Monday 16 December 2024
An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (v. 1)
Background
With the wonders of modern technology, tracing a family history is much easier than it has ever been. In tracing mine, I have discovered lead and silver miners, a lock gate keeper, agricultural workers, a silversmith and a pirate!
The opening of Matthew’s Gospel is perhaps not the most exciting read to our eyes. It's a list of family members stretching back across many generations some with names that are impossible to read aloud!
Yet, this list is essential reading for Matthew’s readers. As he is writing for a predominantly Jewish readership establishing the roots of Jesus right in the heart of the family of David the great king and right back to Abraham the founding father (literally!) of their nation, is essential reading.
Matthew is placing Jesus right in the royal genetic line and right in the line of people who played a vital part in the relationship between God and God's people.
Right at the start of his narrative of Christ’s life, Matthew is laying down the foundation stones of inheritance and linkage to all the past history of the Jewish people so that his readership might have no doubts about the credentials of Jesus as Matthew goes on to write about his life and ministry.
To Ponder:
- Where are your roots – not necessarily genetically, but in terms of your life and being?
- How important do you think it is for us to understand the past in order to manage the present and the future?
Prayer
Lord, you place us in family and in community. Help us to treasure the rich heritage that we have so that we may learn from the past, live in the here and now and plan for the future with hope, understanding and determination. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Una McLean
Una is a retired presbyter living in Northumberland with her small dog Patricia. She enjoys all manner of craft work, reading, theatre, cinema and music. She also participates in Traildog events, which grew out of people running in local park runs with their dogs (today she and Patricia walk them as Una treasures her knees).