About Genealogies

DAY 2

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Morning Reading - Genesis 3-5

Evening Reading - Matthew 2

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Since this is a journey through the entire Bible, we will be reading everything, including the dreaded genealogies (so-and-so begat so-and-so and so on...). However, it is important to recognize that genealogies played an important role in the ancient world, a world based mostly on oral communication.

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Richard Jensen writes in his commentary on Matthew's gospel, "Genealogies were one of the chief ways that oral people understood issues of identity. We can be sure that people read and heard this first chapter of Matthew with excited anticipation. Matthew opens his Gospel in this exciting way!" The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's gospel clearly identifies Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of David.

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Also, it is important to note that Matthew uses the genealogy of Jesus to demonstrate the universal reach of God's grace. For example, there are several women listed in Jesus' genealogy, which represented a break from the normal pattern found in Old Testament genealogies, which were made up mostly of men. The genealogy of Jesus also includes several Gentile figures, which demonstrates that the gospel message is to be proclaimed beyond the boundaries of Israel. Finally, the genealogy of Jesus includes notorious sinners, men and women involved in scandalous behavior. Ultimately, Matthew's genealogy of Jesus demonstrates that God's purposes will be fulfilled despite our human limitations and brokenness.

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SO...don't skip the genealogies!

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For more information about Matthew's genealogy, CLICK HERE to listen to Mark Goodacre's podcast from the New Testament Gateway.

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