Matthew

Matthew, the author of this Gospel, was one of Jesus’ disciples (pupils) and an apostle (missionary).

Matthew describes the human ancestry of Jesus Christ in three parts: from Abraham to David, from David to the Exile and from the Exile to the birth of Jesus.

The Lord Jesus Christ's human blood-line included some very disappointing characters.

The deportation of Jews to exile in Babylon was a shameful episode in Israel's history. It was God's punishment of a nation which has refused to submit to Him.

There are some questions to which only God has the answer.

Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant. She had told him what God's angel had revealed to her, and that the Holy Spirit had enabled a baby to be alive in her womb, even though she was a virgin!

Joseph had a huge dilemma. Mary was pregnant before her marriage, and it was not his child. An illegitimate birth would bring great shame on her family and Joseph's.

Sometimes we are too close to the action to see it in perspective.

Joseph was now quite clear. His confusion had gone because God had spoken.

Although some traditional pictures show Jesus surrounded by Magi (wise men who may have been 'king-makers'), Matthew tells us that their visit to Jerusalem and Bethlehem was after Christ’s birth.