God With Us: The Birth of Jesus and His Family Line (Matthew 1:1–25)
The Gospel of Matthew begins with something we don’t often expect—a long list of names. But this list isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a powerful reminder that God had a plan all along. Matthew 1 shows us where Jesus came from and how His birth changed everything.
Let’s explore what happens in this important chapter.
The Family Tree of Jesus
Matthew starts by showing Jesus’ family line, beginning with Abraham. It moves through famous names like Isaac, Jacob, Ruth, King David, and others, all the way to Joseph, the husband of Mary.
At first, it might just look like a list of ancestors. But it’s more than that. This family tree shows that Jesus didn’t appear out of nowhere—He came through a real line of real people. Some were faithful, some made big mistakes, but all were part of God’s story.
This reminds us that God can use anyone—no matter their past—as part of His greater plan.
Joseph’s Confusing Situation
Matthew then turns to the story of Jesus’ birth. Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, was found to be pregnant. But she hadn’t been with Joseph or any man. Naturally, Joseph was confused and likely hurt. What was he supposed to think?
Joseph was a kind and honorable man. Instead of making a public scene, he planned to quietly end the engagement and protect Mary from shame.
An Angel Brings Clarity
Just as Joseph was thinking about all of this, an angel appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child growing inside her is from the Holy Spirit.”
The angel explained that the baby would be a son, and Joseph was to name Him Jesus, which means “the Lord saves.” This baby would save people from their sins.
Then the angel reminded Joseph of a promise made long ago by the prophet Isaiah: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,” which means “God with us.”
This wasn’t just a random baby. This was the Savior, the one God had promised, now arriving in the most unexpected way.
Joseph’s Obedient Heart
When Joseph woke up, he didn’t argue or delay. He trusted God’s message. He took Mary as his wife and later gave the baby the name Jesus, just like the angel had said.
Joseph’s obedience—though it wasn’t easy—shows deep faith. He believed God’s plan, even when it didn’t make sense from a human point of view.
What We Can Learn from Matthew 1
This chapter holds some powerful lessons for all of us:
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God’s plan includes everyone. Jesus’ family line had people from different backgrounds, some with messy stories. God can use anyone.
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Faith often means trusting what we can’t fully understand. Joseph didn’t have all the answers, but he chose to obey.
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Jesus is the Savior who came to be with us. The name Immanuel means “God with us.” We are never alone—Jesus came to walk with us.
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God keeps His promises. From Abraham to Jesus, God’s plan was moving forward, even when people didn’t realize it.
Jesus didn’t just come to be a baby in a manger. He came to save us, to be with us, and to remind us that God’s love and promises are real.
As we reflect on His birth, may we also respond like Joseph—with a heart that listens, trusts, and obeys.
Matthew 1: 1-25 (WEB)
1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.2 Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram. 4 Ram became the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon became the father of Salmon. 5 Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse. 6 Jesse became the father of King David. David the king became the father of Solomon by her who had been Uriah’s wife. 7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa. 8 Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah. 9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham. Jotham became the father of Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh. Manasseh became the father of Amon. Amon became the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.12 After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel became the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim. Eliakim became the father of Azor. 14 Azor became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim. Achim became the father of Eliud. 15 Eliud became the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became the father of Jacob. 16 Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ, fourteen generations.18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly. 20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”22 Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child,and shall give birth to a son.They shall call his name Immanuel,”which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself; 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.