God's Redemptive Plan Through Imperfect Lineage
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound narrative of Jesus' genealogy as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. This genealogy is not merely a list of names but a testament to God's redemptive plan through history, highlighting how God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect will. We began by acknowledging the challenges and intricacies within Matthew's genealogy, such as skipped generations and differences from Luke's account. These are not errors but intentional theological constructs to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ.
Matthew's genealogy is divided into three significant sections: from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ. This structure underscores the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Each name in this genealogy represents a story of brokenness and redemption, reminding us that God works through flawed individuals to bring about His purposes. Figures like Abraham, David, and Solomon, despite their failures, were integral to God's plan, illustrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to achieve His divine purposes.
The genealogy also emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, portraying Him as the new and better Moses, the promised Messiah, and Immanuel—God with us. This lineage culminates in the birth of Jesus, marking the climax of God's redemptive story. It serves as a reminder that Christmas is not just about the nativity scene but the culmination of God's perfect plan to bring salvation to humanity through Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on this genealogy, we are reminded of our own brokenness and the need for a Savior. Just as God used the individuals in Jesus' lineage, He can use us, despite our imperfections, to further His kingdom. Our call is to surrender to His will and trust in His ability to work through us. This Christmas, let us embrace the hope and redemption offered through Jesus, the true hero of the story.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Use of Imperfect People: The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew highlights how God uses flawed individuals to fulfill His divine purposes. Despite their imperfections, figures like Abraham and David were integral to God's plan, reminding us that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to achieve His will. [39:10]
2. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew's genealogy emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, portraying Him as the new and better Moses, the promised Messiah, and Immanuel—God with us. This lineage underscores Jesus' divine role and mission. [36:12]
3. The Continuity of God's Plan: The structure of the genealogy, divided into three significant sections, underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It highlights the unbroken line of God's promises leading to the birth of Christ. [47:09]
4. The Role of Brokenness in Redemption: Each name in the genealogy represents a story of brokenness and redemption, reminding us that God works through flawed individuals to bring about His purposes. This serves as a powerful reminder of our own need for a Savior. [01:03:27]
5. Our Call to Surrender and Obedience: Just as God used the individuals in Jesus' lineage, He can use us, despite our imperfections, to further His kingdom. Our call is to surrender to His will and trust in His ability to work through us, embracing the hope and redemption offered through Jesus. [01:05:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:27] - Announcements and Prayer Requests
[12:35] - Prayer for Healing and Comfort
[15:46] - Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
[33:00] - Jesus as the New Moses
[34:35] - Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
[36:12] - Jesus as Immanuel
[38:10] - The Story Before the Story
[39:10] - The Role of Imperfect People
[45:58] - Christmas Begins in All of Scripture
[47:09] - Christmas Provides a Place for Broken People
[56:49] - The Lineage of Jesus
[01:03:27] - Our Need for a Savior
[01:05:58] - God's Use of Broken People
[01:08:45] - The Gospel in the Genealogy
[01:10:19] - Invitation to Believe
[01:19:45] - Offering and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:1-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three significant sections of Jesus' genealogy in Matthew, and what do they represent? [47:09]
2. How does Matthew's genealogy differ from Luke's, and what are the reasons given for these differences? [43:41]
3. What role do figures like Abraham, David, and Solomon play in the genealogy, despite their imperfections? [49:38]
4. How does Matthew emphasize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies? [36:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Matthew choose to include flawed individuals in Jesus' genealogy, and what does this say about God's redemptive plan? [39:10]
2. How does the structure of the genealogy in Matthew highlight the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament? [47:09]
3. In what ways does the genealogy of Jesus serve as a reminder of our own need for a Savior? [01:03:27]
4. How does the sermon describe Jesus as the new and better Moses, and what significance does this have for understanding His role as the Messiah? [33:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or too flawed to be used by God. How does the genealogy of Jesus encourage you to see your potential in God's plan? [39:10]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will. What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender, and how can you take a step towards trusting God more fully this week? [01:05:58]
3. Consider the role of brokenness in redemption as highlighted in the sermon. How can acknowledging your own brokenness lead to a deeper relationship with God? [01:03:27]
4. How can you actively embrace the hope and redemption offered through Jesus this Christmas season, especially in your interactions with others? [01:06:43]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of obedience to God's call. Identify one specific way you can respond to God's call in your life this week. [01:05:58]
6. Reflect on the idea of Jesus as Immanuel, "God with us." How does this truth impact your daily life and relationship with God? [36:12]
7. How can you use the story of Jesus' genealogy to share the message of hope and redemption with someone who feels unworthy or distant from God? [01:09:39]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Redemptive Plan Through Imperfect People
In the genealogy of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Matthew, we see a profound narrative of God’s redemptive plan through history. This genealogy is not just a list of names but a testament to how God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect will. Figures like Abraham, David, and Solomon, despite their failures, were integral to God’s plan, illustrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to achieve His divine purposes. This serves as a powerful reminder that our imperfections do not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, they highlight the beauty of His grace and the depth of His love for humanity. [39:10]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt inadequate or unworthy. How can you invite God to use your imperfections for His glory today?
