Matthew 1:1-17 is not merely a list of names or a genealogy of a “family” but contains deep stories and meanings. This passage serves as the “gateway” to the Gospel of Matthew. Therefore, to discover the “spaces” within the Gospel of Matthew, every reader must first pass through this gateway. All the major themes found in the Gospel of Matthew, which consists of twenty-eight chapters, are orchestrated by this opening passage.
In the Jewish literary tradition, the term or word for genealogy does not merely refer to genealogical documents, studies of origins, family histories, or the tracing of lines of descent based on blood ties. Rather, genealogy also contains a theological statement: the nature of God, His attributes, and His relationship with humanity and the universe. The genealogy listed, which spans seventeen verses, reveals who these people are and why their names are recorded. Thus, the placement of this list at the beginning of the writing intends to convey: “You need to know who He is and where He comes from before hearing all His words and teachings.”
The placement of the Gospel of Matthew at the beginning of the New Testament canon is strategic. Here, the genealogy becomes the first narrative read, tracing the long journey of the books within the New Testament. This passage serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. It draws a thread from Abraham in the book of Genesis, through David in 2 Samuel, through the prophets and kings, until it reaches the central figure, the focal point of both covenants, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us delve deeper by exploring the verses in Matthew 1:1-17. Verse 1 states: “This is the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” This opening sentence literally refers to a book of origins or a list of births. It appears that what Matthew writes as the gateway to the New Testament cannot be separated from the statements found in the Old Testament. There are at least two relevant references: Genesis 2:4: “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created,” and Genesis 5:1: “This is the written account of Adam’s descendants.”
Matthew presents the genealogy to convey a crucial thesis: with Jesus’ birth, a creation episode and a pivotal moment in humanity’s salvation history begin. Jesus does not merely join the pre-existing human narrative; He initiates a new history.
The statement “Jesus Christ” refers to Jesus, who is anointed. This is the title held by the Lord Jesus. Thus, the placement of this title at the opening of the Gospel serves as a declaration, a claim, or a core statement: “This book is about the anointed Jesus.” This is an important narrative, as it marks the fulfilment of a prophecy awaited since the Old Testament era.
Chronologically, Adam existed before Abraham, but Matthew mentions David first, then Abraham. In Jewish oral and written tradition, the title “Son of David” is a direct and strong messianic title. In the Gospel of Luke 18:38, a blind man cries out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The blind man’s call reflects the messianic recognition that developed at that time towards Jesus. Therefore, positioning David first in the genealogy emphasizes the most urgent messianic claim. However, mentioning Abraham after David does not imply he is less important. In Genesis 12:3, it is written: “Through you, all peoples on earth will be blessed.” By including the name Abraham, Matthew seeks to convey an important message: the presence of the Lord Jesus is not only a saviour for the people of Israel but also the fulfilment of blessings for all peoples, humanity, and nations.