Sorry I am so late with today's devotional! I have yet to divide the New Testament so will do so in the next day or so and post.
An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 NRSV
Have you ever really read this genealogy. Usually, this is the part we skip when reading Matthew. Who wants to read a list of boring names?
But then, we miss out what this list of three groups of fourteen generations has to say to us.
In the midst of this list are some not-so-holy people. Judah, Rehoboam, and Ahaz would be in that group. I also find it interesting that this is not the priestly line but the kingly line. We are talking royalty over religion at the beginning of the gospels! In addition, several women of "ill repute" are mentioned: Tamar and Bathsheba among them. And there is even a hint at David's own sin (see verse 6).
Aren't we looking at Jesus' own lineage, though?
Why would it be so important to begin with such a rag-tag group as an introduction to our Lord and Savior?
Perhaps it tells us this: Jesus was really not so different from you and me. His background and his earthly family had their own skeletons in the family tree. Instead of being holier-than-thou, Jesus was approachable, reachable and real.
Thank you, Jesus, that you came from an earthly background that is no different from many of us. May we become closer to you in this realization. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
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