Where do we come from? What is our ancestral history. Do you come from drunks, drugs, prostitutes, thieves, bullies, murderers, petty criminals, or from high social standings? But, let me ask----does it really matter? Does our environment really dictate who we will be? How big an influence does our background have on us? What about you? From whence and whom did you come?
In Matthew 1 the genealogy of Jesus begins with Abraham, the father of Isaac. From there is progresses, here is the genealogy Matthew 1. Matthew tells us there were 14 generations from Abraham to David; from David to exile to Babylon; and from exile to Babylon to the Messiah. Some experts enjoy discussing this, but they were not there, just as Matthew was not. However, Matthew was closer to the times than current theologians are today.
Seldom were women mentioned in the genealogy of ancient days, however, 4 women were mentioned in Jesus' lineage - Tamar, Ruth, Rahab, and her who had been the wife of Uriah (Bathsheba). The mention of these women is significant, showing how God uses anyone. Call does not call the self-righteous- but through HIS grace justifies us and makes us righteous.
Look at these women- Tamar - sold herself as a prostitute to her father-in-law Judah to bring forth Perez and Zerah (Gen. 38)
Then Rehab, a Gentile prostitute whom God saved from judgment and a lifestyle of prostitution. (Joshua 2: 6:22-23)
Next Ruth, a Moab gentile, until her conversion. (Ruth 1)
AND-----her who was the wife of Uriah--which we all know was Bathsheba. However you choose to look at it she was an adulteress. Out of her union with David came Solomon. (2 Samuel 11)
Why are these women important in the lineage of Jesus Christ, our Messiah? The purpose, in my opinion, was to show Jesus the Christ did not come from an aristocratic background, one with pomp and circumstance. This shows us that through HIS genealogy Jesus can identify with sinners.
To quote Spurgeon: "Jesus is heir in a line which flows the blood of the harlot Rehab, and the rustic Ruth, he is akin to the fallen and lowly, and he will show his love to even the poorest and most obscure."
These four women show there is a place for women in the New Covenant. In the old covenant men had little regard for women. Some theologians say that often men would pray thanking God they were not slaves, gentiles, or women.
The New Covenant is open to all mankind. Then comes the fifth most important woman, Mary the mother of Yahweh, Jesus, the Messiah, our Lord and Savior. And with Mary we begin another story. Thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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