Genealogy of Jesus

Matthew and Luke explained the "Genealogy of Jesus" for their distinct audiences and purposes

• Matthew to show that Jesus is the Messiah
  • Jesus is from the House of Judah and a direct descendant of David
    • thus a "son of David", fulfilling prophesy

Matthew

• traces the lineage of Joseph
• counted fourteen generations between
  • Abraham to David
  • David to the Babylonian exile
  • Babylonian exit to Jesus
  • fourteen = twice the perfect number seven

Luke

• is the only Gospel author to use the word "Savior" instead of Messiah (he uses both)
  • see footnote Lk 2:11: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?11=#50002011
• Luke wants to emphasize that Jesus is savior of all mankind
  • so he presents his genealogy back to Adam