Word to the Wise
Wednesday, December 17, 2014 -
[Genesis 49:2, 8-10 and Matthew 1:1-17]The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. [Matthew]
Genealogies are more than historical records. There is story after story in those records. Those stories can even be medically helpful! Even now, in more rural areas one can hear the question, "Who are your people?" "Do I know your family?" It is a way of establishing a kind of credentials and foundation for trust and acceptance. On another level a genealogy can give one a sense of rootedness in a human family and give a sense of identity.
In Jesus' day and even now in the Middle East, genealogies are important. The purpose of the one in the Gospel of Matthew is clear from the very first line. The evangelist wants to make sure that the audience knows that Jesus is rooted in Jewish history and heir to the promises made to Abraham and David! In the Gospel of Luke [3:23-38], the genealogy roots Jesus in all of history by tracing him back to Adam and creation as son of God. (The Gospel of John goes even further by saying, "In the beginning was the Word.")
One very important thing comes through. Jesus is part of a human family even as he is part of a larger narrative of God's plan of salvation. The baby in the manger is heir to many titles, but "the son of David, the son of Abraham" are two of the most important. Take a second look at that manger scene! AMEN