* The OT is the genealogy of the first Adam / the NT is the genealogy of the last Adam.

* the Bible is a book about RELATIONSHIPS.

* these genealogies aren’t about people, but payment.

* Row the Boat - to move forward, look at the past.

* look at those who went before you and those who come after you.

* Backstory - Matthew is trying to convince Jews that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah (lots of OT references).

* God chose Mary & Joseph to raise His Son (like choosing adoptive parents).

* What kind of guy was Joseph? How did he handle relationships?

* Notice the actions Joseph took when he discovered his soon-to-be wife was pregnant with a child not his own:

* 1) He covered (vs 19) - he was willing to bear the shame (he wouldn’t tell people what happened).

* To cover someone means you’ll take the blows headed their way.

* The foundation for intimacy (to be fully known and fully accepted) is an assurance that you are safe to reveal yourself (you’re covered).

* 2) He considered (vs 20) - he was “considerate.”

* Being considerate is about three words - YOU BEFORE ME!

* We’ll see later he considered God’s ideas over his own.

* 3) He obeyed (vs 24) - he obeyed God whatever the cost. Think about his options:

* If he divorced her, he’s seen as a man who didn’t honor his commitment.

* If he stayed with her, he’d be considered a fornicator.

* 4) He honored (vs 25a) - to honor means “to give regard.”

* He didn’t touch Mary before they got married.

* He honored God by obeying Him and not touching her.

* 5) He took authority (vs 25b) - naming rights signifies authority.

* He walked in authority because he was faithful in his responsibility.