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Read: Matthew 1:1-17
Listen: Matthew 1

Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. Matthew 1:17

Matthew’s biography of Jesus begins with a genealogy that identifies Jesus as the long-awaited Savior. Matthew connects the coming of Jesus with the family line of Abraham and David. God promised Abraham (then Abram), “I will bless those who bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). Similarly, God promised David that he would raise up an offspring to succeed him. “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). Matthew demonstrates that Jesus is this long-awaited descendent of Abraham and David, the one who would establish God’s kingdom and bring blessing to all peoples.

The Christmas season is a time to slow down and (re)consider the coming of Jesus as Savior. He is the long-awaited deliverer who fulfilled the promises of God—promises given thousands of years ago. In the life and ministry of Jesus, we see that Jesus is a shepherd king who loves and leads his people through sacrificial service. He cares for the broken and hurting and has come to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He has a heart for all people, a heart that is to be reflected in the lives of those he has made his own.

TODAY: This Christmas is a perfect time to invite family or friends to church. We will offer multiple Christmas services at various times this weekend. Attend the service that best fits you and your family. Find times and locations at adabible.org/Christmas. As you prepare your heart for Christmas, join Ada Bible Worship as they sing “What Child is This?” Thank God for sending Jesus as the Messiah.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Nahum 3. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Reflect on Jesus as the righteous judge (John 5:22-23).