Day 2: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Matthew’s genealogy emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, portraying Him as the new and better Moses, the promised Messiah, and Immanuel—God with us. This lineage underscores Jesus’ divine role and mission, showing that He is the culmination of God’s promises throughout history. By understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, we can appreciate the continuity and intentionality of God’s plan for salvation. This realization invites us to trust in God’s promises and to see Jesus as the central figure in the story of redemption. [36:12]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Reflection: How does knowing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy change your perspective on His role in your life today?
Day 3: The Continuity of God’s Plan
The structure of Matthew’s genealogy, divided into three significant sections, underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It highlights the unbroken line of God’s promises leading to the birth of Christ. This continuity assures us that God’s plan is steadfast and reliable, even when circumstances seem uncertain. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness and His ability to bring His promises to fruition in our lives. [47:09]
Psalm 33:11 (ESV): "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in the continuity and faithfulness of God’s plan today?
Day 4: The Role of Brokenness in Redemption
Each name in the genealogy represents a story of brokenness and redemption, reminding us that God works through flawed individuals to bring about His purposes. This serves as a powerful reminder of our own need for a Savior. Our brokenness is not a barrier to God’s work but a canvas for His grace and redemption. As we acknowledge our own brokenness, we are invited to experience the transformative power of God’s love and to participate in His redemptive work in the world. [01:03:27]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: How can you allow God to use your brokenness as a testimony of His grace and redemption today?
Day 5: Our Call to Surrender and Obedience
Just as God used the individuals in Jesus’ lineage, He can use us, despite our imperfections, to further His kingdom. Our call is to surrender to His will and trust in His ability to work through us, embracing the hope and redemption offered through Jesus. This Christmas, let us reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth as the culmination of God’s perfect plan and respond with a heart of surrender and obedience. By doing so, we open ourselves to be instruments of His love and grace in the world. [01:05:58]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
Father, you are good. You are gracious. Lord, even when hard times come, whether sickness or death, you are still good. That is an unchanging truth of your character. Lord, even when we don't feel like it. You are still faithful to us. So Lord, we are grateful for who you are in that. [00:12:35] (26 seconds)
Lord, I pray for this service. As we come together to worship you this morning, as we sing your word, read your word and preach your word. Lord God, you would be glorified. Everything we do in our worship this morning. Lord, may you convict us where there needs to be conviction, that you encourage us where there needs to be encouragement. Lord, above all else, may we be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and respond to his tugging on our hearts. I pray this in your name. Amen. [00:15:23] (34 seconds)
Matthew wants to show that Jesus is that prophet like Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 18, to whom the Israelites must listen. Therefore, especially in these first chapters of Matthew, Jesus is that prophet like Moses, and, at the end of Deuteronomy chapter 18, Matthew is intentional in showing how, for example, Jesus' parents fled to Egypt to protect the Lord from a wicked king, Herod, like Moses, whom God protected from a wicked Pharaoh. [00:00:00]
Matthew intentionally connects his gospel with the first book of the Bible, showing that Christ, that Jesus, is the fulfillment of all of Scripture. And further, while Genesis 1 recounts the creation of the world, Matthew emphasizes that the coming of Jesus marks the coming of a new creation. [00:46:22] (25 seconds)
Many times we think God cannot possibly use us because of all the sin that's in our lives. The beauty is that God has taken care of our ugliness on the cross, and he can use us despite our sin. God's not waiting for me to be a better Christian before he can use me, and God's not waiting for you to be a better Christian before he can use you. What he is waiting for is for us to surrender and to obey. [01:05:31] (41 seconds)
This list of names is not a mere list of names. This list of names reveals God's perfect plan to send the Son into the world. This list of names points the way to God's perfect plan to send the Son into the world. This is what Christmas is all about, that God would send his Son through broken people just like us to bring salvation to broken people just like us. [01:06:34] (26 seconds)
Now, in this genealogy, we don't just see good news for us. We see the good news, the gospel. We see the miraculous way in which God brought salvation to the world by sending his son through broken people. To bring true healing to all broken people. Every person mentioned in this list was a sinner in need of a savior. [01:08:27] (27 seconds)
Despite all of their sin, God still uses every one of these individuals to ultimately make his glory known through Christ. Likewise, God can use you. Many times we think God cannot possibly use us because of all the sin that's in our lives. The beauty is that God has taken care of our ugliness on the cross, and he can use us despite our sin. [01:05:18] (29 seconds)
This morning, if you're not a believer in Jesus Christ, if there's never been a moment where you said, Lord, I can't fix me. I'm broken. These people look a whole awful lot like I do. And I need a savior. Let me encourage you. Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin. God loved you enough to send Jesus Christ to die on your behalf. [01:10:09] (32 seconds)
Lord, you said in the gospels, you didn't come to heal those who are already healthy, but you came to heal the sick. Every single one of us are born spiritually sick. And in need of a savior. And Father, you sent Jesus Christ. To take the burden of our sin. And place it on himself. And then cover it with his blood. So that we can be saved. [01:12:01] (30 seconds)
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