Expert: Dennis Herman - 10/18/2009

Question
Why would Christ's lineage mattered to the first readers of Matthew?

Answer
This is a good question.  I have often wandered why is says,  "17.  So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations."

There may be a spiritual significance to this, but I have never studied if the number 14 has a deeper meaning.  

The Bible places a significance on a family tree.  I am not sure why.  This also fulfills a prophecy, Christ will come from the line of David.  

Wish I could be of more help but this may get you started on finding your own answer.

KJV 2 Samuel 7:12-17
12.  And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
13.  He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
14.  I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
15.  But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.
16.  And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
17.  According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.