, and I have had to abandon them as being no better than falsehood and perhaps not quite so good. I am not sure whether Rahab’s lie was not more honest and outspoken than many an evasion which has suggested itself to very clever people; as a rule things which are not obvious, and need cleverness to suggest them, are rather suspicious. If you strip these clever plans, they peel into falsehoods. I do not want to say a word of apology for the falsehood. It is altogether wrong; but before you condemn Rahab, be sure that you do not condemn yourself; ask yourself what you would have said, or done under the circumstances. To tell the truth is always right. I like this in Rahab, that she did not bargain for her own safety alone. Her sin had not hardened her heart as sin does in many cases. She thought of her father, her mother, her brothers, and her sisters. Wherever there is a real child of God there will be anxiety for his family. If you do not want to have your children saved, you are not saved yourself. - Spurgeon Spurgeon Morning and Evening on Rahab - Rahab depended for her preservation upon the promise of the spies, whom she looked upon as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple and firm, but it was very obedient. To tie the scarlet line in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk of omitting it. Come, my soul, is there not here a lesson for thee? Hast thou been attentive to all thy Lord’s will, even though some of his commands should seem non-essential? Hast thou observed in his own way the two ordinances of believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper? These neglected, argue much unloving disobedience in thy heart. Be henceforth in all things blameless, even to the tying of a thread, if that be matter of command. This act of Rahab sets forth a yet more solemn lesson. Have I implicitly trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord, as with a Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can never be removed? Or can I look out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with its blessed power? The passer-by can see a cord of so conspicuous a colour, if it hangs from the window: it will be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let men or devils gaze if they will, the blood is my boast and my song. My soul, there is One who will see that scarlet line, even when from weakness of faith thou canst not see it thyself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over thee. Jericho’s walls fell flat: Rahab’s house was on the wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my nature is built into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction smites the race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet thread in the window afresh, and rest in peace. Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse (cf Lk 3:32+) - In the book of Ruth, she is repeatedly referred to as Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 1:22; Ruth 2:2; Ruth 2:21; Ruth 4:5; Ruth 4:10) Ruth 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went in to her. And the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel. 15 “May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her lap, and became his nurse. 17 The neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi!” So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 Now these are the generations of Perez: to Perez was born Hezron, 19 and to Hezron was born Ram, and to Ram, Amminadab, 20 and to Amminadab was born Nahshon, and to Nahshon, Salmon, 21 and to Salmon was born Boaz, and to Boaz, Obed, 22 and to Obed was born Jesse, and to Jesse, David. Ray Pritchard summarizes the story of Ruth - The most significant point about Ruth is that she, too, was not a Jew. She was in fact from the country of Moab. And that takes us back to Genesis 19 and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. On that dreadful day Lot escaped Sodom with his wife and two daughters. His wife was turned into a pillar of salt, but Lot and his daughters found refuge in a cave. His daughters evidently had been badly affected by their time in Sodom because they conspired to lure their father into sleeping with them. On successive nights they got Lot drunk and slept with him. Both sisters got pregnant and gave birth to sons - one named Moab, the other named Ammon. Those two boys—born of incest—grew up to found nations that would eventually become both incredibly evil as well as bitter enemies of Israel. The Jews hated the Moabites and Ammonites and wanted nothing to do with them. The book which bears her name tells of the romance that blossomed between Ruth the Moabitess and Boaz the Israelite. They were a very unlikely couple but in God’s providence they were brought together in marriage. They had a son named Obed who had a son named Jesse who had a son named David, making Ruth David’s great-grandmother. And that’s how a person from the hated nation of Moab entered the line of the Messiah. (Four Women in Jesus' Family Tree). Spurgeon - Thus was Ruth's self-denying faith rewarded. She left behind her both relatives, country, and prospects, to cast in her lot with the Lord’s people, and the Lord not only blessed her, but blessed distant generations through her. Those who follow the Lord at all hazards shall be no losers in the long run. To increase Ruth’s joy and crown her happiness, the Lord gave her a son, which son was also a joy to Naomi. (And was in the line of the Messiah!) Cross-references: Jesse - Ru 4:18-22 1Sa 17:58 20:31 1Ki 12:16 1Ch 2:10-15 Ps 72:20 Isa 11:1,2 Mt 1:3-6 Ac 13:22,23 Obed - Mt 1:5. Ru 4:17. Nu 1:7. 