The World English Bible (WEB): Matthew

The opening of this Gospel traces Jesus’ ancestry through fourteen generations, linking Abraham, David, and the exile to Babylon before arriving at Joseph and Mary. This careful genealogy grounds the story in Israel’s history, highlighting a lineage that fulfills ancient promises and sets the stage for something extraordinary.

From the quiet town of Bethlehem, the narrative moves to a miraculous birth announced by an angel who reassures a reluctant Joseph. As the newborn is presented to the world, mysterious travelers follow a radiant star, seeking the promised King. Their arrival awakens both wonder and danger, drawing the attention of a paranoid ruler who will soon launch a perilous pursuit. The listener is invited into a world where humble beginnings intersect with prophetic destiny, promising a compelling journey through the early days of a figure whose impact would echo through centuries.