Good morning. The genealogies of Jesus may seem a bit…difficult, or perhaps even tiresome. After all, it is a list of names, right? Well, yes and no. It is a list of names, but it is an important list.
The New Testament begins with these words from Matthew’s gospel: The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
The reference to King David reminds us of God’s promise to David and that Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:16
The reference to Abraham connects Jesus to the blessing God promised in Genesis 12:1-2 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”
Jesus is the One. He was prophesied of, promised, and pledged by God’s covenant. He is the One humanity has waited for, and the One who brings us back to God. The history of God’s promise of blessing is written in the genealogies of Jesus.
But wait a minute, what about some of those “other” names?
Jacob was a cheater. Judah’s immorality resulted in us seeing the name of his son Perez. Rahab was a Jericho prostitute. Even King David had major issues with obedience and morality.
Jesus’ family tree has some bruised fruit.
That’s okay, so does mine, and yours, and everyone else’s family tree.
As to why we are reminded of the flaws of Jesus family history, consider what we read in Hebrews 12:16-18. We are told that Jesus “helps the offspring of Abraham” which includes us, and then we are given the reason: Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jesus, the perfect sacrifice for our sins and also the perfect High Priest who offers us that perfect sacrifice wants us to know that He understands.
You may feel like your family tree has some bruised fruit, and Jesus says, “I’ve been there.” He understands us because through the centuries, He has walked with us.
Vern