Jesus: The Fulfillment of God's Promises and Redemption

 

Summary

The opening verse of the Gospel of Matthew, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham," serves as a profound introduction to the New Testament and encapsulates the essence of the Christian message. This genealogy is not merely a list of names; it is a declaration of the fulfillment of God's promises and a testament to the divine plan of redemption. Matthew's Gospel, primarily written for the Jews, aims to demonstrate that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. The Jews, who had misinterpreted many prophecies, needed to see that Jesus' life and mission were in perfect harmony with the scriptures.

Matthew emphasizes that Christianity is not just a philosophy or a set of teachings but is centered on the person of Jesus Christ. Unlike other religions, where the teachings can stand apart from their founders, Christianity is intrinsically linked to the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The genealogy underscores that Jesus is not an accidental phenomenon but the culmination of God's eternal purpose.

The titles "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham" are significant. As the Son of David, Jesus fulfills the promise of an everlasting kingdom, a promise that resonates with the hope of a Messiah who would reign eternally. As the Son of Abraham, Jesus embodies the promise of salvation for all nations, not just the Jewish people. This dual fulfillment highlights the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive plan, which includes both the establishment of a divine kingdom and the provision of salvation to all humanity.

In this Christmas season, we are reminded that God's promises are sure and His purposes unfailing. The birth of Jesus is a testament to the faithfulness of God, who, despite the passage of time and human sinfulness, brings His plans to fruition. This message of hope and assurance is particularly poignant in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain. As we reflect on the genealogy of Jesus, we are invited to trust in God's promises and to find comfort in the certainty of His eternal plan.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel is a powerful reminder that God's promises are always fulfilled. Jesus, as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, embodies the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, assuring us that God's word is true and reliable. [05:00]

2. Centrality of Christ: Christianity is not merely a set of teachings but is centered on the person of Jesus Christ. Unlike other religions, where teachings can exist independently of their founders, the Christian faith is intrinsically linked to the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. [09:04]

3. Divine Plan of Redemption: The genealogy underscores that Jesus is not an accidental phenomenon but the culmination of God's eternal purpose. This divine plan, revealed throughout the Old Testament, finds its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, highlighting the continuity and coherence of God's redemptive work. [13:44]

4. Promise of Salvation: As the Son of Abraham, Jesus represents the promise of salvation for all nations. This universal scope of God's redemptive plan emphasizes that salvation is available to all, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. [36:01]

5. Assurance in Uncertainty: In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, the message of Christmas offers hope and assurance. God's promises are sure, and His purposes are unfailing, inviting us to trust in His eternal plan and find comfort in His faithfulness. [41:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Matthew's Gospel
- [00:58] - The Genealogy of Jesus
- [02:06] - Matthew's Audience and Purpose
- [03:23] - The Jewish Stumbling Block
- [04:46] - Jesus as Son of David and Abraham
- [06:33] - Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
- [07:20] - The Person of Jesus Christ
- [09:04] - Centrality of Christ in Christianity
- [10:42] - Significance of Jesus' Genealogy
- [13:44] - God's Plan of Redemption
- [18:25] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of Promises
- [22:32] - Jesus as Son of David
- [32:59] - Jesus as Son of Abraham
- [37:10] - The Message of Christmas
- [41:39] - Assurance in God's Promises

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:1 - "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."
2. 2 Samuel 7:16 - "And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever."
3. Genesis 12:3 - "And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of Matthew beginning his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus, specifically mentioning "the son of David, the son of Abraham"? [00:58]
2. How does the genealogy in Matthew 1:1 serve as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies? [04:46]
3. What are the two main reasons Matthew wrote his Gospel with a focus on the Jewish audience? [03:23]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Jesus and the historical figures of David and Abraham? [10:42]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Matthew to establish Jesus as both the Son of David and the Son of Abraham in the context of Jewish expectations of the Messiah? [05:00]
2. How does the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel emphasize the centrality of Christ in Christianity compared to other religions? [09:04]
3. In what ways does the genealogy of Jesus highlight the continuity and coherence of God's redemptive plan throughout the Bible? [13:44]
4. How does the promise of salvation through Jesus as the Son of Abraham extend beyond the Jewish people to all nations? [36:01]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's promises. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' genealogy encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness? [38:25]
2. In what ways can you make Jesus the central focus of your faith, rather than just following Christian teachings or traditions? [09:04]
3. How can understanding the divine plan of redemption through Jesus' genealogy impact your view of the Old Testament and its relevance today? [13:44]
4. Consider the universal scope of salvation through Jesus. How can you actively share this message of hope with people from different backgrounds and cultures? [36:01]
5. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, what practical steps can you take to find assurance and comfort in God's eternal plan? [41:39]
6. How can the message of Christmas, as a testament to God's faithfulness, inspire you to live with hope and assurance in your daily life? [41:39]
7. Identify one promise of God that you find particularly meaningful. How can you remind yourself of this promise in times of doubt or difficulty? [39:21]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Promises Fulfilled in Christ
The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel is a profound testament to the fulfillment of God's promises. It is not merely a list of names but a declaration that God's word is true and reliable. Jesus, as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham, embodies the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, assuring us that God's promises are always fulfilled. This genealogy serves as a reminder that God's plan is unfolding according to His divine purpose, and we can trust in His faithfulness. The lineage of Jesus highlights the continuity of God's redemptive work throughout history, culminating in the birth of the Messiah. [05:00]

2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV): "When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

Reflection: Consider a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you trust in His timing and faithfulness today?


