Matthew 1:17

The Generations

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Comments

Matthew’s genealogy is much more than a list of names. It is a record of how God arranged to deliver his Son into the world at exactly the right time. God ordained each and every ancestor of Jesus. He did the same for you. God knows you by name. He knows all of your past and present and loves you anyway.

Application/Reflection

Do you feel unworthy? Look at the history of some of the people in Jesus’ genealogy. There are murderers, adulterers, liars, prostitutes. God gave his One and Only Son to save them. His grace encompasses all who are his, including you. You are not outside God’s purposes of redeeming grace. Celebrate this great personal gift to you this Christmas.

Prayer

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 211)