An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram, Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered King David. —Matthew 1:1-6
All are welcome into God’s family.
God celebrates the lineage of redemption.
“Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers…” —Matthew 2:2
“Hezekiah relied on the Lord God of Israel; not one of the kings of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. He remained faithful to the Lord and did not turn from following him but kept the commands the Lord had commanded Moses. The Lord was with him, and wherever he went he prospered.” —2 Kings 18:5-7
“So Manasseh caused Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to stray so that they did worse evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites.” —2 Chronicles 33:9
The family of Jesus shows us the lavish grace of God!
“By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.” —Hebrews 11:31
The family of Jesus shows the lavish love of God!
“See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” —Matthew 1:23
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” —Matthew 2:1-2
“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“God is not ashamed to be called their God…” —Hebrews 11:16
No one is outside the grace and love of God.
For further study:
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13; Hebrews 13
Resources: “The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning
Community Group Guide:
As you heard about Jesus’ lineage, what most surprised you?
What word other than “lavish” would you use to explain God’s grace and love?
How does God’s grace and love impact the way you view yourself? How does it change the way you see others?
Does anyone struggle with shame and guilt despite being in the family of Jesus by faith? Spend time praying for them.
To prepare for next week: Read and meditate on Matthew 3