Unlikely Relatives Matthew 1:1-17

I. God works with the system.

• A. Old Testament prophecies.
• B . Jewish culture: genealogies were very important. (Matt. 1; Luke 3).

Lesson to remember: Jesus' genealogy helped prove He was the Messiah (II Tim. 2:8).

II. God breaks down barriers.

• A. Family bloodline was very important. (Neh. 7:64-65; Ezra 2:61-63).
• B. God included some different blood. Rahab & Ruth were not even Jewish.

Lesson to remember: Jesus came for all peoples.(Eph. 2:11ff; Gal.3:26-29).

III. God works through our failures.

• A. Sinful women.

The Bible is all about truth, but also changed lives.

• B. Wicked kings.

Lesson to remember: God's grace is amazing! (Matt. 1:21; 9:13; Luke 19:10; Rom. 8:28).

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is what really matters. (Galatians 3:26-29).