Understanding Biblical Lineage In the Life of Jesus Christ

First, the student of the Word needs to know who the recipients are. Most all scholars agree that this gospel’s recipients were the Jews. They were very mindful of their lineage. In order to prove that one was a pure Jew not of mixed heritage, the individual had to be able to prove this through their earthly heritage. I knew a Jewish woman knew who her ancestors.. According to her lineage, she came from the tribe of Benjamin. Her children had to know this as well. This is clear proof of how important it is to provide evidence of your lineage, and to know the tribe that you come from. For this reason, Jesus' lineage is given at the very beginning of this gospel.

Second, unless certain names were included in Jesus' lineage, the Jews would not receive Him. When you take the time to study this "list of names," you will discover facts about Jesus' "lineage." This first chapter mentions some important facts: He is Jesus the Messiah. This is important because there were many [i]other individuals called by His name. Matthew let his readers know from the start that this was the One would had been prophesied about...the One who was to come. Isaiah made many prophecies about the "Coming One.”

Third, other note is the fact that Jesus can state that He is "the son of David." This was important to stress at the outset so that was to come would be the "rightful heir" to the everlasting throne of David.[ii] Although many "humans" had sat on the throne of David, the throne was to be eternal. This meant that "an earthly man" would not be able to fulfill the divine promise of this covenant. It would have to be somebody who was not subject to death.