"THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS PART III"
Notes
Transcript
Proposition - Over the next three weeks we are going to look at the Genealogy of Matthew chapter 1. We will see how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His name sake.
Interrogative question - Who or what is your Jesus?
Group 1 Abraham through David - 14 names (compare Genesis 12-50; 1 Chronicles 2:3-15; Ruth 4:18-22) - Theocracy
Group 2 Solomon through Jeconiah - 14 names (Compare 1 Chronicles 3:10-14) - Monarchy
Group 3 Shealtiel through Jesus - 13 names - Hierarchy - a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
"the initiative was with those lower down in the hierarchy"
the clergy of the Catholic or Episcopal Church; the religious authorities.
noun: the hierarchy
"the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Romania"
the upper echelons of a hierarchical system; those in authority.
noun: the hierarchy
"the magazine was read quite widely even by some of the hierarchy"
12 After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor. 14 Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. 15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob. 16 Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
Shealtiel
Shealtiel
Birth of Shealtiel, Oldest Son of Jehoiachin and Father to Zerubbabel 598 BC
SHEALTIEL (Shə ălʹ tĭ ĕl) Personal name meaning “I have asked of God.” Father of Zerubbabel, the governor of Jerusalem under the Persian regime following the exile (Ezra 3:2, Neh. 12:1; Hag. 1:1). First Chronicles 3:17 makes him Zerubbabel’s uncle. This could involve the practice of Levirate marriage (Deut. 25:5–10). He was included in the genealogy of Christ (Matt. 1:12; Luke 3:27). Shealtiel. (2003). In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 1477). Holman Bible Publishers.
Relatives
Jehoiachin Father, King, A Man
Pedaiah (son of Jehoiachin) Brother, A Man
Jekamiah (descendant of Jeconiah) Brother, A Man
Zedekiah (descendant of David) Brother, A Man
Shenazzar Brother, A Man
Hoshama Brother, A Man
Malchiram Brother, A Man
Nedabiah Brother, A Man
Zerubbabel Son, Governor, A Man
Zedekiah (King) Uncle, King, A Man, Personal Name
Jehoiakim (King) Grandfather, King, A Man
Jerahmeel (son of Jehoiakim) Uncle, A Man
Berechiah (son of Zerubbabel) Grandson, A Man
Abiud Grandson, A Man
Nehushta Grandmother, Queen, Woman
Neri Relative, A Man
Rhesa Grandson, A Man
Hananiah (son of Zerubbabel)Grandson, A Man
Meshullam (son of Zerubbabel)Grandson, A Man
Shimei (brother of Zerubbabel)Nephew, A Man
Jushab-hesed Grandson, A Man
Hashubah Grandson, A Man
Hasadiah (Son of Zerubbabel)Grandson, A Man, Personal Name
Ohel Grandson, A Man
Shelomith (sister of Hananiah)Granddaughter, Woman
9. Josias is said to beget Jechonias and his brethren (v. 11); by Jechonias here is meant Jehoiakim, who was the first-born of Josias; but, when it is said (v. 12) that Jechonias begat Salathiel, that Jechonias was the son of that Jehoiakim who was carried into Babylon, and there begat Salathiel (as Dr. Whitby shows), and, when Jechonias is said to have been written childless (Jer. 22:30), it is explained thus: No man of his seed shall prosper. Salathiel is here said to beget Zorobabel, whereas Salathiel begat Pedaiah, and he begat Zorobabel (1 Chr. 3:19): but, as before, the grandson is often called the son; Pedaiah, it is likely, died in his father’s lifetime, and so his son Zorobabel was called the son of Salathiel. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 1612). Hendrickson.
Zerubbabel
Zerubbabel
ZERUBBABEL—the seed of Babylon, the son of Salathiel or Shealtiel (Hag. 1:1; Zorobabel, Matt. 1:12); called also the son of Pedaiah (1 Chr. 3:17–19), i.e., according to a frequent usage of the word “son;” the grandson or the nephew of Salathiel. He is also known by the Persian name of Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:8, 11). In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, he led the first band of Jews, numbering 42,360 (Ezra 2:64), exclusive of a large number of servants, who returned from captivity at the close of the seventy years. In the second year after the Return, he erected an altar and laid the foundation of the temple on the ruins of that which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (3:8–13; ch. 4–6). All through the work he occupied a prominent place, inasmuch as he was a descendant of the royal line of David. Easton, M. G. (1893). In Illustrated Bible Dictionary and Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature (p. 705). Harper & Brothers.
Rebuilding of the temple Ezra 2:1–4:5, 24–6:22; Haggai 1:1–2:23; Zech 1:1–8:23; 11:4–17
Returned exiles rebuild the temple Ezra 2:1–4:5, 24–6:22; Haggai 1:1–2:23; Zech 1:1–8:23; 11:4–17
Exiles return and begin rebuilding Ezra 2:1–3:13
Zerubbabel leads a group of exiles to Judah Ezra 2:1–70
The returned exiles rebuild the altar and restore regular sacrifices Ezra 3:1–6
The exiles lay the foundation of the temple Ezra 3:7–13
The rebuilding of the temple is halted Ezra 4:1–5, 24
Samaritans oppose the rebuilding of the temple Ezra 4:1–3
Prophecies about the temple and the people Ezra 5:1–5; Haggai 1:1–2:23; Zech 1:1–6
Haggai delivers his first message Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1:1–11
Temple rebuilding is resumed Ezra 5:2–5; Haggai 1:12–15
Haggai delivers his second message Haggai 2:1–9
Haggai delivers his fourth message Haggai 2:20–23
Abihud
Abihud
ABIHUD, SON OF BELA (אֲבִיהוּד, avihud). A descendant of both Benjamin and Zerubbabel (1 Chr 8:3); possibly the father of Eliakim (Matt 1:13). Abihud, Son of Bela. (2016). In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, L. Wentz, E. Ritzema, & W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Lexham Press.
