“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1, NIV)
Prior to telling us about Jesus’ birth, Matthew gives us an extensive list of names, which seems like a strange way to start. Could you not produce a more exciting introduction, Matthew?
However, upon closer look, this list perfectly introduces Matthew’s central character. The genealogy traces Jesus’ lineage back to both Abraham, the father of the Jews, and King David, which fulfills the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah coming from David’s line (Isaiah 7:14; 11:1-5). Beginning this way is Matthew’s first evidence that Jesus is the true Messiah, and for a predominately Jewish audience, this family heritage is a non-negotiable for their King.
The genealogy consists of forty-six people spanning over two thousand years. The list includes well-known heroes such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. Also included are lesser-known people, like Jothan, Zadok, and Akim; even a couple of shameless troublemakers—Manasseh and Abijah. The people on this list prove that God’s mission was not compromised by the sins and failures of humans. It also demonstrates how God graciously works through ordinary people.
Notice four names: Tamar (an exploited mistress), Ruth (a non-Jew), Rahab (a prostitute), and Bathsheba (wronged by a king who abused his power). To a Jewish audience, the list’s inclusion of women would have been a surprise because ancient genealogies were typically patriarchal in nature. Women in the first century were commonly overlooked, ignored, and even treated as property within the male-dominated ancient Middle Eastern culture. However, these unexpected individuals are noted for their role in bringing Jesus to the world.
“These unexpected individuals are noted for their role in bringing Jesus to the world.”
And Jesus’ mother, Mary, would join these four women in contributing to the Messiah’s arrival. Acknowledging Jesus’ female ancestors reminds us that while Mary’s pregnancy may indeed appear scandalous, she is part of a heritage of mothers who dealt with their own scrutiny and public shame yet raised children who were blessed to fulfill God’s purposes in the world.
Jesus’ genealogy proves that God uses ordinary and broken people to accomplish His will. People like my friend Chris. For over fifteen years of his life, Chris was a drug addict, well-schooled in street life and violence. At age 35, he broke his neck jumping off a roof “amidst a cloud of narcotics.”
At that point, he entered a recovery program with the Salvation Army. In recovery, God revealed himself to Chris and caused him to see the darkness of his own sin. Chris surrendered to Jesus and began a journey of spiritual healing. As God healed him, Chris said “life became worth living, even beautiful.”
“Jesus’ genealogy proves that God uses ordinary and broken people to accomplish His will.”
Chris then worked for several different treatment centers to help people who fought similar battles. While working in those treatment facilities, Chris saw a troubling pattern. He noticed that after being discharged from a recovery program, a gap formed in a person’s life. Without the support of a treatment facility, people became lonely and vulnerable, which made them susceptible to returning to the behaviors that led to their need for recovery in the first place.
So, Chris started an organization called The Gap to walk with people into the next chapter of their lives. He said, “It is our responsibility and my mission that no one, whether an addict or the loved one of an addict, has to go it alone. We stand in the gap with you.” God is using Chris, a man who was on the brink of death, to change the lives of drug addicts and their families.
And here’s the truth: If God can use Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Tamar, Mary, or Chris to accomplish His mission in this world, He can use you.
Do you know anyone who has experienced a transformation like Chris? If so, what did that transformation teach you about God?
“If God can use Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Tamar, Mary, or Chris to accomplish His mission in this world, He can use you.”
Have you ever doubted that God can use you because of your past failures, inadequacies, or brokenness? How might the example of Ruth, Tamar, Bathsheba, and Rahab challenge your thinking?
Father, I learn so much about your grace and power from noticing the people you have used to accomplish your purposes in the world. If you can use Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Tamar to bring Jesus to this world, I know you can use me, too. While this world obsesses over personal achievement and self-promotion, keep me focused on serving you alone so that I can play my part in showing you to the world. I trust that you will accomplish wonderful things through me for your glory as I lay my life down before you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Excerpted from Rob Long, O Come Let Us Adore Him: 31 Christmas Devotionals to Find Meaning in the Manger.
