“ …and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.”

Matthew 1:1-17

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Genealogies in the Bible are often skipped over, but they are divinely inspired and intentional. Jesus, fully God and fully human, born into the lineage of other humans, reveals incredible truths about God’s plan. In this week’s message from our series, Like Us, Pastor Ryan Schlachter brings to light the significance of Jesus’ genealogy, reminding us of the incredible ways God’s purpose prevails even in the imperfections of humanity, giving us hope this Advent season.

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What is the context?

• In Jewish culture, family history and bloodlines were of utmost importance; genealogy teaches theology.
• Matthew begins his gospel with a genealogy to emphasize that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
• Abraham was promised that all nations would be blessed through him, and David was promised an eternal royal lineage.

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God uses broken things

• We often highlight the best parts of our lives and hide the struggles, but God’s story includes brokenness. 
• Matthew’s genealogy highlights women, not the expected Sarah or Rebecca, but women whose stories carry scandal. Their stories were marked by shame, yet God used them in His redemptive plan.
• Though there was shame attached to these stories, we see that even in the lineage of Jesus, God doesn’t abandon us in our shame but transforms it. His salvation is available to all.

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God is faithful to His promises

• We have a God that forgives sins but does not ignore sin. The Israelites repeatedly disobeyed God, which ultimately requires judgment, but God’s faithfulness never wavered.
• During the Israelites journeys, God raised prophetic voices to sustain hope during difficult times. This proves that even when we can’t see the outcome, God’s faithfulness remains true. 
• God’s promises include that He will never leave or forsake us, that salvation is available through Jesus, and that He provides peace, strength, and healing. God’s promises reflect His character and aim for our salvation and restoration, shaping us more than simply giving us things.

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Jesus is King

• Royalty can be tracked through Jesus’ bloodline from both Mary and Joseph. Mary came from Nathan’s lineage, David’s other son, fulfilling God’s promises through her. 
• His kingship is both personal and cosmic, reshaping our lives while pointing to the ultimate restoration of all things.
• Jesus’ authority as Lord of Lords is more than a title; it calls for a transformation in how we live. Recognizing Jesus as King means yielding control of our plans, priorities, and perspectives to Him.

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Additional Resources:

• Colossians 1:20-21
• Philippians 4:19
• Revelation 17:14
• Revelation 19:15-16

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Dinner Party Questions

1. If Jesus is actually Lord of Lords, what does this mean for you personally in your own life?
2. How have you seen God use brokenness in your life or others’ lives?
3. How does God’s faithfulness in the past give you hope for the future?