The Gospel of Matthew Chapters 1 and 2

Questions and Answers

With whom does Matthew's genealogy of Jesus begin?

Abraham

What does Jesus mean?

O Lord, save

What does Christ mean?

The anointed one

How does God promise to bless all the tribes of the earth through Abraham?

Jesus, the Savior of the world, is Abraham's son Signup and view all the answers

God establishes the Old Covenant of Circumcision with Abraham, whereas Jesus is the author of the ________ Covenant.

New Signup and view all the answers

What are the two reasons why Matthew's genealogy includes women?

The women mentioned are either Gentiles or sinners. Christ comes to save Gentiles, too, not just Jews. It also underscores the role of women in God's plan of salvation, especially the virgin Mary. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Joseph mentioned in the genealogy if he was not 'really' Jesus' father?

Old Testament marriage laws treat adoptive sons as legitimate children for inheritance purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Is Mary mentioned in the genealogy?

True Signup and view all the answers

The genealogy is arranged in 3 groups of how many generations each?

14 generations Signup and view all the answers

In the Bible, does husband and wife always mean that the couple is married?

False Signup and view all the answers

How does Joseph show mercy towards Mary?

He did not want to expose Mary's 'supposed' sin and was quietly not going to marry her. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Joseph to marry Mary, in spite of her pregnancy?

An angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him the baby was of the Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What major prophet of the Old Testament wrote the prophecy, 'Behold, a virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel'?

Isaiah (7:14) Signup and view all the answers

What does Immanuel mean?

God with us Signup and view all the answers

Who were the wise men and where did they come from?

Scholars from the East, most likely Persia (Iran) Signup and view all the answers

Who was king in Judea when Jesus was born?

Herod Signup and view all the answers

Where was Jesus born?

In Bethlehem of Judea Signup and view all the answers

Why was the star significant to the magi?

To ancient pagans, a star signified a god, a deified king. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Herod inquire of the chief priests and the scribes where Christ was to be born?

He feared losing his throne to a newborn King. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the magi?

Wise men who came from the East (most likely Persia) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the magi not go back to Herod to tell him where the Child was born?

They were divinely warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Jewish shepherds worship Jesus?

In a cave Signup and view all the answers

Where did the magi worship Jesus?

In a house, some time later Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the gifts the magi brought Jesus?

Gold- King of ages, frankincense- God of all, myrrh- the Immortal One Signup and view all the answers

Why does Joseph take Mary and the Child to Egypt?

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take them to Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

What did Joseph probably do with the gifts of the magi?

Pay for the journey to Egypt Signup and view all the answers

Egypt figures as a place of refuge twice in the Bible. What are those two times?

When Jacob's family seeks refuge from the famine and when the Holy Family seeks refuge from Herod. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Genealogy and Meaning of Names

Matthew's genealogy of Jesus begins with Abraham.
The name Jesus translates to "O Lord, save."
Christ means "The anointed one."
God blesses all tribes through Abraham by sending Jesus, his descendant, as the Savior.

Covenants and Genealogy Significance

Abraham establishes the Old Covenant of Circumcision; Jesus institutes the New Covenant.
Matthew includes women in the genealogy to highlight the roles of Gentiles and sinners in God's plan, particularly emphasizing the virgin Mary.

Joseph’s Role and Family Dynamics

Joseph's inclusion in the genealogy acknowledges adoptive sons as legitimate heirs.
Mary is referenced in the genealogy, identified in the feminine form, indicating her sole biological connection to Jesus.

Genealogy Structure

The genealogy is arranged in three groups of fourteen generations, covering:
- Abraham to David
- David to Babylonian captivity
- Babylonian captivity to Jesus

Joseph’s Response to Mary’s Pregnancy

"Husband" and "wife" may refer to engaged or married couples, not necessarily indicating marriage.
Joseph shows mercy by planning to divorce Mary quietly instead of publicly exposing her.

Divine Intervention

An angel instructs Joseph to marry Mary, revealing that her pregnancy is by the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah prophesized that a virgin would bear a son named Immanuel, meaning "God with us."

The Magi and Their Significance

Wise men, or magi, from Persia, recognize Christ as universal, not limited to Jews.
They follow a star, a significant symbol to ancient pagans indicating divine significance.

Historical Context

Herod was king in Judea when Jesus was born, ruling from 37 to 4 BC.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea.

Herod's Actions and the Shepherds

Herod consults with chief priests and scribes about the Messiah's birthplace due to fear of losing power.
Jewish shepherds worship Jesus in a cave, while the magi visit him in a house later.

Gifts and Meaning

The magi's gifts symbolize:
- Gold: King of ages
- Frankincense: God of all
- Myrrh: Signifying mortality, as he would die and rise after three days.

Joseph’s Flight to Egypt

Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt following an angel's warning of Herod's plot to kill the child.
The magi's gifts likely financed this trip.

Egypt as a Place of Refuge

In biblical history, Egypt serves as a refuge for Jacob's family during famine and for the Holy Family from Herod's persecution.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the genealogy and early life of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 1 and 2. This quiz covers key definitions and concepts, helping you understand the foundational elements of Jesus' lineage and significance. Perfect for Bible study enthusiasts and those interested in Christian theology.