In many cultures across the world, tracing one’s genealogy,
one’s roots and origins, holds profound significance. People often go to great
lengths, investing time, effort, and even substantial sums of money, to
discover their family lineage. The rising interest in ancestry tests and
genealogy services reflects a deep human need: to understand who we are,
where we come from, and how our story fits into the larger picture of human
history.
For the Jewish people, genealogy was not just a matter of
curiosity; it was a source of identity, belonging, and legacy. It grounded them
in their covenant with God, reminding them of their role in salvation history.
When Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy, he is doing
more than listing names. Writing to a Judeo-Christian audience, Matthew seeks
to proclaim a profound truth: Jesus Christ, the promised
Messiah, is the culmination of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. He is
the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham and David, and His coming marks
the beginning of a new chapter in history, a chapter of
redemption, renewal, and hope.
“Biblos geneseos Iesou Christou” (Matthew 1:1)
Matthew
opens with these words: "The book of the genesis of Jesus Christ."
The word geneseos (γένεσις) immediately recalls the Book of Genesis, the
beginning of creation. Here, Matthew signals a new creation, one not of
the world but of salvation. Jesus Christ marks the dawn of a new history, a new
covenant, and a new life for all humanity. As we prepare for Christmas, we are
reminded that through Christ, we too are called to embrace this “new
creation” (2 Cor 5:17).
The Role of Abraham and David
Matthew
identifies Jesus as the son of Abraham and the son of David.
These are not random choices but deeply symbolic.Abraham (Ἀβραάμ) is the
father of faith, the one to whom God promised: “Through you all nations will
be blessed” (Gen 12:3).
By
linking Jesus to Abraham, Matthew reminds us that Jesus comes to fulfill this
promise. In Him, all nations, all people, regardless of status or
origin, find their blessing and salvation. Are we ready to receive this
universal blessing? With Faith, we all can “claim” Abrahamic blessings.
David (Δαυίδ), the
king, points to the messianic hope. Jesus, the Son of David, is the
promised King whose reign will have no end (2 Sam 7:16). Advent invites us to
recognize Jesus as our King. Is He reigning in our hearts, our families, and
our communities, or have other “kings”, power, wealth, distractions, taken His
place? Advent invites to a sober reflection on who and what governs our lives.
“Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba”, Women in the Genealogy:
A surprising feature of this genealogy is the mention of four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba (wife of Uriah). In ancient Jewish genealogies, women were rarely included. Why these women?
Tamar (Genesis 38): A widow who, through an unconventional path, ensured the lineage of Judah.
Rahab (Joshua 2): A Canaanite prostitute who aided Israel’s spies, exemplifying faith and courage.
Ruth (Book of Ruth): A Moabite foreigner whose loyalty and love led her into the family of God.
Bathsheba: Involved in a scandal with David, yet her son Solomon carried forth the Davidic line.
These
women remind us that God works through the broken, the foreigner, the
sinner, and the outcast. No one is excluded from God’s plan of
salvation. The message is clear: Christ came for all, and no story, no matter
how broken, is beyond redemption. As we prepare for Christmas, this
genealogy calls us to let go of shame and welcome God’s mercy.
“Kai egennesen” " (He Begot...), The Rhythm of
History:
The
genealogy is marked by repetition: “Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot
Jacob...” The Greek word egennesen (ἐγέννησεν) echoes like a
drumbeat, reminding us of the passage of generations. It reflects both the continuity
of God’s plan and the fragility of human life.
For
centuries, God worked patiently through flawed individuals, saints and sinners
alike, until the time was ripe for the Messiah. The rhythm halts abruptly with
verse 16:
“Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is
called the Christ.”
We
can Notice the shift in this narration: Jesus is not “begotten” in the
same sense. This signals something extraordinary: Jesus’ birth comes not
from human initiative but from God. He is born of Mary, through the Holy Spirit,
a miraculous intervention that breaks the chain of sin and death. This is
the good news of Christmas: God steps into history to redeem and renew
us.
“Jesus Christ”, The Anointed One:
The genealogy concludes by naming Jesus as the Christos
(Χριστός), the Anointed One. This title carries messianic weight. In Jesus, all
prophecies are fulfilled: He is Priest, Prophet, and King.
- As Priest, He bridges the gap between
humanity and God.
- As Prophet, He reveals God’s Word and
truth.
- As King, He rules with justice, mercy,
and love.
Advent calls us to live anoint our lives with His presence. In our prayer, works of charity, and joyful hope, we
prepare to welcome Christ anew. It could be time to rekindle the anointing of
the Holy Spirit received through various sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation,
Holy Communion, etc.).
“Fourteen Generations”, The Perfect Time:
Matthew
structures the genealogy into three sets of fourteen generations (vv.
17). In Hebrew numerology, the number seven symbolizes perfection.
Fourteen (7 x 2) reflects double perfection or God’s perfect timing.
This
teaches us that God’s plan is never rushed or delayed. As Paul writes: “In
the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman” (Gal 4:4).
Similarly, in our lives, God is always at work, even when we cannot see it.
Advent invites us to trust in His timing and remain faithful, like Abraham,
David, and Mary.
Preparing Our Hearts
So,
we can understand now that Matthew’s genealogy is a declaration of God’s
faithful love throughout history. It teaches us three key salvific truths:
Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and David.
God’s mercy embraces all, saints and sinners alike.
The birth of Christ marks a new creation and a new hope for the world.
As
we prepare for the birth of Jesus, let us remember that our lives, like this
genealogy, are part of God’s story. The question is: Will we make room for
Him? Will we let Him transform our brokenness into blessing? Will we, like
Mary, say “Yes” to God’s plan?
Let us pray:
Come, Lord Jesus, Son of Abraham, Son of David, the Christ. Enter our hearts,
our families, and our world. Make all things new. Amen.🙏🙏🙏
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