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Sermon synopsis: Matt 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Matt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

In Matthew 1 we find the genealogy of Jesus through Joseph. Although Jesus was descended from a royal line, many of the characters mentioned would be deemed unsavoury.

The 4 women listed are Rahab (a harlot), Tamar (who prostituted herself to her father-in-law), Ruth from the despised Moabites and Bathsheba (the adulteress).

We are also aware of the sins of many of the men mentioned in Jesus’ lineage as well.

Yet this line of sinful people is suddenly intersected – in the mercies of God – by the name JESUS. History is changed because of the last name mentioned in this chapter. Jesus did not inherit a sinful nature and lived a sinless life.

And the great achievement of Jesus is mentioned here when we are told that “He will save His people from their sins.