Matthew 1 Devotional0

Devotional Questions:

Matthew 1:3-6

“In Matthew’s genealogy four women are named: Tamar (v.3), Rahab (v. 5), Ruth (v. 5) and Bathsheba (not by name but by description–”Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,” v. 6). At least three of these women were Gentiles (Tamar, Rahab and Ruth). Bathsheba was probably an Israelite (v. 1Ch 3:5) but was closely associated with the Hittites because of Uriah, her Hittite husband. By including these women (contrary to custom) in his genealogy, Matthew may be indicating at the very outset of his Gospel that God’s activity is not limited to men or the people of Israel.”

• What is the history of these women and why is the inclusion of these Gentile women in the genealogy of Jesus Christ such an amazing thing?  In what ways does this give me hope for how God can use my life in spite of past sins and mistakes?

• These women, through their brave and decisive action, end up becoming a part of the lineage of Jesus himself.  What does this show me about what life’s most important priority is?

Matthew 1:7-11

“There is no obvious pattern to the kings mentioned here: wicked Rehoboam was the father of wicked Abijah, the father of the good king Asa. Asa was the father of another good king, Jehoshaphat, who sired the wicked king Joram. Good or evil, they were part of Messiah’s line; for though grace does not run in the blood, God’s providence cannot be deceived or outmaneuvered.”[1]

• What does the record of these kings in the Messiah’s line teach me about the ultimate cosmic history of God and how he accomplishes his will?   How does this fact give me hope?

Matthew 1:21

• What is the relationship between the meaning of the name “Jesus” and “Immanuel?”  What does this reveal about the nature of God?

Additional Questions:

Matthew 1:18-20, 24-25

• How must Joseph have felt upon finding out that Mary was with child before their marriage? What words in this text reveal the nature of Joseph’s character?

Matthew 1 Commentary