Introducing the real Jesus

 Read Matthew 1.

The overarching distinctive of Matthew's gospel is to present Jesus as the King.  Of utmost importance to being crowned as a king is one's birthright to the throne.  That is why chapter one begins with the human genealogy of Jesus. This is proof of His lineage as it traces His earthly heritage from Abraham to Joseph.

Much of the Old Testament's story-line is behind the names listed here.  Do not miss the unusual mention of four women by name (plus, Bathsheba is simply called “the wife of Uriah) among all the forefathers.  They each had stories of tragedy and redemption. 
-Tamar (v.3) conceived twins from Judah, her father-in-law.
-Rahab (v.5) was a Gentile prostitute of Jericho, who came to believe in God.
-Ruth (v.5) a widow, also a Gentile, who embraced the faith of her mother-in-law.

-Bathsheba (v.6) committed adultery with King David and gave birth to Solomon.
-Mary (v.16) an unmarried, young virgin who miraculously became pregnant with Jesus.

There are five unmistakable claims in this chapter as to who Jesus is.
1. He is the son of David. (v.1a)
According to the covenant that the LORD made in 2 Samuel 7, David’s descendants are the perpetual royal family of the Jews.  Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise.  "He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." (2 Samuel 7:13)

2. He is the son of Abraham. (v.1b)
The unconditional covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 12:1-3 is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.  "...and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." 

3. His human birth is of the Holy Spirit. (vv.18-20)
Though the earthly family is emphasized in the opening verses, twice we are reassured here that Joseph was not the father of Jesus.  Otherwise, Jesus would have been a sinner by birth (Romans 5:12).  Mary conceived as a result of the special work of the Holy Spirit in her body.  This was a miracle conception and a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.  "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14a)

4. He is the Savior from sin. (v.21)
The name Jesus means savior or deliverer.  In the Old Testament, the equivalent is the name Joshua.  However, the angel's declaration is specific as to the mission in saying that this Jesus "will save his people from their sins."  To downplay awfulness of sin and the individual need for a personal savior is to discredit the very purpose of the first coming of Christ.

5. He is God in the flesh. (v.23)
Completing the quote from Isaiah 7:14, the angel declared that Jesus will be known as Immanuel, "(which means, God with us)."  Those who deny that Jesus was God in the flesh either do not know or simply do not believe the Scriptures.

How important is it to know and place one's faith in the real Jesus?
Jesus claimed that those who believe in Him "may have eternal life." (John 3:15)