2:3. 7:12. 1 Ch 2:11, 12 Rahab - Jos. 2:1; Jos. 2:3; Jos. 6:17; Jos. 6:23; Jos. 6:25; Job 9:13; Job 26:12; Matt. 1:5; Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25 Boaz - Ruth 2:1; Ruth 2:3; Ruth 2:4; Ruth 2:5; Ruth 2:8; Ruth 2:11; Ruth 2:14; Ruth 2:15; Ruth 2:19; Ruth 2:23; Ruth 3:2; Ruth 3:7; Ruth 4:1; Ruth 4:5; Ruth 4:8; Ruth 4:9; Ruth 4:13; Ruth 4:21; 1 Ki. 7:21; 1 Chr. 2:11; 1 Chr. 2:12; 2 Chr. 3:17; Matt. 1:5; Lk. 3:32 Matthew 1:6 Jesse was the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah. Jesse: Ru 4:22 1Sa 16:1,11-13 17:12,58 20:30,31 22:8 2Sa 23:1 1Ch 2:15 Ps 72:20 Isa 11:1 Ac 13:22,23 Solomon: 2Sa 12:24,25 1Ch 3:5 14:4 28:5 by Bathsheba: 2Sa 11:3,26,27 1Ki 1:11-17,28-31 15:5 Ro 8:3 Uriah: 2Sa 23:39 1Ch 11:41 Jesse was the father of David the king - David is the pivotal person at the beginning of the second set of 3 groupings. This is the only mention of David as king, but is apropos for it establishes that the royalty of the Messiah's line, a theme which is picked up on in Matthew 2:2+ when the magi asked "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Fenton comments that "The addition of the title, the king, marks the end of this period of waiting, and points forward to Jesus, the Son of David, the Christ, the King of the Jews." (The Gospel of St Matthew) It is also notable that Matthew does not use the title of "king" for any of the other kings listed, presumably as he wanted to focus attention on David as king and Jesus the son of David as the fulfillment of that kingship. Ru 4:22 And to Obed was born Jesse, and to Jesse, David. Jesse - Ru 4:18-22 1Sa 17:58 20:31 1Ki 12:16 1Ch 2:10-15 Ps 72:20 Isa 11:1,2 Mt 1:3-6 Ac 13:22,23 David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah - God honors the slain husband Uriah whose name means "light of Jehovah." Solomon’s mother Bathsheba was a Gentile since Uriah was a Hittite. Ray Pritchard summarizes the story of Bathsheba - The last woman is not mentioned by name. She is however clearly identified as the woman “who had been Uriah’s wife.” The story of Bathsheba’s adultery with King David is so well-known that it need not be repeated here. Suffice it to say that adultery was only the beginning. Before the scandal was over it included lying, a royal cover-up, and ultimately murder. As a result the child conceived that night died soon after birth and David’s family and his empire began to crumble. Eventually David married Bathsheba and they had another son—Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. Quite a result for a union that began in adultery. There’s dirt all over this episode. But don’t miss the main point: Bathsheba made the list. Her name isn’t there but she is mentioned nonetheless. (Four Women in Jesus' Family Tree). Pritchard sums up the four women in Jesus' Family Tree - Four Unlikely Women Tamar: Incest, immorality, feigned prostitution, a Gentile Rahab: Harlotry, lying, deception, a Canaanite Ruth: A woman from Moab—a nation born out of incest Bathsheba: Adultery Four unlikely women: Three are Gentiles Three are involved in some form of sexual immorality Two are involved in prostitution One is an adulteress All four are in the line that leads to Jesus Christ! Why would God include women like that in this list? But it’s not just the women. Think about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David. They were sinners, too. Why include people like that? I think there are three answers to that question: 1. He did it to send a message to self-righteous people. Matthew was written especially to the Jews. Many of their leaders (the Pharisees in particular) were self-righteous and judgmental toward others. They truly thought they deserved eternal life. What a shock it would be to read this genealogy because it is filled with liars, murderers, thieves, adulterers and harlots. Not a pretty picture. Not a “clean” family tree. This list was a stinging rebuke to that kind of judgmental self-righteousness. Do you know what this means? Jesus was born into a sinful family. He came from a long line of sinners. 