The New Testament begins with what looks like a simple genealogy—but Matthew’s opening is anything but ordinary. In fact, his very first words could be read as “The book of genesis of Jesus Christ…” signaling not just a family tree, but the beginning of God’s new creation.
Matthew carefully weaves together the story of God’s people, including surprising figures like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—reminders of Israel’s messy past and of God’s enduring faithfulness. Through this genealogy, God shows us that he never gives up on his people and chooses to bring Jesus into the world within a rich framework of heritage and tradition.
As disciples, this challenges us too. God could have started something entirely new with Jesus, but instead, he chose to work within an existing framework. Likewise, our calling is not to create from nothing, but to re-create—honoring the past while pushing faithfully into new territory.
This week we’ll reflect on questions such as:
- How does our spiritual heritage shape and guide us today?
- Where might it be limiting us?
- In what ways are we called to re-create—building on the good foundations we’ve inherited while exploring new ways to follow God together?
Sermon outline:
Jesus’ Early Life and Fulfilled Prophecies (Matthew 2–4)
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Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–18)
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Jesus’ story rewrites Israel’s history.
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Just as Israel went to Egypt and through the desert, so did Jesus.
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Baptism and Temptation (Matthew 3:13–4:11)
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John the Baptist prepares the way.
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Jesus baptized “to fulfill all righteousness.”
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Forty days in the desert mirrors Israel’s forty years, but Jesus remains faithful.
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Prophecies Fulfilled
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Isaiah’s words fulfilled through Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:12–16).
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In total, Matthew highlights 32 fulfilled prophecies to show God’s plan.
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The Call for Us Today
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Jesus succeeded where Israel failed: faithful, obedient, covenant-keeping.
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God is doing something new through Jesus—calling us to live by the Spirit, not by the world.
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Reflection: What old patterns or cultural habits do we need to let go of to embrace Christ fully?
Communion Focus
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Fix our eyes on Jesus, not the world.
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His sacrifice calls us to walk faithfully, reflecting His image.
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As we take the bread and cup, recommit to live as Christ lived.
Conclusion
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God’s promises never fail.
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He uses broken people for His mission.
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Jesus fulfills Israel’s story and calls us to continue His story today.
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Challenge: Will your life be part of Christ’s ongoing genealogy of faith?