Jesus’s Genealogy
Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Matthew 1; Luke 2:21-40; Luke 3:23-38
Do you remember how our study in Genesis 5 pointed to the gospel through the names in Adam’s family? Likewise, here in the very first chapter of Matthew we begin to see the gospel unvieled through the names listed in the genealogy. The Kingdom that God is establishing is not quite what the Jew’s had anticipated; nor is the coming King what they expected. Rarely does God’s plan conform to our preconceived ideas!
The Jews were on the look-out for a kingly king, a powerful ruler, a mighty warrior who would free them from the oppression of the Romans. What God had planned encompassed far more than a temporal political agenda. God sent His one and only Son, a baby born in a humble stable who would reveal to mankind God Himself.
Matthew’s genealogy reveals God’s grace, mercy, and equality. Matthew shocks the Jew by pointing out 4 women in Christ’s lineage: Tamar (vs. 3) who was involved in a sketchy story in Genesis 38, demonstrates God’s mercy. Rahab (vs. 5) who was a prostitute in Jericho, demonstrates God’s forgiveness and redemption. Ruth (vs. 5) who was a Moabitess, who put her faith in God, demonstrates God’s unfailing love towards all mankind and His willingness to adopt us into His family. Finally in verse 6, Bathsheba, who had been the wife of Uriah, demonstrates God’s restoration.
Matthew, who focuses on Jesus as King, follows Jesus’ line through Joseph. Matthew showed how Jesus was a rightful heir to King David. Luke on the other hand, focused on Jesus as the son of Man. Luke lists Jesus’ lineage through Mary’s genealogy. This explains the differences between the genealogies in Matthew and Luke.
by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©
Jesus, Day by Day, A One-Year Through the Bible Devotional to Help you See Him on Every Page.