2. He did it so that God’s grace might be richly displayed. If you come from a family like this, you can’t exactly boast of your heritage. Sure, your ancestors were rulers and kings, but they were also great sinners. Question: Can a prostitute go to heaven? Yes or no? Can an adulterer go to heaven? Can a murderer go to heaven? Can a liar go to heaven? You’d better say yes, because Rahab and David are both going to be in heaven—and Rahab was a prostitute and a liar and David was an adulterer and a murderer. When you read the stories of these four women—and of the men on the list—you aren’t supposed to focus on the sin, but on the grace of God. The hero of this story is God. His grace shines through the blackest of human sin as he chooses flawed men and women and places them in Jesus’ family tree. 3. He did it so that we would focus on Jesus Christ. Many people are intimidated by Jesus Christ. They hook him up with a lot of religious paraphernalia—big sanctuaries, stained glass, beautiful choir, pipe organs, formal prayers, and all the rest. When they look at the trappings, it’s all very intimidating to them. To many in the world today, Jesus seems too good to be true. This genealogy is in the Bible to let us know that he had a background a lot like yours and mine. He called himself “the friend of sinners,” and he said he didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He said, “The Son of man has come to seek and to save that which is lost.” My final point should greatly encourage you: No matter what your past, Jesus can save you. Any murderers reading these words? Any prostitutes? Any adulterers? Any liars? Any cheaters? Any angry people? Any thieves? Any hypocrites? Good News! No matter what you’ve done in the past, Jesus can save you. If a prostitute can be saved, you can be saved. If a murderer can be transformed, you can be transformed. If an incestuous person can be saved, then there is hope for you. No matter what your past looks like, or your present feels like, no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God can give you a fresh start. After I preached this sermon in the early service, a man who is going through a difficult divorce said these words to me: “I’m glad to know somebody else comes from a broken family.” He’s right. There’s a lot of dysfunction in Jesus’ family tree. There’s a lot of brokenness and a lot of pain.He knows exactly what you are going through this year at Christmastime. I hope you won’t skip Matthew 1 in your Bible reading. This unlikely list of unlikely people may be the greatest chapter on the grace of God in all the Bible. In these forgotten names from the past God turns the spotlight of his holy grace on fallen men and women, and through their lives, we see what the grace of God can do. Good news! Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Good news! Call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. He didn’t come to make you religious, he came to save you from your sins. He didn’t come to make you pious, he came to save you from your sins. He didn’t come for moral reformation, he came to give you eternal salvation. As strange as it may seem, the worse you are, the better candidate you are for the grace of God. He came to do for you what you could never do for yourself. He came to save you from your sins. The same grace that Rahab experienced is now available to you. I invite you in Jesus’ name to come and be forgiven. He’s already made the first move. The next step is up to you. (Four Women in Jesus' Family Tree). John Hutchinson in an article entitled "WOMEN, GENTILES, AND THE MESSIANIC MISSION IN MATTHEW’S GENEALOGY" (Bibliotheca Sacra - 158, 2001) gives his "theological" reasons for the women in Matthew's account: In summary the inclusion of the four Old Testament women in Christ’s genealogy is an intentional device to remind the recipients of Matthew’s Gospel of several Old Testament stories with a common theological point. The allusions to these stories accomplish four theological purposes. First, they demonstrate God’s providential hand in preserving Messiah’s line, even in apostate times. This naturally led to Matthew’s account of the virgin conception, through which God brought the Messiah into the world. Second, they demonstrate God’s heart for godly Gentiles and the significant role of their faith at crucial times in Israel’s history. Third, they demonstrate the importance of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants in understanding Messiah’s mission, with a focus on faith and obedience, not a racial line. Fourth, they call Matthew’s readers to repentance and humility, and to accepting Gentiles into the body of Christ, thereby affirming an important theme of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa. Rehoboam: 1Ki 11:43 1 Ki 12:1-24 1Ch 3:10 2Ch 9:31 13:7, Abijah: 1Ki 14:31, Abijam, 2Ch 12:1, Asa: 1Ki 15:8-23 2Ch 14:1-16:14 Matthew 1:7-11 names kings all of whom are also listed in 1 Chr 3:10-16. As you examine this list, it is clear Matthew omits the names of Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah (1 Chr 3:11-12). Solomon was the father of Rehoboam - Hitchcock says his name means "Who sets the people at liberty." 