[bajj]

Ooo Kathy, I'm so glad you're joining us!

[kakuehl]

I just checked out one of my commentaries on the significance of the number 14. Douglas Hare writes in the Interpretation Commentary on Matthew, "It is widely believed that Matthew is making a wordplay. Hebrew consonants must do double duty as numbers. The Hebrew "D" stands for the number 4, The "W" (or "V") represents the number 6; thus DaViD has the numerical value of 14 (4+6+4); by structuring the Davidic posterity in this way, Matthew announces that Jesus is not just a son of David (as is said of Joseph in 1:20) but is the long awaited Messiah, David's ultimate successor."

Hare also notes that to make the geneology work, Matthew has to leave out 3 kings between Joram and Uzziah.

Thanks Ani, good to be here!

[bajj]

Anyone want to host this next week? Maybe someone who will actually come up with some questions or a guideline since I didn't?

[WLD]

i think you did fine. I just read this thread but i'm enjoying it. what's the reading for this week?

[bajj]

Chapter 4. I want to do 5,6 and 7 together if possible, so I thought we might try just chapter 4 this week.

[kakuehl]

Sounds good... we didn't do much with 3 either last week. I'm trying to get my thoughts together. (LOL)

[bajj]

Sorry you guys, I've been MIA. Let's try chapters 1 through 4 this week, shall we? Maybe we can actually discuss them!

[kakuehl]

My apologies as well. I promised Ani I would pick up the ball this week and I dropped it!

[lovemy2boys]

I'm glad - I really would love the bible study to continue...

[kakuehl]

And so, we go back to the beginning...

Have any of you thought about why Matthew begins his gospel with that dreaded geneology (In KJB, all those begats!)?

Some commentators believe that Matthew is connecting his gospel to the Torah (first five books on the Old Testament). So the Greek of Matthew literally begins: The book of the genesis of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.

[bajj]

I haven't thought too much about it. I know that being able to trace your lineage was important in the Jewish culture and tracing the geaneology proves the prophets about Jesus were true. I'll have to think more on that one and get back with you!

[kakuehl]

bumping this up...)
Have you thought about the names that are given to Mary's baby boy? First is Christ (the annointed one)(the Messiah in Hebrew): this is actually a title that declares Jesus to the king of the Jews (in the line of David!!) Messiah ties him to the geneology beginning with Abraham. (Remember Christ is not Jesus's last name!)

The second name is Jesus which means savior (Joshua is the OT form).

The third name is Emmanuel (or Immanuel) which is God with us.

Thus in the first chapter of the gospel, Matthew tells us a lot about who Jesus is. The geneology tells us he is the descendant of Abraham (with whom God made the covenant , "You will be my people') and the descendant of David (with whom God made the covenant, "there will always be a member of the house of David on the throne of Israel")

Then the names/titles: Christ (the annointed one, again this is the king of the house of David); Jesus ("the one who will save his people."); and Emmanuel (God is with us - what a promise about God and his presence!) Before Jesus is even born, Matthew tell us who he is going to be.

[bajj]

Very interesting points, Kathy. Thanks for sharing!

Anyone else have anything to add?

[bajj]

Let's discuss Mary, shall we?

Imagine what kind of young woman she must have been. I know she was not perfect, as only Christ is perfect, but she had something about her. To be chosen to be the Mother of Christ. Any thoughts?