What Jesus Did! 'God's Promise Fulfilled' — Matthew 1:1

Friday, January 1, 2021

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:
— Matthew 1:1 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is God keeping his promises. This will be one of Matthew's continuing themes — Matthew writes his gospel to stress the fulfillment of God's promises to his people. Matthew begins the Good News of Jesus by reminding us that not only is Jesus Jewish, but that he also has a family line that can be traced back to King David and to Father Abraham. Matthew wants to show his readers that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Messiah who will bless all nations. The Apostle Paul, God's chosen missionary to the Gentiles, said that all of God's promises find their "Yes" in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:18-20). He stresses that faith in Jesus is the key to unlocking the truth of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15). Let's use this year to find Jesus as we have never found him before!

Today's Prayer

Holy and faithful God, thank you for keeping your promises and sending Jesus. Thank you for taking care of your people Israel through their long and often difficult history. Your faithfulness to your word gives me assurance that you will send Jesus back to bring victory to all of your people, just as you have promised. In the name of Jesus, son of Abraham, son of David, and your Son, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 4:4-6
  • Galatians 3:16
  • Romans 4:16

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 1:1 NLT — This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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