Relatives
Bela (son of Benjamin) Father, A Man
Naaman (grandson of Benjamin) Brother, A Man
Gera (son of Bela) Brother, A Man
Abishua (son of Bela) Brother, A Man
Addar (descendant of Benjamin) Brother, A Man
Huram (son of Bela) Brother, A Man
Ahoah Brother, A Man
Jerimoth (son of Bela) Brother, Chief, A Man, Soldier
Uzziel (descendant of Benjamin) Brother, Chief, A Man, Soldier
Uzzi (son of Bela) Brother, Chief, A Man, Soldier
Ezbon (son of Bela) Brother, Chief, A Man, Soldier
Ir Brother, Chief, A Man, Soldier
Benjamin (patriarch) Grandfather, A Man, Patriarchs, Personal Name, Shepherd
Huppim Nephew, A Man
Ashbel Uncle, A Man
Ahiram Uncle, A Man
Shuppim (son of Ir) Nephew, A Man
Gera (son of Benjamin) Uncle, A Man
Becher (son of Benjamin) Uncle, A Man
Rosh (Person) Uncle, A Man
Ard (son of Benjamin) Uncle, A Man
Muppim Uncle, A Man
Ehi Uncle, A Man
Jeremoth (son of Becher) Cousin, A Man
Joash (son of Becher) Cousin, A Man
Omri (descendant of Benjamin) Cousin, A Man
Abijah (son of Becher) Cousin, A Man
Jediael (son of Benjamin) Uncle, A Man
Elioenai (son of Becher) Cousin, Chief, A Man, Soldier
Eliezer (son of Becher) Cousin, Chief, A Man, Soldier
Alemeth (son of Becher) Cousin, A Man
Bilhan (son of Jediael) Cousin, A Man
Rapha Uncle, A Man
Anathoth (Son of Becher)Cousin, A Man
Nohah (Person)Uncle, A Man
Aharah Uncle, A Man
Zemirah Cousin, A Man
Eliakim
Eliakim
ELIAKIM (Ē līʹ ə kĭm) Personal name meaning “God will raise up.” 1. Son of Hilkiah who was in charge of the household of King Hezekiah of Judah (2 Kings 18:18). That responsibility had previously belonged to Shebna; Isa. 22:15–25 deals with the displacing of Shebna by Eliakim. 2. Son of Josiah who was placed on the throne of Judah by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt (2 Kings 23:34). The Pharaoh changed the name of Eliakim to Jehoiakim. The latter name is the one by which this individual is more widely known. See Jehoiakim. 3. Priest who was involved in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 12:41). 4. Ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary (Matt. 1:13). 5. Son of Melea, mentioned in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:30). Eliakim. (2003). In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 477). Holman Bible Publishers.
Relatives
Abiud Father, A Man
Azor Son, A Man
Zerubbabel Grandfather, Governor, A Man
Zadok (ancestor of Jesus)Grandson, A Man
Berechiah (son of Zerubbabel)Uncle, A Man
Azor
Azor
Relatives
Eliakim (Mt. 1:13)Father, A Man
Zadok (ancestor of Jesus)Son, A Man
Abiud Grandfather, A Man
Achim Grandson, A Man
Zadok
Zadok
There are several other men named Zadok in the Bible, but they are only mentioned in one or two verses apiece. They can be found in
1 Chronicles 6:12 (Zadok the descendant of Zadok the priest),
1 Chronicles 9:11 and Nehemiah 11:11 (Zadok the Levite),
2 Kings 15:33 and 2 Chronicles 27:1 (Zadok the father of Jerusha),
Nehemiah 3:4 (Zadok the son of Baana),
Nehemiah 3:29 (Zadok the son of Immer),
Nehemiah 10:21 (Zadok the Israelite leader),
Nehemiah 13:13 (Zadok the scribe), and
Matthew 1:14 (Zadok, an ancestor of Jesus Christ).
Relatives
Azor Father, A Man
Achim Son, A Man
Eliakim (Mt. 1:13) Grandfather, A Man
Eliud Grandson, A Man
Achim
Achim
Relatives
Zadok (ancestor of Jesus)Father, A Man
Eliud Son, A Man
Eleazar (ancestor of Jesus)Grandson, A Man
Azor Grandfather, A Man
ACHIM (Āʹ kĭm) Personal name of ancestor of Jesus of whom nothing is known except his name (Matt. 1:14). Achim. (2003). In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 19). Holman Bible Publishers.
Eliud
Eliud
Relatives
Achim Father, A Man
Eleazar (ancestor of Jesus) Son, A Man
Zadok (ancestor of Jesus) Grandfather, A Man
Matthan Grandson, A Man
ELIUD (ə līʹ ŭd) Personal name meaning “God is high and mighty.” Great, great grandfather of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus (Matt. 1:14–15). Eliud. (2003). In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 483). Holman Bible Publishers.
Eleazar
Eleazar
There are seven other men named Eleazar found in the Bible, although none quite as noteworthy as Aaron’s son. Some were Levitical priests, one was of the same line as Jesus, one was known for having married and divorced a foreign wife, and one even fought the Philistines “till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword” (2 Samuel 23:10). You can read about each of these other men named Eleazar in 1 Samuel 7:1; 2 Samuel 23:9–10; 1 Chronicles 11:12; 23:21–22 and 24:28; Ezra 8:33; 10:2 and 25; Nehemiah 12:42; and Matthew 1:15.
Eleazar (Biblical Referents)
Old Testament
• Eleazar (Ne. 12:42) — Listed among those present for the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall.
• Eleazar (family of Parosh) — A member of the family of Parosh, guilty of having taken a foreign wife upon his return from exile.
• Eleazar (priest of Kiriath-jearim) — A priest of Kiriath-jearim who took charge of the ark upon its return from the Philistines.
• Eleazar (son of Aaron) — A son of Aaron, a descendant of Levi.
• Eleazar (son of Mahli) — Son of Mahli; a descendant of Levi, he died without leaving sons.
• Eleazar (son of Phinehas) — Son of Phinehas; a Levite who returned to Judah from Babylon with Ezra.
• Eleazar (warrior) — One of David’s mighty men.
Deuterocanonical Books/Pseudepigrapha
• Eleazar (3 Maccabees) — A respected old Jewish man who prayed on behalf of the captives in Egypt under the rule of Ptolemy IV.
• Eleazar (father of Jason) — Father of Jason, who was sent to Rome.
• Eleazar (father of Jesus) — Father of Jesus Ben Sirach.
• Eleazar (scribe) — An elderly man tortured to death.
• Eleazar (son of Mattathias) — The fourth son of Mattathias and brother of Judas Maccabeus.
New Testament
• Eleazar (ancestor of Jesus) — Named in the account of Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew.
