Shaking The Family Tree, Part 1 - Matthew 5:1-16

Instead of beginning his Gospel with a story, Matthew chooses to begin with the genealogy of Jesus. It is obvious that he wants to show his Jewish audience that Jesus is the Messiah, and that He is of the lineage of David; but what is not so understandable until you explore it a little is why Matthew obviously went out of his way to lift up some of the most embarrassing family members and events in Jesus’ background as he lays out Jesus’ family tree. Why do you think Matthew would do this? Most others would skip over things he went out of his way to include, and did not have to include. As Dr. McMahon shares some insights into this during this Christmas season, you may be surprised at the messages on can find in Jesus’ family tree.