Category: Devotions

Devotions

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Matthew 1:17 Fourteen?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations” (Matthew 1:17).

Lot of numbers in the Bible have significance: six days of creation, twelve disciples, forty days and nights of rain. But what about fourteen? Why does Matthew make us notice the three sets of generations in the ancestry of Jesus Christ? Actually, Matthew skips a few names so that it will fit this pattern. Why? Continue reading “Matthew 1:17 Fourteen?” →

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Matthew 1:5-6 A few more skeletons

Posted on by William Douthwaite

As if the inclusion of Tamar in Jesus’ family tree wasn’t enough, Matthew includes three more women: Rahab, Ruth and “the wife of Uriah” whom we know as Bathsheba.

Continue reading “Matthew 1:5-6 A few more skeletons” →

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Matthew 1:2-14 – The Family Tree (wrinkles and all)

Posted on by William Douthwaite

A few years ago, Richard wandered into church and worshiped with us for a few months. He dabbled in genealogies and asked me for a few birthdates and places so he could do a little research on my family. Several weeks later he presented me with two binders of material that traced the Douthwaite family back to the 1500’s in Wales. It was interesting to see the names, places, dates and wives of the Douthwaite line – for me, anyway. I doubt too many outside the family would find it compelling.

It’s tempting to skip past Jesus’ family tree at the beginning of Matthew’s gospel. The genealogy might be interesting those in the family, but any long list of names in the Bible really doesn’t capture the imagination. (It was a little more fun when we read King James Bibles and got to say the word “begat” over and over, but days are pretty much gone.)

Continue reading “Matthew 1:2-14 – The Family Tree (wrinkles and all)” →

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Matthew 1:1 – The beginning

Posted on by William Douthwaite

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“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1 ESV).

That’s an interesting way to begin your version of the greatest story ever told! Actually, it’s a pretty boring way to begin the story if you ask me. Do you want people to read your gospel? Give them something more interesting than a family tree. Continue reading “Matthew 1:1 – The beginning” →