Matthew 1:1–17 (plus vv. 18–23)
Jesus’ family tree is a bit scandalous—and the attention is justified.
1. For one, it’s not common for genealogies in patriarchal societies such as Israel’s to mention women.
2. It’s even more surprising, then, that when Matthew does, it’s to bring up memories that any family would rather forget, such as a. incestuous rape (Judah and Tamar, v. 3),
prostitution (Rahab, v. 5), and adultery and murder (David and the wife of Uriah, v. 6). What’s the point of recalling such a sordid past? It’s probably to remind readers of God’s power to work beauty from ashes, to bring redemption from a family—and to the family—that desperately needs it. The genealogy provides an excellent opportunity to proclaim how the incarnation means all our stories can be rewritten in Jesus.
Scripture is full of rivers and streams that flow to Jesus. These are just a sample of texts you can use for Christmas without bending them to be about the incarnation.
