Chronological Gospels: Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38

Jan 9, 2023

This post may contain partner or affiliate links which means I might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you, for any purchases made through my affiliate links.

WEEK 2: Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-38

This week we explore Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-38 for part two of our Chronological Gospels study. Matthew opens up with the genealogy of Jesus. It seems like most people see lists of names and kind of gloss over it, but I encourage you to truly investigate and absorb the names on this list.



What names in the genealogy of Jesus listed in Matthew 1 stand out to you and why?

I love that Rahab, the prostitute from Joshua 2 and Joshua 6, is part of Jesus’ genealogy. In Joshua, she was an unexpected participant in the story of Jericho. She hid some men of the Lord, saving their lives, and she was spared when the city fell. We then get to see that she was the mother of Boaz, who later married Ruth, which we learn in Ruth 4.

Each of these people is named in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Every name mentioned in scripture is important and intentional. This passage may seem mundane, but I find it incredible to discover ties to other stories of the Old Testament right here in this list of names. We get to learn so much from a seemingly simple list of people, but each served an incredible role in God’s plans to send His Son to earth.

Who else on this list do you recognize from other Bible passages?


Discord Logo

Join the discussion on Discord!

Want to discuss this study and other Bible topics and questions with the community?


After telling us the lineage of Jesus, we get to read about His birth in Matthew 1:18-25 and again in Luke 2:1-24. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 and is a beautiful reminder that God is a promise keeper.

14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.[a]

Isaiah 7:14 NKJV

What promises have you seen God keep in your life and how has this helped your faith?

In Luke 2 we learn that God used the census to lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in order to fulfill the prophecy from Micah 5:2. God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and He absolutely uses these details, that so often we see as burdensome or as getting in the way, to lead us where He wants us to go.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From [a]everlasting.”

Micah 5:2 NKJV

Explain a time you felt burdened by a situation and later learned God was working in it.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be presented at the temple, we see beautiful examples from Simeon and Anna. They were led by the Holy Spirit to the knowledge of who Jesus, this little infant in His parent’s arms, truly was. They both not only believed what was revealed to them but proclaimed and praised this wonderful news!

This was the news they waited all their lives, and many generations, for, and here He was in their temple. These people who faithfully waited and prayed for the coming of the Messiah were blessed with being participants in presenting this Holy child to the Lord. They welcomed this opportunity and gave great, bold praise to God.

What stands out to you within our readings today?


Support Water On Thirsty Land


This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.

$2,300 value for less than $5 a month-- Start your free trial today!

Have you accepted the grace of God?

If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.

If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:

Discover More

A Study of Lamentations with the NET Timeless Truth Bible

A Study of Lamentations with the NET Timeless Truth Bible

I received a complimentary copy of this in exchange for an honest review as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. All reviews are my honest opinions based on my experience with the product. #BibleGatewayPartner A Study of Lamentations with the NET Timeless Truth...

Shop edifying products designed to build you up in faith!

SHOP

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This
Skip to content