Lesson One (Chapter 1)
The House of David
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty G-d, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, upon the Throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of HaShem of hosts will perform this.”
Isaiah 9:6-7
Introduction
- We learned last week that we must not project our own biases and culture in to the revelation in G-d’s Word – rather we must let G-d’s Word invade our personal lives so that our lives reflect Yeshua's life (Luke 6:4).
- We learned that our assembly should have a focus – not man-centered, man-led, man-organized, but centered upon being called by the Holy One: as His bride and as His people.
- We begin our study in the book of Matthew with an introduction – to the One Who is calling us:
- G-d among us
- King Messiah
- Heir to the Throne of David
- Promised One
- The Branch
Genealogy
- Matt 1:1: A Semitic genealogy is used to show a path for blessing. This one begins with its goal stated up front: Messiah, Son of David, Son of Abraham.
- Matthew begins this way for a reason – and the entire book must always be viewed in light of this.
- Three groups of 14 generations. This is a common method of midrash [homiletic teaching] – the value of word dalet-vav-dalet [David]. Matthew makes sure we hear the rest of the story as well – Yeshua is not Joseph’s biological son.
Announcement
- Matt 1:19-21: Joseph was a “just man”. One of Joseph’s biological sons would have this as a surname. Ya’akov HaTzadik, or in our English Bibles: “James” who was a leader among the early believers. Tzadik means “righteous.” Joseph was perfectly suited to raise the Messiah.
- Joseph’s actions with regard to Miriam [Mary] showed his faithfulness to the Holy One of Israel (may His Name be blessed).
Prophetic Fulfillment: G-d Among Us
- Matt 1:22: “all this was done so that it might be fulfilled”
- Is 7:14: “G-d with us” – dwelling among us. Remez interpretation: alluding to a deeper message. Isaiah 7, 8, and 9 are full of Messianic prophecies: 7:14; 8:13-18; 8:20; 9:1-2; 9:6-7.
- 2Sam 7:12-13; 16: The Davidic Promise: A Seed – a Man from His body. A King. Mashiach Ben David [Messiah Son of David].
- Is 11:1-5; Jer 23:5-6: A Branch out of Jesse. A Branch of righteousness. A King!
- Ezk 37:24: The Throne of David (not ethereal, or spiritual) – obedience to the King.
- Amos 9:11-12: The Tabernacle of David – and added to the Kingdom – Gentiles [goyim] “called by My Name”.
- Gen 15:5-6; Gal 3:16: A promised Seed – the Messiah.
- Gen 12:3: Not only a promised blessing for the physical descendants of Abraham – for the Gentiles as well.
- Gen 3:15: 4:1: The promised Seed – a Man [Ish] – not an emanation or a mere visitation.
He Will Save…
- Matt 1:21: “Yeshua” is not an uncommon name in the First Century. It means, “salvation”. The focus here is not generic, but specific – His people saved from sins. This word was not previously used in regard to “sins.”
- This is a remarkable statement to a First Century reader – to a people who had already heard from G-d how sins were to be dealt with – but to be yoshia-ed [saved] from sins alludes to something far more comprehensive than forgiveness. We have often failed to emphasize the true magnitude and difference between “saves” and “forgives”. The focus is delivered, and rescued!
- Isaiah 43:11: There is only one Savior. He is One, and His Name is One.
Summary
- Within these first 25 verses of Matthew we discover that to the reader of the First Century, the proof was powerful.
- It was a declaration that Yeshua is King Messiah. He is the Promised Seed of David, Abraham, Eve – a King, a Man, the Branch, King Messiah, and the Word made flesh.
- Have you bowed your knee to this King? He Has come, and His Kingdom is not ethereal or heavenly only – it is real, and it is now. And in the future every knee will bow to this King.