The Coming of Christ, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) series intro (2) background of genealogies (3) who is this person in Mt. 1:1? (4) v.17

The Savior for Sinners: (1) hebrew “Joshua” → the LORD saves (cf. v.21) → similarities between Joshua and Jesus (2) Jesus’ earthly ministry (cf. rescue from danger, healings, feeding) → points toward greater restoration (3) advent reminds that Jesus is the savior for sin, not just a therapist for problems (cf. “go and sin no more”) (4) genealogy → kings (Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Uzziah, Ahaz, Manasseh), women (prostitute, adultery) (5) “Lord reveal sin in me” → need for Christ does not lessen

The Messiah of Prophecy: (1) a title connected to “Messiah” (i.e. anointed) (2) anointing = set apart by God for special task (cf. OT three-fold offices) (3) anticipated future ruler throughout OT (cf. g-parents at Christmas) (4) equated during Jesus’ life to overthrow of Romans (cf. ascension) (5) Messiah had to fit certain criteria (cf. Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Zech. 9:9) (6) Jesus fits the requirements of Messiah (cf. “must be santa”) → next two points (7) advent redirects our expectations to future hope, not present comfort

The King of Israel: (1) “son of David” → appeal to Jews, arguably Matthew’s biggest point in genealogy (2) ⅔ of list emphasize royal line → v.6, v.11-12, v.16 (3) another identifier of Messiah is born of right line → had to be descendant of David (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16) (4) “son of David” nine times in Matthew → Jesus possesses power/authority, capacity to heal/restore/bring peace (cf. Isaiah 9:6-7, earthly ministry) (5) advent reminds us that Jesus provides strength in weakness (cf. mental, physical, relational, spiritual)

The Promise for Gentiles: (1) “son of Abraham” → difference from Luke (2) Abraham kind of Jew and Gentile (cf. Genesis 12:1-3, 17:5-6, 15-16) (3) Jesus matters for Gentiles as well → included in genealogy (4) some, perhaps all, women in genealogy were Gentile → Jesus was not “pure” Jew (4) God’s plan included the nations from the beginning, culminates in Christ (cf. Gal. 3:27-29) (5) advent reminds us that Christ is available to everyone (cf. missions Christmas project)

Conclusion: three groups/responses → leaders completely reject, crowds casually observe, disciples unconditionally follow → which are you?