“The family tree of Jesus Christ, David’s son, Abraham’s son”
Matthew 1:1
Bridges. They make crossing over so much easier. A wide river; a deep ravine; a busy, multi-lane street—we navigate from one side to another with scarcely a thought because of the bridge.
In spanning the centuries of God’s history to once and for all purchase freedom for His precious creation, the first verse of the first book of the New Testament provides a seamless bridge to help us “cross over” from law formed to law fulfilled; from prescribed sacrifice to personal surrender; from yearning hope to joy realized.
So Matthew begins his Gospel:
“The family tree”—we find CONNECTION to all who have come before.
“of Jesus Christ”—Cornerstone of our IDENTITY
“David’s son, Abraham’s son”—we are brought into the SPIRITUAL HERITAGE of our faith.
In one verse, the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever welcomes us into His story of steadfast love, eternal faithfulness, unwavering goodness. Now THAT is something to celebrate!