Matthan
Matthan
Relatives
Eleazar (ancestor of Jesus)Father, A Man
Jacob (ancestor of Jesus)Son, A Man
Joseph (husband of Mary)Grandson, Carpenter, A Man
Eliud Grandfather, A Man
MATTHAN [măthˊăn] (Gk. Matthan, from Heb. mattān “gift”). A postexilic ancestor of Jesus; grandfather of Joseph (Matt. 1:15; cf. Matthat at Luke 3:24). Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 700). Eerdmans.
Jacob
Jacob
Patriarchal Period Gen 11:31–50:26
Life of Isaac Gen 25:11–28:9
Isaac’s sons Gen 25:19–34
Rebekah gives birth to Jacob and Esau Gen 25:24–26
Esau sells his birthright Gen 25:29–34
Esau’s marriages and Jacob’s blessings Gen 26:34–28:9
Isaac blesses Jacob Gen 27:1–29
Esau plots to kill Jacob Gen 27:41
Jacob flees to Haran Gen 27:42–28:5
Life of Jacob Gen 28:10–38:30
Jacob marries Leah and Rachel Gen 28:10–29:30
God appears to Jacob in a dream Gen 28:10–22
Jacob meets Rachel at a well Gen 29:1–12
Jacob stays with Laban Gen 29:13–14
Jacob agrees to work seven years for Rachel Gen 29:15–20
Laban gives Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel Gen 29:21–27
Jacob works seven more years for Rachel Gen 29:28–30
Jacob’s Children Gen 29:31–30:24
Rachel gives Bilhah to Jacob Gen 30:1–4
Leah gives Zilpah to Jacob Gen 30:9
Leah bargains for Jacob with mandrakes Gen 30:14–16
Jacob leaves Laban Gen 30:25–32:2
Jacob asks Laban for wages Gen 30:25–34
Jacob breeds flocks Gen 30:37–43
Jacob flees from Laban Gen 31:1–21
Laban pursues Jacob Gen 31:22–24
Laban finds Jacob in Gilead Gen 31:25–32
Jacob is angry with Laban Gen 31:36–42
Jacob and Laban make a covenant Gen 31:43–55
Jacob meets angels at Mahanaim Gen 32:1–2
Jacob faces Esau Gen 32:3–32
Jacob fears Esau Gen 32:3–12
Jacob sends presents to appease Esau Gen 32:13–21
Jacob wrestles with God Gen 32:22–32
Jacob and Esau make peace Gen 32:13–21; 36:6–8
Jacob meets Esau Gen 33:1–16
Jacob journeys to Succoth Gen 33:17
Jacob’s family faces trials in Shechem Gen 33:18–34:31
Jacob settles in Shechem Gen 33:18–20
Hamor speaks with Jacob Gen 34:5–12
Simeon and Levi kill the men of Shechem Gen 34:25–31
Jacob moves his family to Bethel Gen 35:1–15
Jacob moves to Bethel Gen 35:1–7
God appears at Bethel Gen 35:9–15
Rachel gives birth to Benjamin and dies Gen 35:16–20
Reuben sleeps with Bilhah Gen 35:21–22
Isaac dies at Hebron Gen 35:27–29
Life of Joseph Gen 37:8–50:26
Joseph has dreams about his family Gen 37:8–11
Joseph tells his second dream to his father and brothers Gen 37:9–11
Joseph is sold into slavery Gen 37:12–35
Jacob sends Joseph to his brothers Gen 37:12–17
Jacob’s sons deceive him Gen 37:29–35
Joseph and his family end up in Egypt Gen 39:2–50:26
Jacob sends his sons to Egypt Gen 42:1–5
Joseph’s brothers return to Jacob Gen 42:27–38
Jacob allows Benjamin to go to Egypt Gen 43:1–14
Jacob moves his family to Egypt Gen 45:25–47:12
Jacob agrees to go to Egypt Gen 45:25–28
God speaks to Jacob at Beersheba Gen 46:1–4
Jacob goes to Egypt Gen 46:5–7
Jacob and Joseph reunite Gen 46:28–34
Joseph presents his family to Pharaoh Gen 47:1–10
Jacob settles in Goshen Gen 47:11–12
Jacob and his sons remain settled in Egypt Gen 47:13–50:26
Joseph promises to bury Jacob in Canaan Gen 47:29–31
Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh Gen 48:1–22
Jacob blesses his sons and gives burial instructions Gen 49:1–32
Jacob dies in Egypt Gen 49:33–50:3
Joseph asks Pharaoh for permission to bury Jacob Gen 50:4–6
Relatives
Matthan Father, A Man
Joseph (husband of Mary)Son, Carpenter, A Man
Mary (mother of Jesus)Daughter-In-Law, Woman
Eleazar (ancestor of Jesus)Grandfather, A Man
Joseph
Joseph
Joseph (Biblical Referents)
Old Testament
• Joseph (Ne. 12:14) — Listed in the genealogies of Levites in Nehemiah.
• Joseph (descendant of Binnui) — A member of the family of Binnui, guilty of having taken a foreign wife upon his return from exile.
• Joseph (descendant of Issachar) — A descendant of Issachar.
• Joseph (musician) — A son of Asaph; a worship musician during David’s reign.
• Joseph (patriarch) — Son of Jacob by his wife, Rachel. He became an administrator in Egypt during the famine.
Deuterocanonical Books/Pseudepigrapha
• Joseph (great-grandfather of Judith) — Son of Oziel and father of Ox.
• Joseph (son of Zechariah) — Son of Zechariah and commander of Judah’s army under Judas Maccabeus.
New Testament
• Joseph (Lk. 3:24) — Named in the account of Jesus’ genealogy in Luke.
• Joseph (Lk. 3:30) — Named in the account of Jesus’ genealogy in Luke.
• Joseph (brother of Jesus) — A brother of Jesus.
• Joseph (husband of Mary) — Husband of Mary, who was mother of Jesus.
• Joseph (son of Mary) — Son of Mary and brother of James.
• Joseph of Arimathea — A follower of Jesus from Arimathea who placed Jesus’ crucified body in a tomb he owned.
