November 6, 2024

Matthew 1:1-6  (HCSB)
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
1 The historical record of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: From Abraham to David 2 Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram, 4 Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse, 6 and Jesse fathered King David.

TW Mitchell
Many discussions and ideas have given consideration as to why Matthew’s account of Jesus’ genealogy included Rahab since Hebrew genealogies were traditionally traced through males. Do you think it strange that a woman who wasn’t a Hebrew and had a tainted past would be remembered in such a notable way? Could this cause some to second guess the Word of God as divinely inspired scripture? Yet, God knew what He was doing when He inspired Matthew to record Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew was writing to non-Jews (the Gentiles), while Luke wrote to the Jews (Hebrew people). Jesus was sent to the Jews but the Father knew His Son would be rejected by them. Therefore, Matthew’s account would appeal more clearly to non-Jewish people. Gentiles were considered worthless by the Jews, but God had a master plan to include them in the kingdom. We who are born again non-Jewish believers are adopted heirs to the Throne of Grace. When God looks at us, He’s looking for faith in Jesus Christ.