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...the Bible tells me so:
As people age, oftentimes they begin showing interest in tracing their roots back to the “old” country. Last year, my dad presented me with page after page of Whitelys, dating back to the 1700’s. While he is interested in it now, it will be a few years before I pick up on it.
As we turn to the Scriptures, we see very quickly that the ancient Israelites placed much importance in their lineages. Beginning with chapter 5, there are a half a dozen genealogies in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. 1 Chronicles 1-8 is the largest and most complete listing of family descent in the Old Testament.
While pursuing
endless genealogies is bad (1 Timothy 1:4; Titus 3:9), Jesus’ family lineage is
extremely important to Bible believers. He is a son of David (Matthew 21:9; see
Romans 1:4) and a descendant of the tribe of
In the New Testament, the only full genealogy listed is that of Jesus, in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38. Both listings trace Jesus’ family to King David and to Father Abraham.
However, there are some significant differences. First, Matthew’s account, in typical Jewish fashion, lists father then son. Luke’s account, in typical Graeco-Roman fashion, lists son then father. Second, while they both list Jesus’ relationship to David and Abraham, only Luke’s account goes completely back to Jesus’ human relationship with God. Third, Jesus’ ancestry in both lists varies greatly between Abraham and David to Jesus.
Some have suggested solutions for the differences between the two genealogies. One, Matthew gives Jesus’ royal lineage through Joseph, whereas Luke gives Jesus’ human lineage through Mary. Two, Matthew gives Jesus’ actual lineage and Luke, His legal lineage, by way of the Levirate Law (see Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Obviously, the first is easier to understand. However, we are not sure which one is right, if either of them is.
We do not know why the genealogies differ in their content. Yet, we do know why they differ in terms of their purpose. Matthew emphasizes “Jesus the Messiah” through his gospel account. The genealogy is introduced with these words, “An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1 NRSV). It concludes with “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way” (verse 18). He is Lord (7:21-23). We must listen to Him (17:5). Jesus the Messiah has all authority in heaven and on earth (28:18-20).
In Luke’s gospel, Jesus is the Human (“Son of man”) come from God. He was already identified as God’s Son through Mary (Luke 1:35). From His genealogy, His human heritage is traced back to God Himself (3:38). His great blessing is salvation for the Jews (2:10), for non-Jews (3:6); for women (7:36-50), for Samaritans (10:30-37) and even for “the dreaded” tax-collectors (19:1-9). A theme verse on this line is “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost” (verse 10; see chapter 15). Since none of them are excluded, surely He can save you.
Which Jesus do you look to? Do you see the Jesus Who can lead you in every step of your life and can guide you to heaven? He is the Royal Messiah. Do you see the Jesus Who can save you from every sin that you have committed? He is the Loving Savior. I hope that you see Jesus, the Guide and Savior of your lives.
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