Speaker: Rob Berreth

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17

Episode Overview:

In this sermon from Matthew 1:1–17, we explore the genealogy of Jesus—often overlooked, yet profoundly rich with gospel truth. Matthew begins his Gospel not with myth or moral lessons, but with history. A list of names becomes a declaration of good news: Jesus Christ has come as the promised Savior-King. This genealogy reveals that God’s redemptive plan rests not on human achievement but on God’s faithfulness, grace, and sovereign purpose. Through broken stories, unexpected people, and generations of waiting, Matthew shows that Jesus arrives as the One who brings rescue, restoration, and the end of exile for a weary world.

Key Highlights:

• Good News, Not Good Advice: Matthew grounds the story of Jesus in history, not legend. The gospel is not a list of tasks—it is an announcement of what God has already done through Christ.

• Good News for Not-So-Good People: Jesus’ family tree is full of the marginalized, the flawed, and the notorious. The genealogy tells the truth about humanity—and the greater truth about God’s grace.

• Good News for a Not-Yet-Great World: The long arc of Israel’s story points toward Jesus as the One who ends our exile and leads us home. God keeps His promises even through centuries of waiting.

• The Faithful King: From Abraham to David to the exile and finally to Christ, the genealogy reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of every covenant promise and the hope for all nations.

Call to Action:

Let this passage invite you to rest in what God has already accomplished through Jesus. Lay down the pressure to prove yourself or perfect yourself. Trust the Savior-King who welcomes imperfect, wounded, overlooked people into His family and is even now at work in a broken world. Consider one area of your life where you’ve been trying to earn, fix, or carry everything yourself—and intentionally entrust it to Christ this week.

Redeemer Church
211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226
www.redeemernw.org