1 Kings 11:43 And SOLOMON slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David, and his son REHOBOAM reigned in his place (1 Ki 12:1-24). Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa. 1 Chronicles 3:10 Now Solomon’s son was REHOBOAM, ABIJAH was his son, ASA his son, Jehoshaphat his son, Matthew 1:8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah. NET Matthew 1:8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah, GNT Matthew 1:8 Ἀσὰφ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσαφάτ, Ἰωσαφὰτ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωράμ, Ἰωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ὀζίαν, NLT Matthew 1:8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram. Jehoram was the father of Uzziah. KJV Matthew 1:8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; ESV Matthew 1:8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, NIV Matthew 1:8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, ASV Matthew 1:8 and Asa begat Jehoshaphat; and Jehoshaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Uzziah; CSB Matthew 1:8 Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, Joram fathered Uzziah, Jehoshaphat: 1Ki 15:24 1 Ki 22:2-50 2Ki 3:1 2Ch 17:1-20:37 Joram: 1Ki 22:50 2Ki 8:16, 1Ch 3:11 2Ch 21:1 Uzziah: 2 Ki 14:2 2Ki 14:21 2 Ki 15:1-7, 13, 2Ch 26:1-23 MATTHEW'S GENEALOGY IS SELECTIVE Andrus - Jehoram was actually not the father of Uzziah Now please don’t think of this as an error in Matthew’s research, for the term “father of” in Greek also means “ancestor of.” Unfortunately we cannot be certain why Matthew was bent on this symmetry of 14; it may have been simply a memory device. (Matthew 1:1-17 Son of Man, Son of God (or, Termites in the Family Tree) Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat - Note that the term "father of" is not the Greek word for "father" (pater) but is the verb gennao which is rendered in the KJV as "begat" and can be rendered "ancestor of." 1 Kings 15:24 And ASA slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father; and JEHOSHAPHAT his son reigned in his place. (cf his reign 1 Ki 22:2-50, 2Ch 17:1-20:37) Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah - In 2 Kings 15:1 we read "In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam (aka Joram) king of Israel, Azariah (aka Uzziah) son of Amaziah king of Judah became king." Notice Azariah/Uzziah's father was not Joram/Jehoram but was Amaziah who is not listed by Matthew. As Bob
Mateus 1
Spurgeon reminds us that "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a divine highlighter, a divine underlining of an especially striking or important text. It says in effect "Listen up, all ye who would be wise in the ways of Jehovah!" An angel (aggelos) of the Lord appeared (phaino) to him in a dream (onar - cf Heb 1:1,2+), saying - Notice it is an angel, not the Angel of the LORD (almost certainly an OT Christophany, Ge 16:7, 9, 10, 11+, et al). Dream (onar) is used only by Matthew - Matt. 1:20; Matt. 2:12; Matt. 2:13; Matt. 2:19; Matt. 2:22; Matt. 27:19 Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid (phobeo) to take (see paralambano below - to take to his side) Mary as your wife - Son of David indicates that Joseph is also in the lineage from which Messiah would arise and this manner of being addressed by the angel should have given him a clue something significant was about to be stated. This manner of address also connects this passage with Matthew's introduction (Mt 1:1). Jesus was not the real son of Joseph, but was his legal son and His royal right in the Davidic line came by Joseph. Do not be afraid in context refers not to the angel in the dream but to fear of marrying Mary who would begin to show her pregnancy before they would be allowed to consummate their marriage. In other words don't be afraid of the potential "social stigma." For (gar) is a term of explanation, in this case explaining why Joseph need not fear men. The Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit - Note that has been conceived is past tense, so yes Joseph, your betrothed, Mary,is already pregnant! Imagine Joseph's initial thoughts upon hearing these words! She had conceived not because she was unfaithful, but, to the contrary because she was faithful. Her faithfulness of course did not merited God's favor, but God bestowed it as an act of grace on a faithful woman. Luke records Gabriel's message "“Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor (grace) with God." (Lk 1:30+). This verse is permeated with a mysterious sense of the supernatural! Conceived (1080)(gennao from genos = offspring, in turn from ginomai = to become) means to beget, to bring forth, to give birth, to procreate a descendant, to produce offspring, to generate. To beget is spoken of men (Mt 1:2-16), whereas to bear is spoken of women. The passive voice means to be begotten or to be born. The