Gospel
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, 6 Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. 8 Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. 9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. 11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. 12 After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, 15 Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”
Historical Background & Setting
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew (also known as Levi), likely in the late 50s or early 60s AD. The purpose is to affirm Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the rightful heir to David’s throne, and the promised Savior of all humanity. Primarily to the Jewish Christians, possibly in Antioch of Syria, who were grappling with their identity in light of Jesus as the Messiah.
The genealogy traces Jesus’ lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph, establishing His royal and covenantal credentials. The birth narrative unfolds in a Jewish context under Roman rule, where divine intervention redefines human expectations.
Theological Context
Jesus is presented as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 7:14—“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (“God with us”). The genealogy links Jesus to Abraham and David, showing that He is the fulfillment of both the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants.
The conception by the Holy Spirit emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and His mission to save humanity from sin. Joseph’s response to Mary’s pregnancy—choosing mercy over public shame—foreshadows the grace Jesus will embody.
Learning Lessons
God Is With Us: “Immanuel” isn’t just a name—it’s a promise. In every circumstance, God is present and active. His name means “Yahweh saves,” reminding us that salvation is not earned but given.
God works through imperfect people. The genealogy includes figures like Rahab and Ruth, showing that God’s plan includes outsiders and sinners.
Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s message teaches us to trust divine guidance even when it defies social norms.
“Immanuel’s Line”
From Abraham’s tent to David’s throne,
A lineage carved in flesh and bone.
Through kings and kin, through grace and strife,
God weaves the thread of eternal life.
A virgin bears what prophets told,
A child of promise, brave and bold.
No palace grand, no trumpet sound,
Yet Heaven’s glory now is found.
Immanuel—our hope, our light,
Born to banish darkest night.
In humble love, salvation came,
And Jesus is His holy name.
Lord Jesus,
You are the fulfillment of every promise, the light in our lineage, the hope in our hearts. You came not with fanfare, but with faithfulness. Born of Mary, conceived by the Spirit, You are Immanuel—God with us.
Teach us to trust like Joseph, to love like Mary, to believe like Abraham. May Your name be our refuge, Your presence our peace, and Your grace our guide.
Amen.
Pericope:
I: The Infancy Narrative
THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS / THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Matthew 1:1-17 / 18-25
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