Jesus’ life before ministry Matt 1:18–3:12; 21:32; Mark 1:2–8; Luke 1:8–3:18; John 1:6–8, 19–28
The births of Jesus and John the Baptist are foretold Matt 1:18–24; Luke 1:8–38
An angel appears to Joseph Matt 1:18–24
Birth of Jesus Matt 1:25; Luke 2:1–20
Caesar decrees a census Luke 2:1–5
Jesus is born in Bethlehem Matt 1:25; Luke 2:6–7
Shepherds visit Jesus Luke 2:15–20
Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the temple Luke 2:22–38
Jesus, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt Matt 2:13–20
Flight to Egypt Matt 2:13–15
An angel appears to Joseph in Egypt Matt 2:19–20
Jesus’ youth Matt 2:21–23; Luke 2:39–52
Jesus returns from Egypt to Nazareth Matt 2:21–23; Luke 2:39
Young Jesus visits the temple Luke 2:41–50
To raise up a new Davidic king, God unleashes his power in the womb of Mary. The fact of the virginal conception forces a grammatical change at the climax of the genealogy: “and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom [a feminine singular pronoun] was born Jesus” (v. 16). Obvious differences separate Mary from the other women in the genealogy; yet God visits them all with saving power. Chamblin, J. K. (1995). Matthew. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3, p. 725). Baker Book House.
Jesus - Who is Born to Die
Jesus - Who is Born to Die
Life of Jesus Matt 1:18–19:22; 20:17–28:20; Mark 1:2–10:22, 32–16:20; Luke 1:8–3:22; 4:1–9:50; 10:1–24:53; John 1:6–3:36; 4:1–13:38; 15:1–21:23; Acts 1:1–19; 1 Cor 15:6–7
Jesus’ life before ministry Matt 1:18–3:12; 21:32; Mark 1:2–8; Luke 1:8–3:18; John 1:6–8, 19–28
Birth of Jesus Matt 1:25; Luke 2:1–20
Jesus is born in Bethlehem Matt 1:25; Luke 2:6–7
Shepherds visit Jesus Luke 2:15–20
Jesus as a baby Matt 1:25; Luke 2:21–38
Jesus is circumcised Matt 1:25; Luke 2:21
Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the temple Luke 2:22–38
The Wise Men arrive Matt 2:1–12
Wise men come to Bethlehem Matt 2:9–12
Jesus, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt Matt 2:13–20
Flight to Egypt Matt 2:13–15
Jesus’ youth Matt 2:21–23; Luke 2:39–52
Jesus spends his childhood in Nazareth Luke 2:40
Young Jesus visits the temple Luke 2:41–50
Jesus spends his youth in Nazareth Luke 2:51–52
Jesus’ ministry Matt 3:13–19:22; 20:17–34; 26:6–13; Mark 1:9–10:22, 32–52; 14:3–9; 15:41; Luke 3:19–22; 4:1–9:62; 10:1–16:31; 17:1–19:28; John 1:29–3:36; 4:1–12:11
Beginning of Jesus’ public ministry Matt 3:13–4:12; 14:3–5; Mark 1:9–14; 6:17–20; Luke 3:19–22; 4:1–14; John 1:29–3:36; 4:1–42
Jesus’ ministry begins Matt 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:29–34
John the Baptist baptizes Jesus Matt 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:32
John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the Messiah John 1:29–34
Satan tempts Jesus in the desert Matt 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–13
Jesus calls his disciples John 1:35–51
Jesus calls the first disciples John 1:35–40
Andrew brings Simon Peter to Jesus John 1:41–42
Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael in Galilee John 1:43–51
Jesus turns water into wine John 2:1–11
Jesus stays in Capernaum John 2:12
Jesus clears the temple (John)John 2:13–22
Jesus talks with Nicodemus John 2:23–3:21
Jesus’ ministry grows John 3:22–36; 4:2
Jesus and his disciples baptize in Judea John 3:22; 4:2
Jesus leaves Judea for Galilee Matt 4:12; Mark 1:14; Luke 4:14; John 4:1–3
Jesus in Samaria John 4:4–42
Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman John 4:4–38
Jesus stays in Samaria John 4:39–42
Jesus’ Galilean ministry Matt 4:12–11:19; 12:1–21, 46–15:20; Mark 1:14–3:21, 31–7:23; 15:41; Luke 4:14–9:17; 10:2–3; 11:33–36; 12:22–34; 13:18–21; John 4:43–7:1
Jesus preaches in Galilee Matt 4:12–22; Mark 1:14–20; Luke 4:14–30; 5:10–11; John 4:43–54
Jesus begins preaching in Galilee Matt 4:12, 17; Mark 1:14–15; Luke 4:14–15; John 4:43–45
Jesus heals an official’s son John 4:46–54
Jesus is rejected at Nazareth (Luke)Luke 4:16–30
Jesus moves to Capernaum Matt 4:13–16
Jesus calls four fishermen Matt 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:10–11
Jesus preaches in Capernaum Matt 8:14–17; Mark 1:21–38; Luke 4:31–43
Jesus teaches with authority in Capernaum Mark 1:21–28; Luke 4:31–37
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law Matt 8:14–15; Mark 1:29–31; Luke 4:38–39
Jesus heals many in Capernaum Matt 8:16–17; Mark 1:32–34; Luke 4:40–41
Jesus prays alone Mark 1:35–38; Luke 4:42–43
Jesus preaches in Galilee again Matt 4:23–25; 8:1–4; 13:1–2; Mark 1:39–45; 4:1; Luke 4:44–5:16
Jesus makes his first tour of Galilee Matt 4:23–25; Mark 1:39; Luke 4:44
Jesus teaches a crowd from a boat Matt 13:1–2; Mark 4:1; Luke 5:1–3
Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish (Luke)Luke 5:4–9
Jesus heals a man with leprosy Matt 8:1–4; Mark 1:40–45; Luke 5:12–16
Jesus preaches in Capernaum again Matt 9:1–17; Mark 2:1–22; Luke 5:17–39
Jesus heals a paralyzed man Matt 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26
Jesus calls Matthew Matt 9:9; Mark 2:13–14; Luke 5:27–28
Jesus eats at Matthew’s house Matt 9:10–13; Mark 2:15–17; Luke 5:29–32
Jesus defends his disciples for not fasting Matt 9:14–17; Mark 2:18–22; Luke 5:33–39
Jesus heals a lame man John 5:1–47
Jesus heals a lame man at the pool of Beth-Zatha John 5:1–9
The Jews get angry with Jesus for healing on the Sabbath John 5:10–16
Jesus defends his actions and claims to be God’s son John 5:17–47
Jesus acts on the Sabbath Matt 12:1–14; Mark 2:23–3:6; Luke 6:1–11
The disciples pick wheat on the Sabbath Matt 12:1–8; Mark 2:23–28; Luke 6:1–5
Jesus heals a man’s hand on the Sabbath Matt 12:9–13; Mark 3:1–5; Luke 6:6–10
Jesus chooses his disciples Matt 12:15–21; Mark 3:7–19; Luke 6:12–19