most notable use of gennao is here in Mt 1:20 in the description of Jesus' virgin birth in which He was supernaturally "conceived (gennao) in Mary of the Holy Spirit."and His subsequent supernatural resurrection in which He is described as "begotten (gennao)." (Acts 13:33+). Gennao describes the commencement of life where previously none had existed. While Christ clearly had existed, this conception did mark the commencement of His existence as a Man! Matthew 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." NET Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." GNT Matthew 1:21 τέξεται δὲ υἱόν, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν· αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν. NLT Matthew 1:21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." KJV 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. ESV Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." NIV Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." ASV Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. CSB Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." she: Ge 17:19,21 18:10 Jud 13:3 2Ki 4:16,17 Lu 1:13,35,36 you shall: Lu 1:31 2:21 for: Ps 130:7,8 Isa 12:1,2 45:21,22 Jer 23:6 33:16 Eze 36:25-29 Da 9:24 Zec 9:9 Joh 1:29 Ac 3:26 4:12 5:31 13:23,38,39 Eph 5:25-27 Col 1:20-23 Tit 2:14 Heb 7:25 1Jn 1:7 2:1,2 3:5 Rev 1:5,6 7:14 NO OTHER NAME BUT JESUS In Acts 4:12+ Peter declared "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we MUST be saved." (Take a moment from your busy schedule and worship the King with No Other Name sung by Casting Crowns includes lyrics) Lift up our eyes See the King has come Light of the world Reaching out for us There is no other Name There is no other Name Jesus Christ our God Seated on high The undefeated One Mountains bow down As we lift Him up There is no other Name There is no other Name Jesus Christ our God Find hope When all the world seems lost Behold The triumph of the cross His power Has trampled death and grave Our life found in His Name The greatest Name of all The Earth will shake And tremble before Him Chains will break As Heaven and Earth sing Holy is the Name Holy is the Name of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus She will bear a Son - The angel Gabriel's promise from God the Father. This is in essence a fulfillment of the protoevangelium, the prophecy given by God Himself in Genesis 3:15+ "And I will put enmity Between you (SATAN) and the woman (MARY), And between your seed and her seed (MESSIAH); He (MESSIAH) shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.”
Mateus 1
Spurgeon comments on Isaiah 43:2: "Bridge there is none: we must go through the waters and feel the rush of the rivers. The PRESENCE OF GOD in the flood is better than a ferry-boat. TRIED we must be, but TRIUMPHANT we shall be; for JEHOVAH HIMSELF, Who is mightier than many waters, shall BE WITH US (IMMANUEL!). Whenever else He may be away from His people, the Lord will SURELY BE WITH THEM in difficulties and dangers. The sorrows of life may rise to an extraordinary height, but the Lord is equal to every occasion. The enemies of God can put in our way dangers of their own making, namely, persecutions and cruel mockings, which are like a burning fiery furnace. What then? We shall walk through the fires. GOD BEING WITH US, we shall not be burned; nay, not even the smell of fire shall remain upon us! Oh, the wonderful security of the heaven-born and heaven-bound pilgrim! Floods cannot drown him, nor fires burn him. THY PRESENCE, O Lord, is the protection of Thy saints from the varied perils of the road. Behold, in faith I commit myself unto Thee, and my spirit enters into rest." AMEN! Indeed, Immanuel is a powerful, practical Name which is like "a strong tower that the righteous man or woman runs into and is safe, protected (literally "set on high')" (Pr 18:10+) In your daily experience, do you know Jesus as IMMANUEL, GOD WITH YOU? How was "God with you" today? Many of us are like the children of Israel asking "Is the LORD among us or not?" (Ex 17:7+) We need to remind ourselves of the truth that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever." (Heb 13:8+) What we need even more than deliverance from trouble is the sure knowledge that God is our IMMANUEL in the midst of trouble. The secret of peace is not a plan or program but a Person, Immanuel, God with us (Read Ps 20:7+). Indeed, the wonderful Name Immanuel is an antidote for our fear, even as Moses reminded Israel declaring that "the LORD is WITH US; do not FEAR" (Nu 14:9+) When danger threatens or calamity strikes, we can be assured of Immanuel’s personal presence to comfort and calm us. And so when we experience fearful thoughts, we recall to mind David's affirmation "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I FEAR no evil, (Why?) for YOU ARE WITH ME, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." (Ps 23:4+). As Spurgeon affirms, Jesus Christ is "Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendour." Who is Immanuel today? Spurgeon answers that "Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in His own proper Person, was the delight of His people’s eyes. At the time of the Redeemer’s ascension, the Holy Spirit became the Head of the present church age (Jn 16:7+, Lk 24:49, Acts 2:33+), and His power (Acts 1:8+) was gloriously manifested in (Acts 2:4+) and after Pentecost (Acts 16:7). He remains at this hour the PRESENT IMMANUEL—GOD WITH US, (Read Ro 8:9+, Php 1:19+, Gal 4:6+) dwelling in (1Cor 6:19+, 1Cor 3:16, 2Co 6:16) and with His people, making alive (Ro 8:2+, 2Cor 3:5, 6+), guiding (Jn 16:13+), and ruling in their midst (1Cor 12:11, Acts 13:2, 4+, Acts 10:19+, Acts 11:12+, Acts 16:6+, Acts 20:28+). Is the Spirit's presence recognized as it ought to be? Are we sufficiently anxious to obtain the Spirit's enabling power (Acts 1:8+, Eph 3:16+) or sufficiently watchful lest we provoke Him to withdraw His aid? (Eph 4:29, 30+, 1Th 5:18, 19+) Without Him we can do NOTHING (Jn 6:63+, Jn 15:5+), but by His almighty energy the most extraordinary results can be produced (Eph 3:20+): everything depends upon His manifesting or concealing His power (Ro 15:19+, Acts 1:8+). Do we always look up to the Spirit both for our inner life and our outward service with the respectful dependence which is fitting? Do we not too often run before His call and act independently of His aid (Ro 7:6+, 1Cor 15:10+)? Condescending and tender, He does not weary of us, but awaits to be gracious still." Spurgeon leaves us with a good prayer to pray: "Blessed Immanuel, we gladly obey Thee! In Thee our darkness ends and from the shadow of death we rise to the Light of life. It is salvation to be obedient to Thee. It is the end of gloom to her that was in anguish to bow herself before Thee. May God the Holy Spirit take of the things of Christ and show them unto us, and then we shall all cry— “Go worship at Immanuel’s feet! See in His face what wonders meet! Earth is too narrow to express; His worth, His grace, His righteousness.” to which we add "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." Immanuel, God is with us! Michael Card A sign shall be given, A virgin will conceive A human baby bearing undiminished Deity The Glory of the nations, a Light for all to see And Hope for all who will embrace His warm reality. Refrain IMMANUEL, OUR GOD IS WITH US And if GOD IS WITH US, who could stand against us? Our GOD IS WITH US, IMMANUEL. For all those who live in the shadow of death A Glorious Light has dawned For all those who stumble in the darkness Behold, your Light has come. Refrain So what will be your answer? Will you hear the call Of Him Who did not spare His Son but gave Him for us all On earth there is no power, there is no depth nor height That could ever separate us from the love of God in Christ. Refrain They will call him “Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.” - Matthew 1:23 TODAY IN THE WORD In a fourth-century Christmas sermon, St. John Chrysostom preached: “What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of Days has become an infant. He who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He who cannot be touched, who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infant’s bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation [be] the measure of His goodness.” Amen! The Christmas story, rightly understood, should fill our hearts with praise. First, we see many Old Testament prophecies fulfilled. Isaiah had foretold the virgin birth of the Messiah (Mt 1:23; Isa. 7:14). Micah had said His birthplace would be Bethlehem (Mt 2:6; Mic. 5:2). Hosea had spoken of a time in Egypt (Mt 2:15; Hos. 11:1). Jeremiah had foreseen the horrifying violence of Herod Mt 2:18; Jer. 31:15). And various prophets had indicated the Messiah would be “despised,” or in Jesus’ day, the equivalent of being “called a Nazarene” (Mt 2:23; Isa. 53:3). We also rejoice because God intervened in miraculous ways throughout the Christmas story. Jesus was born of a virgin–somehow, the Holy Spirit engineered His conception outside of the normal means (Mt 1:18). Angels, who are God’s messengers, delivered several special announcements. And how did the Magi know where and when to come to find the newborn King? God was clearly at work in their knowledge, the star they followed, and the dream, warning not to tell Herod. TODAY ALONG THE WAY Never mind that it’s April . . . after today’s devotional, don’t you feel like singing a Christmas song? Go for it! Two Bethlehems The power of the Highest will overshadow you. —Luke 1:35 Today's Scripture: Luke 1:26-35 The birth of Jesus Christ was unlike any other. Mary’s was an “other world” conception. The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35). The child conceived in her was from outside our world. And it had to be so, because the boy born to Mary was Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). The