Matthew 1:2-6

Abraham to David

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.

Comments

Matthew’s genealogy omits certain names to produce three groupings of fourteen generations. Each of these groups represents a period of Israel’s history. Today’s reading takes us from Abraham to David—from the father of the Jews to the great king of the Jews.

At the end of Genesis, Jacob prophesizes that a royal line will emerge from the Tribe of Judah. Matthew traces that line to Jesus, who fulfills the kingship of Israel. Matthew also gives a nod to Judah’s brothers to illustrate solidarity with the twelve patriarchs of Israel’s tribes.

The three women mentioned in this genealogy—Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth—were probably all non-Jews. Notably, Matthew does not hide the “impurity” of Jesus’ genealogy; he does not rewrite history to remove any messiness. Jesus has come to clean up humanity’s messiness and to be the Savior for all people. Therefore, Matthew can celebrate all who are in the line of Jesus.

Application/Reflection

Historically, kings inherit their positions or win them through battle. Ordinary people are servants of the king, required to obey. Jesus is a different kind of king who serves those he came to save. His subjects choose to honor him. Do you think of Jesus as your King? How do you honor him consistently?

Prayer

King Jesus, in the fullness of time, you were born of Mary and the Holy Spirit to redeem us from the wages of sin and death. You came to forgive and to celebrate us, like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Thank you that you stand with open arms waiting to embrace us when we return to you. Help us to appreciate with joy everything that you have done to rescue, redeem, and renew us for your glory. Amen.