Long Awaited: Prophecies of the Savior's BirthSample

LEGACY OF ABRAHAM + DAVID

JESUS WILL BE A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF ABRAHAM + THE TRIBE OF JUDAH | GENESIS 12:2-3

In Genesis 12, God established a covenant with Abraham, promising that he would become a great nation, a great name, and a blessing to all people. Abraham fathered Isaac, who fathered Jacob, who fathered twelve sons—the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Genesis 49:10 prophesied that Jesus would come specifically from the tribe of Judah.

The nation of Israel is God’s chosen people. He dwelled among them in the tabernacle, the temple, and ultimately, through Jesus. By offering forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life to all believers, Jesus fulfilled the promise of being a blessing to all people. Through Abraham’s lineage, God’s blessing reaches the entire world.

JESUS WILL BE A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF DAVID | 2 SAMUEL 7:12-13

God promised David that He would establish a lasting house for him—not a physical structure, but a legacy through an enduring kingdom. Through Jesus, one of David’s descendants, God will establish a throne that endures forever. This promise is known as the Davidic covenant.

David praised God in awe of his goodness and generosity. Although David’s physical descendants would not always sit on Israel’s throne, God assured him that an everlasting King would one day come from his lineage. This promise is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus, who reigns as the eternal King.

THE GENEALOGY FROM ABRAHAM + DAVID TO JESUS | Matthew 1:1-17

The gospel of Matthew records the genealogy of Jesus, connecting Him with multiple Old Testament leaders. Starting with Abraham, Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage through forty-two generations, including His relationship to the tribe of Judah and King David. It is notable that Matthew includes women in the genealogy, specifically Rahab and Ruth. In God’s plan to send Jesus, He used unlikely people like foreigners, non-believers, and people with scandalous pasts.

This Christmas, study how Jesus’ genealogy establishes Him as the Savior and shows the continuity of God's plan throughout history.