The beginning of Matthew’s gospel carries special OT connotations that are designed to catch our attention. “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Mt. 1:1). Matthew just connected the dots for the reader that Jesus is not just another somebody. Jesus is THE somebody.

A genealogical record only matters in the case of someone with a familial claim to something. The something is not specified but is strongly implied. He identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the Jewish term for the coming “Chosen One” of God. This was the figure that all of the Jews had been anxiously waiting for for centuries. Matthew boldly claims they wait no more. 

That alone would have been clear enough for a Jewish reader, but then Matthew ties Jesus into the lineage of David. This justifies the genealogy that follows. Jesus as a son of David, means He is of the royal line and is thus, qualified to sit on the throne. The something Jesus has a familial claim to is the throne. That He is also the son of Abraham ties in with the other great Jewish covenant (Gen. 12). Jesus is the fulfillment of the entirety of the OT. 

Matthew’s argument will drive this point home throughout his account. He offers special royal connections as he unpacks what this means for the reader. He traces His lineage and defends His birthright to the throne. He records the royal announcement in the Sermon on the Mount. As Matthew weaves images of the Kingdom of God in and out of his account, he draws our minds to the code of conduct demanded of each citizen. 

This point is clearly traced through all of Matthew’s gospel as one of the major themes. The last point in his account is Jesus’ great authority claim. A claim, that He would have no right to make were it not for the fact that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. Thus, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Mt. 28:18).  And as King, He can send, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…” (Mt. 28:19a). 

The primary application for the world today, including myself: If I want Jesus as my Savior I must be willing to surrender myself and bow my knee to Him as my Lord and King. Without completely emptying myself and serving Him, I will not be fit for His Kingdom and reign.