#1405. Matthew 1 - The promised King and Messiah (10/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.

Today, we reflect on what Scripture means when it calls Jesus ‘the son of David’ and the promised Messiah.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Jesus is the the promised son of David and Messiah

Both genealogies announce the same truth:

Jesus stands in the royal line. He is the long-promised Son of David and Messiah.  This is not merely a biological detail - it is a fulfilment of God’s covenant promise. For centuries, the Jewish people longed for a Messiah - a ‘Christ,’ an ‘Anointed One’ - who would come from David’s royal house.

This hope was not wishful thinking; it was anchored in God’s Word. Through the prophet Nathan, God made David a breathtaking promise:

Israel came to expect:

• A king like David, but greater

• An anointed deliverer, empowered by the Spirit

• A righteous ruler, bringing justice, peace, and salvation

• A forever king, whose reign would never fade or fail

The prophets deepened this expectation:

• A child called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6–7)

• A king who would ‘bring justice to the nations’ (Isaiah 42:1–4)

• A shepherd-king whose kingdom would reach the ends of the earth (Micah 5:2–4)

By the time Jesus was born, this hope had intensified. Oppression under Rome sharpened their longing for a liberating king.

So when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey - echoing Zechariah’s prophecy - the crowds exploded with Messianic expectation:

They were not mistaken about who He was - only about how He would save. The Messiah had indeed come, not first with a sword, but with a cross; not to conquer Rome, but to conquer sin and death.

2. Jesus the Messiah has come

Matthew tells us:

• “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah…”

• The name Jesus means “Yahweh saves.”

• The title Messiah/Christ means “Anointed One.”

• Together they proclaim: God has sent His anointed King to save His people.

Jesus fulfils every longing, every prophecy, every thread in Israel’s hope. He is the King whose kingdom cannot be shaken. And He is the Saviour who rescues us from sin, darkness, and death.

Response

How should we respond to Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David?

1. Celebrate that God has kept His promises.The King we long for has come—and He will come again.

2. Welcome His reign in your life.The Messiah is not merely a historical figure but a living King who calls us to trust, obey, and follow Him.

3. Join His mission.Jesus is still establishing His kingdom—one heart at a time. Let’s be ready to help others come to the King and gladly yield every part of our lives to His gracious rule.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we begin our Christmas Series - Holy Night.

Our message on Sunday from Luke 2:8-12, was entitled, The Shepherds Were Invited.

This account of the invitation of the shepherds has so much to teach us; particularly, how the gospel invites everyone to come to God, and that everyone needs to come to God through Jesus.

Please read Luke 2:8-12 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• Why would it have been surprising that this invitation came, firstly, to the shepherds?

• Why is the coming of Christ 'good news' and 'great joy' for all people?

• How can you and I ensure that we enjoy this good news and joy as we should?

• What does it mean for Jesus to be the 'Saviour'?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.