Jesus is followed by a large crowd Matt 12:15–21; Mark 3:7–12; Luke 6:17–19
Jesus chooses the twelve apostles Mark 3:13–19; Luke 6:12–16
Sermon on the Mount/Plain Matt 5:1–7:29; Luke 6:20–49; 11:33–36; 12:22–34
Jesus heals a servant and a son Matt 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–17
Jesus heals a centurion’s servant Matt 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10
Jesus raises a widow’s son Luke 7:11–17
Jesus and John the Baptist Matt 11:2–19; Luke 7:18–35
Jesus reassures John the Baptist Matt 11:2–6; Luke 7:18–23
Jesus teaches about John the Baptist Matt 11:7–19; Luke 7:24–35
Women with Jesus Mark 15:41; Luke 7:36–8:3
A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet (Luke)Luke 7:36–50
Women accompany Jesus Mark 15:41; Luke 8:1–3
Jesus describes his true family Matt 12:46–50; Mark 3:20–21, 31–35; Luke 8:19–21
Jesus teaches several parables Matt 13:3–52; Mark 4:2–34; Luke 8:4–18; 13:18–21
Jesus tells the parable of the soils Matt 13:3–9; Mark 4:2–9; Luke 8:4–8
Jesus’ disciples ask about parables Matt 13:10–23; Mark 4:10–25; Luke 8:9–18
Jesus teaches the crowd with parables Matt 13:24–35; Mark 4:26–34; Luke 13:18–21
Jesus explains the parable of the weeds Matt 13:36–43
Jesus tells parables to his disciples Matt 13:44–52
Jesus calms the storm Matt 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25
Jesus heals a demoniac in the Gerasenes Matt 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39
Jesus sends demons into a herd of pigs Matt 8:28–32; Mark 5:1–13; Luke 8:26–33
The Gerasenes ask Jesus to leave Matt 8:33–34; Mark 5:14–17; Luke 8:34–37
Jesus commissions a missionary in Gadara Mark 5:18–20; Luke 8:38–39
Jesus heals bleeding woman and Jairus’s daughter Matt 9:18–26; Mark 5:21–43; Luke 8:40–56
A synagogue ruler asks Jesus to help his daughter Matt 9:18–19; Mark 5:21–24; Luke 8:40–42
Jesus heals a bleeding woman Matt 9:20–22; Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48
Jesus raises the daughter of a synagogue ruler Matt 9:23–26; Mark 5:35–43; Luke 8:49–56
Jesus heals two blind men Matt 9:27–31
Jesus heals a mute demoniac Matt 9:32–34
The people of Nazareth refuse to believe (Matthew, Mark)Matt 13:53–58; Mark 6:1–6
Jesus prays and sends out apostles Matt 9:35–10:42; Mark 6:7–13; Luke 9:1–6; 10:2–3
Jesus tells his disciples to pray for workers Matt 9:35–38; Luke 10:2–3
Jesus sends out the apostles Matt 10:1–42; Mark 6:7–13; Luke 9:1–6
Jesus crosses from Bethsaida to Gennesaret Matt 14:13–36; Mark 6:30–56; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–71
Jesus feeds the 5000 Matt 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–14
Jesus dismisses the crowd and prays alone Matt 14:22–23; Mark 6:45–46; John 6:14–15
Jesus walks on water Matt 14:24–33; Mark 6:47–52; John 6:16–21
Jesus heals at the Plain of Gennesaret Matt 14:34–36; Mark 6:53–56
Jesus says he is the bread of life John 6:22–59
Disciples desert Jesus John 6:60–71
Jesus teaches on defilement Matt 15:1–20; Mark 7:1–23; John 7:1
The Pharisees criticize Jesus about ceremonial washing Matt 15:1–11; Mark 7:1–15; John 7:1
Jesus teaches his disciples about what defiles Matt 15:12–20; Mark 7:16–23
Jesus’ northern ministry Matt 6:9–13; 7:7–11; 11:20–30; 12:22–45; 15:21–18:35; Mark 3:22–30; 7:24–9:50; Luke 9:18–62; 10:1–13:17; 17:1–4; John 7:1–10
Jesus heals many Matt 15:21–31; Mark 7:24–37
Jesus heals a Gentile woman’s daughter Matt 15:21–28; Mark 7:24–30
Jesus heals a deaf man in the Decapolis Mark 7:31–37
Jesus heals many on a mountain in Galilee Matt 15:29–31
Jesus discusses bread and the Pharisees Matt 15:32–16:12; Mark 8:1–21
Jesus feeds the 4000 Matt 15:32–38; Mark 8:1–9
Jesus goes to Magadan Matt 15:39–16:4; Mark 8:10–12
Jesus warns his disciples against wrong teaching Matt 16:5–12; Mark 8:13–21
Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida Mark 8:22–26
Jesus teaches the disciples at Caesarea Philippi Matt 16:13–28; Mark 8:27–9:1; Luke 9:18–27
Peter declares Jesus the Messiah Matt 16:13–20; Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–21
Jesus predicts his death the first time Matt 16:21–28; Mark 8:31–9:1; Luke 9:22–27
The Transfiguration Matt 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36
Jesus is transfigured on a mountain Matt 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36
The disciples ask about the coming of Elijah Matt 17:9–13; Mark 9:9–13
Demon-possessed boy Matt 17:14–21; Mark 9:14–29; Luke 9:37–42
Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy Matt 17:14–18; Mark 9:14–27; Luke 9:37–42
The disciples ask why they couldn’t heal the demon-possessed boy Matt 17:19–21; Mark 9:28–29
Jesus predicts his death the second time Matt 17:22–23; Mark 9:30–32; Luke 9:43–45
Peter finds a coin in a fish’s mouth Matt 17:24–27
Jesus teaches about greatness and temptation Matt 18:1–20; Mark 9:33–37, 42–50; Luke 9:46–48; 17:1–2
The disciples try to stop someone working in Jesus’ name Mark 9:38–41; Luke 9:49–50
Jesus teaches about forgiveness Matt 18:21–35; Luke 17:3–4
72 messengers Matt 11:20–30; Luke 10:1–24
Jesus sends 72 messengers Matt 11:20–24; Luke 10:1–16
The 72 messengers return Matt 11:25–30; Luke 10:17–24
Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan Luke 10:25–37
Jesus visits Mary and Martha Luke 10:38–42
Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray Matt 6:9–13; 7:7–11; Luke 11:1–13
Jesus counters the Pharisees Matt 12:22–45; Mark 3:22–30; Luke 11:14–13:9
Jesus answers accusers about how he drives out demons Matt 12:22–37; Mark 3:22–30; Luke 11:14–15, 17–28
The Pharisees ask for a sign Matt 12:38–45; Luke 11:16, 29–32
Jesus eats with a Pharisee and criticizes religious leaders Luke 11:37–54
Jesus teaches his disciples and a large crowd Luke 12:1–13:9
Jesus heals a disabled woman Luke 13:10–17
