Matthew 1 - Special From the Beginning

Matthew 1 - Special From the Beginning In this first episode of The Bible in Small Steps, we kick things off with a chapter many skip—Matthew 1. It might feel like a tedious list of “begats,” but it’s actually a foundational piece of the Gospel story. We explore why this genealogy matters, especially to a Jewish audience, and what it says about God’s plan, promises, and priorities. The Importance of Lineage in Jewish TraditionMatthew’s audience would have immediately recognized the significance of Jesus’ genealogy. It’s not just a history—it’s a receipt, proof that Jesus is the fulfillment of long-awaited prophecy. A Diverse Family TreeFrom Abraham to David to Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ lineage includes kings, commoners, sinners, saints, Gentiles, and women with complicated stories. This shows that the Gospel is inclusive—meant for everyone, not just the elite or “perfect.” The Character of JosephJoseph doesn’t get a lot of spotlight, but his quiet obedience, righteousness, and willingness to protect Mary show deep faith. He models what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make logical sense. The Symbolism of NumbersMatthew’s three sets of 14 generations are more than a record—they reflect biblical completeness and even hint at the idea of Jesus being the “ultimate Jubilee,” a figure who forgives debts and restores what’s been lost. Prophecy FulfilledFrom Isaiah’s mention of Emmanuel to the structure of the genealogy itself, Matthew makes a strong case that Jesus didn’t come out of nowhere—He came exactly when, where, and how God said He would. TakeawaysThis episode reminds us that God’s plan is never random. Every person in that list had a role in the story of redemption—just like we do. Whether you come from a messy past, feel unqualified, or are waiting on a promise, this genealogy shows that God works through all of it. He keeps His promises, includes the outsider, and moves even when it seems like nothing is happening. Don’t skip the beginning. It tells you everything you need to know about the heart of the Gospel—and the heart of God. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.