The Pedigree of a King

Matthew’s gospel was largely written for a Jewish audience and begins by answering the most important question a Jew would ask in relation to the Kingdom of the Messiah: how can Jesus claim to be King of the Jews? Matthew traces Jesus' pedigree through David, Judah, Abraham, and the surprisingly gracious inclusions of 5 women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary).