Why is there no need for Matthew to trace Jesus' genealogy further back than Abraham?
Matthew traces Jesus' genealogy only to Abraham because Abraham marks the beginning of God's covenant dealings with Israel. Matthew presents Jesus as Israel's Messiah and King, the fulfillment of covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Going back to Adam would not serve that purpose, since Israel's national history and messianic hope begin with Abraham.
Les explains that Matthew's genealogy goes from Christ's birth back to Abraham, not all the way back to Adam. Matthew does this because he is presenting Jesus as the King of the nation of Israel, Israel's Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham, so there is no need to go further back, because this is where everything begins as far as Israel is concerned. The genealogy identifies Him as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham.
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
More Questions
Why does Matthew's genealogy stop at Abraham instead of going back to Adam?
Matthew's genealogy stops at Abraham rather than going back to Adam because Matthew is presenting Jesus as the King of the nation of Israel, Israel's Messiah, and the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham, so there is no need to go further back since that is where everything begins as far as Israel is concerned.
Why is Abraham the beginning point for Matthew's presentation of Jesus?
Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham, so there is no need to trace the genealogy further back because Abraham is where everything begins as far as Israel is concerned.
Why does Matthew's genealogy only go back to Abraham and not to Adam?
Matthew's genealogy stops at Abraham rather than going back to Adam because God's plan regarding the coming King and Kingdom began with Abraham.