Grace in the genealogy

MATTHEW 1:3-6 | ROBERT MANSON

‘Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
and Jesse the father of King David.’

In Matthew 1:3-6, we are provided with the genealogy of Jesus from Judah through to David, demonstrating Jesus’ royal lineage as had been promised. This fulfilment of prophecy shows that Jesus is the awaited Son of David.

This list of names, perhaps surprisingly, also includes flawed and broken characters or those who were outsiders. A list from this time might be expected to have only male ancestors, but this section includes three women; Ruth, who was a Gentile and considered an ‘outsider’ by the Jews, Rahab, we are told, was a prostitute in Jericho and assisted the Jewish spies in the lead-up to the city’s fall, and Tamar who was widowed and terribly deceived by her brother-in-law before then becoming a deceiver. These women’s stories hold pain, scandal and struggle, yet are woven into the lineage of Christ.

This same Jesus who, throughout his ministry, chose to eat and drink with tax collectors, sinners and outcasts – those who had been rejected from society.

As we think of Jesus this advent, we remember that God’s love is for all. Jesus brings hope and light through unexpected people and events. As we read again through this list of names, we remember that Jesus’s story is one of redemption, belonging and hope to every heart that seeks Him.

Heavenly father, thank you that you came to save sinners like us and that we cannot separate ourselves from your love. We thank you that nothing is beyond your forgiveness. We praise you for this hope, in which we live, as we fully turn our hearts to you, in Jesus’ name. Amen