The Gospel In One Bible Verse

This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.  (Matthew 1:1)

Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah” which means “Anointed One“ In Biblical times this was a familiar term to the Jewish people. They also understood that a special authority was given to the one God anointed. Israelite kings were “anointed” with Gods power as they ruled. In Jesus’ day, Israel put there hope in a figure that would restore them to the days of former glory, as in the kingdom of David.

So, how would the Jewish people be able to recognize the Anointed One who God would send to restore them? Through Messianic prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, like (Mica 5:2) and (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Matthew 1:1 places Jesus the Messiah squarely in the midst of two very important people that God established covenant promises with. King David and Abraham. 

The Davidic covenant was given in (2 Samuel 7:16) Your house and your kingdom will stand before me permanently; your dynasty will be permanent. This promise formed a basis of hope that has endured through repeated conquest, exile and persecution. By the time of Jesus, the title “Son of David” was closely associated with “Messiah”.

God’s promise to Abraham was given in (Genesis 12:1-3). This promise take us through the patriarchs, Moses, the priests, the judges, the kings, and the prophets, and reaches fruition in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the Lord of Lords.

Although the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not see that the Messiah would also suffer and be sacrificed to purchase our forgiveness, many Jewish people did believe and saw the words of Isaiah the prophet come to pass: (Isaiah 53:5) He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; He endured punishment that made us well; because of His wounds we have been healed.

When you put all of this together, it points to one person, and one person alone who fulfills all the Messianic prophesies ---- Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.