Matthew describes the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1 – 1:17)
The book of Matthew opens with a genealogy of Jesus and a note that there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen generations from David to “exile in Babylon" (when Nebuchadnezzar took the southern tribe of Judah into captivity in Babylon), and fourteen generations from exile to the birth of Jesus. What the story means to us today Setting the stage for the story that follows The introduction in Matthew sets the stage for the story to follow and serves the purpose of identifying Jesus as a descendant of Abraham and David in order to demonstrate the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and David. Linking Old Testament messianic prophecy to New Testament fullfillment The Bible in context - an old society with a different view Genealogy was important to