Seeds of the Kingdom:
From Scandal to Salvation
The Christmas season is upon us, a time often filled with familiar images and traditions. We decorate our homes with shimmering lights, carefully hung ornaments, and maybe even a nativity scene to remind us of the reason for the season. But what about the other tree we often associate with Christmas – the family tree?
Just like our Christmas trees, our family trees are often mixed with beautiful ornaments, handmade memories, and even the broken but still beautiful. The genealogy of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Matthew, is no exception. This ancestral lineage isn't a pristine line of flawless individuals; instead, it is filled with cracks, chips, and messy stories. Matthew highlights this imperfection by including five women, an act almost entirely unheard of in a patriarchal society where genealogies seldom, if ever, included women. These women – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba (though not mentioned by name), and Mary – all carry with them stories marked by scandal and questions surrounding their sexual activity and childbearing.
Matthew doesn't stop there. He further challenges traditional genealogy practices by including Gentiles, such as Rahab and Ruth. This inclusion underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission, highlighting that God's plan encompasses all nations and all people. Lastly, Matthew features individuals known for their very public sins, like David. He reminds us of his adultery and subsequent cover-up and murder, emphasizing the reality of sin within this lineage.
Why would Matthew, whose purpose is to demonstrate that all of biblical history has led to Jesus, include such flawed individuals? The answer lies in a powerful message of grace. Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, intentionally includes these stories to show that God's grace is bigger than any of our cultural norms, past or present. God is bigger than any sin, any scandal, any mess. He enters into the mess and brings redemption. Just as God worked through the messy family tree of Jesus to bring the Savior into the world, He can bring redemption and purpose to the messes in our own lives. He offers healing to our pain, restoration to our brokenness, and freedom from our past.
This Christmas, as we admire the beauty of our Christmas trees and reflect on the stories held within our family trees, let us remember the ultimate message of hope and grace found in the genealogy of Jesus. God's grace is for all of us, Jew and Gentile, sinner and saint, broken and whole. It is a grace that invites us to join His new family, a family where dysfunction is shattered and restoration and freedom are found.
Questions for Reflection
How do you view your own family tree? Are there stories of grace, redemption, and brokenness within your lineage? How do these stories shape your understanding of yourself and your identity?
Why do you think Matthew chose to include such diverse and flawed individuals in the genealogy of Jesus? What does this say about God's character and His redemptive plan?
How does the inclusion of women and Gentiles in the genealogy challenge traditional patriarchal and cultural norms? What does this teach us about God's inclusive love?
How does God's grace extend to individuals who have made significant mistakes or committed serious sins?
How does the genealogy of Jesus challenge our understanding of human nature and God's sovereignty?
How can we apply the message of grace and redemption to our own lives and relationships? How can we extend grace to others, even when they have hurt us?
What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper understanding of God's grace in your own life? How can you practice forgiveness and extend grace to others?
How can you share the message of God's grace with others in your community? Are there opportunities to minister to those who are struggling or feeling broken?
How can you allow God to work in your heart and transform your life?