Day 2: The Centrality of Christ in Our Faith
Christianity is not merely a set of teachings or philosophies; it is centered on the person of Jesus Christ. Unlike other religions, where teachings can exist independently of their founders, the Christian faith is intrinsically linked to the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This centrality of Christ emphasizes that our faith is not just about following moral guidelines but about a relationship with a living Savior. Jesus' life and mission are in perfect harmony with the scriptures, affirming that He is the cornerstone of our faith. [09:04]

Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Reflection: In what ways can you make Jesus the central focus of your daily life and decisions?


Day 3: Jesus as the Culmination of God's Redemptive Plan
The genealogy of Jesus underscores that He is not an accidental phenomenon but the culmination of God's eternal purpose. This divine plan, revealed throughout the Old Testament, finds its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, highlighting the continuity and coherence of God's redemptive work. Jesus' arrival is the climax of a long history of God's interaction with humanity, demonstrating that His plan is both intentional and comprehensive. This understanding invites us to see our own lives as part of God's ongoing story of redemption. [13:44]

Ephesians 1:9-10 (ESV): "Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

Reflection: How can you align your personal story with God's larger redemptive plan today?


Day 4: Salvation for All Nations
As the Son of Abraham, Jesus represents the promise of salvation for all nations. This universal scope of God's redemptive plan emphasizes that salvation is available to all, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. Jesus' mission was not limited to the Jewish people but extended to all humanity, offering hope and redemption to everyone. This inclusivity challenges us to embrace the diversity of God's kingdom and to share the message of salvation with all people. [36:01]

Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of salvation? How can you share it with them today?


Day 5: Assurance in God's Unfailing Promises
In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, the message of Christmas offers hope and assurance. God's promises are sure, and His purposes are unfailing, inviting us to trust in His eternal plan and find comfort in His faithfulness. The birth of Jesus is a testament to the faithfulness of God, who, despite the passage of time and human sinfulness, brings His plans to fruition. This assurance encourages us to hold onto hope, even in the midst of life's uncertainties. [41:39]

Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Reflection: What is one area of uncertainty in your life where you need to trust in God's promises? How can you actively place your hope in Him today?

Quotes


The genealogy underscores that Jesus is not an accidental phenomenon but the culmination of God's eternal purpose. This divine plan, revealed throughout the Old Testament, finds its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, highlighting the continuity and coherence of God's redemptive work. [00:13:44]

Christianity, as we must never cease to remember, is not just a teaching. It isn't just a philosophy. It isn't merely an act. It is essentially a history concerning this particular person and the significance of the things that he did and the things that happened to him. [00:14:36]

Take away the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you've got no Christianity. You have no salvation. You can take away Buddha, but you've still got Buddhism. You can take away Confucius, but you still got Confucianism. And so on with all the other so-called religions. [00:09:04]

This person, Jesus Christ, is on the contrary the fulfillment of God's great purpose. Now, that's the crucial thing that Matthew is emphasizing here, and it is the crucial thing, of course, in the message of the whole of the Bible. [00:13:44]

The Bible is the record of that and of its fulfillment. Now, we so often forget this. We get lost in the details. We get involved and immersed in the various movements that are recorded in the Bible. [00:14:36]

The promise to Abram was not only that he should have this great progeny, not merely that he should have the land of promise. There was something much bigger, and that was this strange promise that in and through him and his seed that all the nations of the earth should be blessed. [00:33:59]

Matthew reminds us that this one person is not only the one who's going to reign over all and in whose hands the whole of history rests, but he is also the one through whom salvation comes and through whom alone it comes. [00:36:01]

The message is no longer confined to the Jews. It is to all nations. Here is the one son of Abraham through whom deliverance and blessing are going to come to all the nations of the earth. [00:36:01]

God's promises are always sure. They never fail. They never have. They never will. They never can. It's all here: the book of the generation of Jesus Christ, Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. It's come to pass. It's all fulfilled. [00:41:39]

There are many particular personal promises given to us in the scriptures. Believe them, every one of them. They're all true. You're told the very hairs of your head are all numbered if you're a child of God. [00:41:39]

God's promises will be fulfilled. His purposes can never be frustrated. There is nothing that can stand between God and the final outworking of everything that he purposed with regard to this world before the foundation of the world. [00:41:39]

God in his love and his almighty power can take two actions such as these and turn them and transmute them into a glorious part and portion of his eternal and almighty plan and purpose. Thank God he still does this, and he can still do it. [00:45:39]

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Transcript
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