Jesus is rejected by several different groups Luke 9:51–62; John 7:1–10
Jesus’ brothers ridicule him John 7:1–9
Jesus is rejected at a Samaritan village Luke 9:51–56; John 7:10
Jesus talks about the cost of discipleship Luke 9:57–62
Jesus’ Judean and Perean ministry Matt 19:1–22; 20:17–34; 26:6–13; Mark 10:1–22, 32–52; 14:3–9; Luke 13:22–16:31; 17:5–19:28; John 7:11–12:11
Jesus teaches openly at the Feast of Tabernacles John 7:14–36
Jesus teaches about living water John 7:37–44
Jesus forgives an adulterous woman John 7:53–8:11
Jesus claims to be the light of the world John 8:12–59
Jesus heals a man born blind and answers the Pharisees John 9:1–10:42
Jesus heals a man born blind John 9:1–7
Jesus finds the blind man and calls himself the good shepherd John 9:35–10:21
The Jews confront Jesus at the Feast of Dedication John 10:22–39
Jesus goes beyond the Jordan John 10:40–42
Jesus teaches on the narrow door Luke 13:22–30
Jesus is warned about Herod Antipas Luke 13:31–35
Jesus eats with a Pharisee and heals a man Luke 14:1–24
Jesus teaches the crowds about the cost of discipleship Luke 14:25–35
Jesus teaches several more parables Luke 15:1–16:31; 17:5–10
The Pharisees grumble and Jesus tells three parables in response Luke 15:1–32
Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager Luke 16:1–13
Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:14–31
Jesus teaches his apostles about faith and servanthood Luke 17:5–10
Jesus mourns then raises Lazarus John 11:1–45
Jesus delays going to see Lazarus John 11:4–16
Martha meets Jesus John 11:17–27
Mary meets Jesus John 11:28–37
Jesus raises Lazarus John 11:38–45
Jesus withdraws to Ephraim John 11:54
Jesus cleanses 10 men with leprosy Luke 17:11–19
The coming of the kingdom and the Son of Man Luke 17:20–37
Jesus answers the Pharisees about the kingdom of God Luke 17:20–21
Jesus teaches his disciples about the coming of the Son of Man Luke 17:22–37
Jesus tells two parables on prayer Luke 18:1–14
Jesus and the Pharisees quibble Matt 19:1–12; Mark 10:1–12
The Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce Matt 19:1–9; Mark 10:1–9
The disciples ask Jesus about divorce Matt 19:10–12; Mark 10:10–12
Jesus blesses children Matt 19:13–15; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17
Jesus teaches about riches Matt 19:16–22; Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–30
Jesus speaks to a rich young man Matt 19:16–22; Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–23
Jesus teaches his disciples about riches Matt 19:23–20:16; Mark 10:23–31; Luke 18:24–30
Jesus predicts his death the third time Matt 20:17–19; Mark 10:32–34; Luke 18:31–34
Jesus teaches on greatness Matt 20:20–28; Mark 10:35–45
The mother of James and John makes a request Matt 20:20–23; Mark 10:35–40
Jesus teaches about servanthood and greatness Matt 20:24–28; Mark 10:41–45
Jesus at Jericho Matt 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–19:28
Jesus heals Bartimaeus Matt 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43
Jesus stays with Zacchaeus and tells the parable of the 10 servants Luke 19:1–28
Jesus at Bethany before the triumphal entry Matt 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; John 12:1–11
A woman anoints Jesus at Bethany (Matthew, Mark, John)Matt 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; John 12:1–8
Religious leaders plot to kill Lazarus John 12:9–11
Passion week Matt 21:1–13, 18–28:20; Mark 11:1–16:20; Luke 19:29–24:52; John 12:12–13:38; 15:1–21:23; Acts 1:1–19; 1 Cor 15:6–7
Jesus in Jerusalem Matt 21:1–13, 18–26:46; Mark 11:1–14:42; Luke 19:29–22:46; John 12:12–13:38; 15:1–18:1
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey Matt 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–10; Luke 19:29–40; John 12:12–19
Jesus sends disciples to get a donkey Matt 21:1–5; Mark 11:1–3; Luke 19:29–31
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey Matt 21:7–11; Mark 11:7–10; Luke 19:35–40; John 12:12–19
Jesus laments Jerusalem Matt 21:12–13, 18–19; Mark 11:11–17; Luke 19:41–46
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem Luke 19:41–44
Jesus looks around the temple and returns to Bethany Mark 11:11
Jesus curses a fig tree Matt 21:18–19; Mark 11:12–14
Jesus clears the temple (Matthew, Mark, Luke)Matt 21:12–13; Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46
Jesus teaches while leaders conspire against him Matt 21:20–26:16; Mark 11:18–14:11; Luke 19:47–22:6; John 12:20–50
Some Greeks wish to see Jesus John 12:20–36
Jesus summarizes his message John 12:44–50
Jesus teaches a lesson from the withered fig tree Matt 21:20–22; Mark 11:20–26
The religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority Matt 21:23–22:14; Mark 11:27–12:12; Luke 20:1–19
Jesus is questioned about paying taxes Matt 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:20–26
The Sadducees question Jesus about the resurrection Matt 22:23–33; Mark 12:18–27; Luke 20:27–40
Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment Matt 22:34–40; Mark 12:28–34
Jesus questions religious leaders about the Messiah Matt 22:41–46; Mark 12:35–37; Luke 20:41–44
Jesus condemns the religious leaders Matt 23:1–39; Mark 12:38–40; Luke 20:45–47
Jesus commends the widow’s gift Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4
Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple Matt 24:1–2; Mark 13:1–2; Luke 21:5–6
Jesus talks about his return and the end Matt 24:3–25:46; Mark 13:3–37; Luke 21:7–36
Jesus predicts his crucifixion in two days Matt 26:1–2
The Last Supper Matt 26:17–35; Mark 14:12–31; Luke 22:7–34; John 13:1–38
Disciples prepare for the Passover Matt 26:17–19; Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13
Jesus washes his disciples’ feet John 13:1–20