baby born in Bethlehem was of heavenly origin. God had entered the earth in the form and nature of Mary’s little son. He came into the world from above, and His incarnation made possible our redemption. Now think about it. Our own new birth-our regeneration-comes from outside the world. Jesus said that we are born again “of the Spirit” (John 3:3,7-8). Our salvation is not from an earthly source, but from God Himself through Jesus by means of His Spirit. In a sense, then, our heart becomes a “Bethlehem stable,” a place where Jesus comes into the world. We open the door to Him by faith, and He is born in us by the blessed Holy Spirit. Reflect & Pray Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. -Crosby Christ was born here below that we might be born from above. Immanuel "The virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." —Matthew 1:23 Today's Scripture: Isaiah 8:1-10 Since that first Christmas day 2,000 years ago, the assurance that God is with His people has taken on new meaning. Before Jesus was born, the Israelites were assured that even in judgment they could have hope because God was with them (Isaiah 8:8,10). Yet they didn’t know God as fully as we can today. We have a great advantage because through reading the New Testament we can see the glory of God “in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). And we can sense His presence in all situations of life because He is made real to us by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:10-16). When I need to be reassured that God is with me, I think about Jesus as He is revealed in the New Testament. I recall how He took little children in His arms and blessed them (Matthew 19:13-15). Then I think of His crucifixion, which reminds me of all He endured to be my Savior (27:27-54). Finally, I reflect on His promise, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (28:20). Reflect & Pray Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. —Wesley God came to live with us so we could live with Him. Seven Great Prophecies Fulfilled 1. EMMANUEL, BY ISAIAH Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:22, 23 2. BETHLEHEM, BY MICAH Micah 5:2; Matt. 2:6 3. EGYPT, BY HOSEA Hosea 11:1; Matt. 2:15 4. RAMA, BY JEREMIAH Jeremiah 31:15; Matt. 2:18 5. NAZARETH, BY AN UNKNOWN PROPHET, UNRECORDED PROPHECY Matt. 2:23 6. WILDERNESS, BY ISAIAH Isaiah 40:3, 4; Matt. 3:3 7. GALILEE, BY ISAIAH Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:14–16 Illustration The land of Persia was once ruled by a wise and beloved Shah who cared greatly for his people and desired only what was best for them. One day he disguised himself as a poor man and went to visit the public baths. The water for the baths was heated by a furnace in the cellar, so the Shah made his way to the dark place to sit with the man who tended the fire. The two men shared the coarse food, and the Shah befriended him in his loneliness. Day after day the ruler went to visit the man. The worker became attached to this stranger because he "came where he was". One day the Shah revealed his true identity, and he expected the man to ask him for a gift. Instead, he looked long into his leader's face and with love and wonder in his voice said, "You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to eat my coarse food, and to care about what happens to me. On others you may bestow rich gifts, but to me you have given yourself!" As we think of what our Lord has done for us, we can echo that fire tender's sentiments. Oh, what a step our Lord took -- from heaven to earth, from the worship of angels to the mocking of cruel men, from glory to humiliation! Matthew 1:24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, NET Matthew 1:24 When Joseph awoke from sleep he did what the angel of the Lord told him. He took his wife, GNT Matthew 1:24 ἐγερθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰωσὴφ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου ἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου καὶ παρέλαβεν τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, NLT Matthew 1:24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. KJV Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: ESV Matthew 1:24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, NIV Matthew 1:24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. ASV Matthew 1:24 And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; CSB Matthew 1:24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord's angel had commanded him. He married her did as the angel of the Lord commanded: Ge 6:22 7:5 22:2,3 Ex 40:16,19,25,27,32 2Ki 5:11-14 Joh 2:5-8 Joh 15:14 Heb 11:7,8,24-31 Jas 2:21-26 And Joseph awoke (diegeiro) from his sleep (hupnos) - If we had just heard from an angel in a dream, we would probably shortly be wide awake. God had spoken with men through dreams on a number of occasions (Ge 20:3; 31:10–11; Nu 12:6; 1 Ki 3:5; Job 33:14–16).