The Genealogy of Matthew 1: "Jesus' Notorious Family"

Rev. Chris Gordon and Rev. Dan Borvan examine the theological picture of Christ's birth presented in the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on His genealogy. They discuss how the inclusion of notable sinners and outsiders like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth underscores God's sovereignty and radical grace in fulfilling His redemptive plan.
Title
The Genealogy of Matthew 1: "Jesus' Notorious Family"
Summary
Rev. Chris Gordon and Rev. Dan Borvan examine the theological picture of Christ's birth presented in the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on His genealogy. They discuss how the inclusion of notable sinners and outsiders like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth underscores God's sovereignty and radical grace in fulfilling His redemptive plan.
Published
Dec 13, 2025
Hosted By
Pastor Chris Gordon
Where To Tune In
Show Notes

This episode dives deep into the Gospel of Matthew's opening, where the genealogy of Christ boldly lists both notable patriarchs and shocking figures. The hosts analyze the inclusion of women like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and even Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah), who were often outsiders or involved in scandalous acts. This programmatic inclusion, featuring "wicked sinners" and King David in his great failure, serves as a powerful theological statement: God's redemptive plan is fulfilled not through human purity, but through His sovereign grace, bringing outsiders into the covenant people. Beyond the genealogy, the discussion covers the doctrine of the virgin birth, touches on the "Celestial Flesh" Heresy, and stresses that the incarnation is ultimately a forecasting of the tomb—Christ was "born to die" to complete the work of salvation.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introductions
3:00 - Threats to the Covenantal Community
6:30 - Satan's Attack on the Seed (Genesis 3)
8:25 - The Matthew 1 Genealogy
10:00 - The Period of Silence and Christ's Arrival
12:00 - The Nature of Christ's Genealogies
14:00 - The Significance of Women in the Line
17:25 - Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth
24:25 - The Escalation of Sin
27:50 - Unfaithful Kings and Sinners in the Line
30:00 - The Virgin Birth Doctrine
31:30 - The Celestial Flesh Heresy and Original Sin
36:30 - Incarnation Forecasts Death and Resurrection

Guest Information:
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.
🔗 Christ Reformed Church - christreformed.org

Mentions:
Terms: The Celes tial Flesh Heresy, Maranatha
Verses: Genesis 4:1

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Guests
Our guests on this episode included:
Rev. Dr. Dan Borvan
Rev. Dr. Dan Borvan

Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. As a student at Westminster Seminary he learned that all study of Scripture, theology, and church history is put into practice in the worship and work of the church. The goal is to glorify Christ by serving His church. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

Daniel is chairman of the Heidelberg Reformation Association. Some of his published articles are on the Heidelblog website. Daniel was installed as pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church, September 29, 2023. Daniel is married to Marcy and they have two daughters and a son.

x: danborvan

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