Jesus’ Second Passover Matt 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–21; John 13:31–35
Jesus declares he will be betrayed Matt 26:17–25; Mark 14:18–21; Luke 22:22–23; John 13:21–30
Jesus predicts Peter’s denial Matt 26:30–35; Mark 14:26–31; Luke 22:31–34; John 13:36–38
Jesus prays after the Last Supper Matt 26:30–46; Mark 14:26–42; Luke 22:39–46; John 15:1–18:1
Jesus speaks with his disciples and prays on the way to the Mount of Olives Matt 26:30–35; Mark 14:26–31; Luke 22:39; John 15:1–17:26
Jesus prays in Gethsemane Matt 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:39–46; John 18:1
Jesus’ trial Matt 26:47–27:26; Mark 14:43–15:15; Luke 22:47–23:25; John 18:2–18, 19–19:16; Acts 1:18–19
Jesus’ arrest Matt 26:47–56; Mark 14:43–52; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:2–13, 19–23
Jesus is arrested in Gethsemane Matt 26:47–56; Mark 14:43–52; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:2–12
Annas questions Jesus John 18:13, 19–23
Peter denies Jesus the third time Matt 26:73–75; Mark 14:70–72; Luke 22:59–62; John 18:26
Jesus appears before Caiaphas Matt 26:57, 59–66; Mark 14:53, 55–64; Luke 22:54; John 18:24
Jesus is mocked and beaten Matt 26:67–68; Mark 14:65; Luke 22:63–65
The Sanhedrin condemns Jesus Matt 27:1; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66–71
Pilate and Herod question Jesus Matt 27:2, 11–21; Mark 15:1–11; Luke 23:1–19; John 18:28–19:3
Pilate questions Jesus the first time Matt 27:2, 11–14; Mark 15:1–5; Luke 23:1–7; John 18:28–38
Jesus appears before Herod Antipas Luke 23:7–12
Jesus is flogged (John)John 19:1–3
The crowd calls for crucifixion Matt 27:22; Mark 15:12–13; Luke 23:20–21; John 19:4–7
Pilate questions Jesus again Matt 27:23–26; Mark 15:14–15; Luke 23:22–25; John 19:8–16
Pilate questions Jesus the second time John 19:8–11
Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified Matt 27:23–26; Mark 15:14–15; Luke 23:22–25; John 19:12–16
Jesus’ crucifixion Matt 27:27–66; Mark 15:16–47; Luke 23:26–56; John 19:16–42
Jesus is beaten before being crucified Matt 27:27–32; Mark 15:16–21; Luke 23:26, 32; John 19:16–17
Roman soldiers mock Jesus (Matthew, Mark)Matt 27:27–30; Mark 15:16–19
Jesus is led out to be crucified Matt 27:31; Mark 15:20; Luke 23:32; John 19:16–17
Simon of Cyrene carries the cross Matt 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26
Jesus’ crucifixion is carried out Matt 27:33–44; Mark 15:22–32; Luke 23:27–43; John 19:18–27
Jesus speaks to the mourners Luke 23:27–31
Jesus is offered wine and gall Matt 27:33–34; Mark 15:22–23
Jesus is crucified Matt 27:35–36, 38; Mark 15:24–25, 27; Luke 23:33–34; John 19:18, 23–27
Jesus is mocked on the cross Matt 27:39–44; Mark 15:28–32; Luke 23:35–37
A criminal asks Jesus to remember him Luke 23:39–43
Jesus dies Matt 27:45–56; Mark 15:33–41; Luke 23:44–49; John 19:28–31
Jesus dies on the cross Matt 27:45–50, 54; Mark 15:33–37, 39; Luke 23:44, 46–48; John 19:28–30
A soldier pierces Jesus’ side John 19:31–37
Jesus’ resurrection Matt 28:1–20; Mark 16:1–20; Luke 24:1–52; John 20:1–21:23; Acts 1:4–11; 1 Cor 15:6–7
Jesus is resurrected from death Mark 16:9
Jesus appears to women Matt 28:8–10; Mark 16:9–11; John 20:11–18
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9–11; John 20:11–18
Jesus appears to the women at the tomb Matt 28:8–10
Jesus appears on the road to Emmaus Mark 16:12–13; Luke 24:13–35
Jesus appears to two believers on the road to Emmaus Mark 16:12–13; Luke 24:13–32
Jesus appears to disciples Matt 28:16–20; Mark 16:14–18; Luke 24:34–43; John 20:19–21:23
Jesus appears to Peter Luke 24:34
Jesus appears to the apostles behind locked doors Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–23
Jesus appears to the apostles including Thomas John 20:24–29
Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish (John)John 21:1–14
Jesus reconciles with Peter John 21:15–23
Jesus gives the great commission Matt 28:16–20; Mark 16:15–18
Jesus appears to many Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:44–52; Acts 1:4–11; 1 Cor 15:6–7
Jesus appears to 500 1 Cor 15:6
Jesus appears to James 1 Cor 15:7
Jesus ascends into heaven Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:44–52; Acts 1:4–11
Paul converts on the road to Damascus Acts 9:1–22
Paul converts Acts 9:1–9
Ananias heals Paul Acts 9:10–19
Paul sees a vision in the temple Acts 22:17–21
Jesus assures Paul that he will go to Rome Acts 23:11
John sees a vision on Patmos Rev 1:9–22:21
Jesus tells John to write to seven churches Rev 1:9–3:22
The Lamb takes the scroll Rev 5:1–14
The battle of the lamb and the beasts Rev 6:1–18:24
The seven seals Rev 6:1–8:1
The Lamb opens six seals Rev 6:1–17
The 144,000 are sealed Rev 7:1–17
The Lamb opens the seventh seal Rev 8:1
144,000 people follow the Lamb Rev 14:1–5
John sees a rider on a white horse Rev 19:11–21
Christ reigns for a thousand years Rev 20:1–6
John warns his readers Rev 22:6–21
Timeline
Life of Jesus (6 BC to AD 33) 6 or 5 BC to AD 30
“Jesus” Is a Common Name first half of the first century AD
Jesus Visits the Temple as a Child April 29, AD 9
Jesus’ Ministry AD 27 – 30
Jesus Discusses the Destruction of the Temple AD 33
Women find the tomb empty April 5, AD 33
Jesus Raises from the Dead April 5, AD 33
Jesus’ Family Lives in Jerusalem AD 60
Unlike the question “Does God exist?” the question of whether Jesus Christ existed is asked by relatively few people. Most accept that Jesus was truly a man who lived in Israel 2,000 years ago. The debate begins with the discussion of Jesus’ full identity. Almost every major religion teaches that Jesus was a prophet or a good teacher or a godly man. But the Bible tells us that Jesus was infinitely more than a prophet, a good teacher, or a godly man.
