Today’s Reading: John 20, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38
Then Jesus told [Thomas], “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. — John 20:29-31
John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote his gospel account of the life of Jesus in order that those who choose to read it for generations to come will believe that Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. The Son of God came to earth to rescue us from our sinful state — to close the gap created by sin. His birth, death and resurrection fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.
We can see the threads of redemption and restoration woven through God’s story when we study the genealogy of Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke found it important for us to know where Jesus came from, so they included Jesus’ family tree in their gospel accounts — Matthew focused on his paternal lineage and Luke on his maternal lineage. Both genealogies showed that Jesus was a descendant of David, one more indicator that he truly was the Messiah.
“Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gives birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.” – Matthew 1:16-17
Matthew traces Jesus’ family back to Abraham, showing that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Jewish people (Matthew 1:1-7). Luke traces Jesus’ family even farther back to Adam, showing that Jesus came to be the Savior for ALL people everywhere (Luke 3:23-38). “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Who will Jesus save? His people. Who are His people? We are all His people because we have all descended from Adam. Salvation is for each and every one of us.
Consider your family on both sides. Take a moment to think of the influence the family on your mother’s side has had on your life. Now consider the impact of your father’s family on who you are and where you are at today. When you look at the genealogy of Jesus, you will see a list of people who were far from perfect. Each one has a story of how God in grace reached out to them and used them even after they had messed things up. You can probably look up at your family tree and see a lot of imperfections in those who have come before you. Yet the God of grace still chose them to give the world YOU!
Let us not take lightly the role God has played in our lives since before we were born. Each story that precedes us sets the backdrop for our story. God has known us, loved us and developed a plan for our lives in spite of our family tree – whether that tree is one of a strong spiritual heritage or the weak faith of our fathers. God had a purpose for the life of Jesus – to save the world. In the same way, your family tree leads to a moment in history when you carry out God’s plan for your life.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:15-18
Jesus has been actively present in your story since the beginning. He knows the plans He has for your future – plans for you and for the generations that come after you. What story will be told of you? How will the choices you make today influence your family in the future?
Lord, we thank you this morning for the heritage passed down to us from our parents and grandparents — the good and the bad. Your workmanship in our lives is marvelous – how well we know it! We thank you for the love and investment of time that has made us who we are today. We pray that you will take our own imperfect attempts to love and allow us to positively influence the next generation. Help us to shine your light onto the path you have set before them — a path marked with grace and hope.