The Genealogy of Jesus
Matthew 1:2-13
The genealogy of Jesus is important because it tells us that the generation of Jesus was from kings — a royal generation, seen through David, the King of Israel. The prophecy about a Saviour coming from the tribe of David was known to everyone (Matthew 9:27; 12:23). The second key name is Abraham, the first Judaist, who was told that Christ the Saviour would come (Genesis 22:18), and Genesis 3:15 states a Saviour would come through a woman.
The Generation of Four Women
Uniquely, four women are named in this genealogy:
- Rahab (Joshua 2:1-2; Matthew 1:5) — a Gentile who confessed that the God of Israel is a living and true God, and received a place among God’s people.
- Ruth (meaning ‘Graceful’) — a Moabite who had lost everything, yet chose to follow the Lord of Israel and became King David’s grandmother.
- Tamar (meaning ‘Strength’) — a Canaanite who never took a wrong step but always fought for her right.
- Bathsheba — who repented along with David, and whose son Solomon had the best character among David’s children and was beloved of God.
My brothers and sisters, it depends on you what you choose. Your decision to accept the Living God can bring salvation and blessing to your family. As Jesus used the Word of God to rebuke the devil while being tempted, we too want to be well equipped with the Word of God so that when we face the wiles of the devil we may withstand.