C. S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity writes the following: “I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him [Jesus Christ]: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with a man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that option open to us. He did not intend to” (Macmillan, 1952, p. 55–56).
So, who did Jesus claim to be? Who does the Bible say He is? First, He is God in the flesh. Jesus said in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” At first glance, this might not seem to be a claim to be God. However, look at the Jews’ reaction to His statement. They tried to stone Him “for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33). The Jews understood Jesus’ statement as a claim to be God. In the following verses, Jesus never corrects the Jews or attempts to clarify His statement. He never says, “I did not claim to be God.” When Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), He truly was claiming equality with God.
In John 8:58 Jesus claims pre-existence, an attribute of God: “‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’” In response to this statement, the Jews again took up stones to stone Jesus (John 8:59). In claiming pre-existence, Jesus applied a name for God to Himself—I AM (see Exodus 3:14). The Jews rejected Jesus’ identity as God Incarnate, but they understood exactly what He was saying.
Other biblical clues that Jesus is God in the flesh include John 1:1, which says, “The Word was God,” coupled with John 1:14, which says, “The Word became flesh.” Thomas the disciple declared to Jesus, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), Jesus does not correct him. The apostle Paul describes Jesus as “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). The apostle Peter says the same, calling Jesus “our God and Savior” (2 Peter 1:1).
God the Father bears witness of Jesus’ identity as well: “But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.’” (Hebrews 1:8; cf. Psalm 45:6). Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 9:6 announce the deity of Christ: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (emphasis added).
Why is the question of Jesus’ identity so important? Why does it matter whether Jesus is God? Several reasons:
• As C. S. Lewis pointed out, if Jesus is not God, then Jesus is the worst of liars and untrustworthy in every way.
• If Jesus is not God, then the apostles would likewise have been liars.
• Jesus had to be God because the Messiah was promised to be the “Holy One” (Isaiah 49:7). Since no one on earth is righteous before God (Psalm 53:1; 143:2), God Himself had to enter the world as a human.
• If Jesus is not God, His death would have been insufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Only God Himself could provide an infinite, eternally valuable sacrifice (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• God is the only Savior (Hosea 13:4; cf. 1 Timothy 2:3). If Jesus is to be the Savior, then He must be God.
Jesus had to be both God and man. As God, Jesus could satisfy God’s wrath. As a man, Jesus had the capability of dying. As the God-man, Jesus is the perfect Mediator between heaven and earth (1 Timothy 2:5). Salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ. As He proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-Jesus.html
JESUS’ MINISTRY AS FULFILLMENT OF SCRIPTURE IN MATTHEW
His virgin birth and role as God with us
Matt 1:18, 22–23
Isa 7:14
His birth in Bethlehem and shepherd role
Matt 2:4–6
Mic 5:2
His refugee years in Egypt and role as God’s Son
Matt 2:14–15
Hos 11:1
His upbringing in Nazareth and messianic role (the Hebrew term for branch is nezer)
Matt 2:23
Isa 11:1
His preaching ministry in Galilee and role as Light to the Gentiles
Matt 4:12–16
Isa 9:1–2
His healing ministry and role as God’s Servant
Matt 8:16–17
Isa 53:4
His reluctance to attract attention and His role as God’s chosen and loved Servant
Matt 12:16–21
Isa 42:1–4
His teaching in parables and His role in proclaiming God’s sovereign rule
Matt 13:34–35
Ps 78:2
His humble entry into Jerusalem and role as King
Matt 21:1–5
Zech 9:9
His betrayal, arrest, and death and role as Suffering Servant
Matt 26:50, 56
The prophetic writings as a whole
Since Matthew’s genealogy contains the names of women, Gentiles, and even noted sinners, the book shows that barriers between (1) men and women, (2) Jews and Gentiles, and (3) saints and sinners were falling through the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ ancestry also provides a clue on this matter, showing that God chooses his servants from a wide spectrum of those from whom the respectably orthodox would turn away in horror. Boice, J. M. (2001). The Gospel of Matthew (p. 15). Baker Books.
Matthew’s inclusion of women’s names in a Hebrew genealogy is unusual; his choice of names is surprising. He passes over some very distinguished women (e.g., Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel) and refers instead to Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Of these four, at least three were involved in sexual immorality, and certainly three and perhaps four were Gentiles. The promise of 1:21 offers good news to such people, including those in Old Testament times; and it embraces Gentiles as well as Jews. Chamblin, J. K. (1995). Matthew. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3, p. 725). Baker Book House.
1:17 Matthew omitted several names in his genealogy in order to maintain a three times 14-generation structure (Gk egennesen, translated “fathered,” indicated ancestry, not actual fatherhood. “All the generations” must then be taken to imply “as summarized here.”) Matthew was emphasizing Jesus’ birth as a culminating moment in Israel’s history. The third set of “14” has only 13 names, unless one counts Jechoniah a second time (or the second set has 15, if one begins it with David). Perhaps Matthew reflected the common feeling of his time that Jechoniah could be considered both a pre-exilic and a post-exilic figure (see 2 Kg 24:8–12; 25:27–30). David is the central figure in the lineage of Jesus. When the consonants of his name are added, the sum is 14; hence, the importance of the number 14 to Matthew. David is the fourteenth entry in the genealogy.
Luke has a different genealogy of Jesus that traces His ancestry all the way back to Adam. See note on Lk 3:23–38 for an explanation of the differences between these two genealogies. Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J. P., & Powell, D. (2007). The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p. 1404). Holman Bible Publishers.
SO WHAT??
Who or what is your Jesus?