I think that this genealogy was a literal knockout punched by Matthew against the Jews.

They were legalistic.

Boy, they were hot on the pedigree in the line of purity and all of this herited stuff.

And so he introduces the Messiah as descending from two harlots, one adulterous and one produced

of insects.

It's less than two weeks until Christmas and perhaps you still need to buy a few more

presents and maybe get the turkey or ham for Christmas dinner.

Exchanging presents and gathering with family are certainly joyous blessings of the holiday.

But from today, right through December 25th, how can you make sure Christ is the main emphasis

of your celebration?

Today John MacArthur helps you grasp encouraging truths in the Christmas story that are often

overlooked as John continues his study called The Birth of the King, here on Grace to

you.

If you have your Bible, turn to Matthew 1 and here's John with the lesson.

Take your Bible and turn with me to the wonderful gospel according to Matthew.

Let's look at chapter 1.

When Matthew starts by presenting the king, the king is revealed.

And it all begins with Jesus' family tree.

Now that is precisely what verses 1 to 17 present.

You say, why in the world do we have all of this?

Well, let me tell you why.

First of all, the Jews were tenacious about their pedigrees.

...