Connie Mack was an amazing man. Born during the Civil War, Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics for 50 years, beginning in 1901. His teams always seemed to be at the top or the bottom of the standings, finishing first nine times and last seventeen times. But he kept managing because he was also the team’s owner. So, he had a valid legal claim!

“Jesus” (“Savior”) is His historical name. “Christ” (“anointed one”) is the title of His office. “Son of David” and “Son of Abraham” relate Jesus to all the Old Testament promises of a Messiah! The genealogy of Jesus Christ is presented to prove His legal claim (through Joseph) back to the throne of David, which had been vacant for six centuries. Though Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father, he was legally Jesus’ father because he was Mary’s husband. This genealogy was a matter of public record in Israel. The enemies of Jesus probably checked it (they challenged His every move and teaching) and found He had a legal right to rule the nation. Therefore, Jesus had a valid claim to the throne as King of Israel!

God’s Grace – Matthew 1

The Gospel of Matthew opens with the miracle of Jesus’ birth. It records the good news about the birth, life, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Each Gospel writer wrote from a unique view for a different audience. Matthew primarily wrote to a Jewish audience, which is likely why he included four Old Testament women, who were all Gentiles. It was rare for a Jewish genealogy to include women, let alone Gentile women. All these women (and most of the men in Jesus’ genealogy) are questionable characters in some way. Tamar and Rahab were prostitutes; Ruth was a foreigner, and Bathsheba was an adulteress. This shows that God’s choices in dealing with people are all of His grace. No one except Jesus is spotless before a holy God!   

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe God’s grace eliminates no one. They preach the gospel to sinners like themselves and others. They know that humanly speaking, nobody deserves a place in Christ’s legal and physical family line. Only by God’s amazing grace are they part of His family. 

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2

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