As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come be with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read the bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.
 
Matthew 1:1-17 (shown here 12-17)
After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
 
Please take a moment to read the entire passage today, as we have only included a few verses here. It’s everyone’s favorite gospel reading, especially our deacons and priests. Today we wade through mispronouncing so very many names. Yet even though this reading may not bring warm fuzzies when you read through it, there is a purpose and some truths to unpack and pray about in this list of names. Let’s take a look at three points. 
 
First, at the end of the list, we find “Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.” This line changes the usual pattern of father and son that has carried through the entire list. Instead of mentioning Joseph as the father of Jesus, it says he is the husband of Mary. Why this change? Some scholars believe it points to the unique role of Joseph in the life of Jesus and the virginal birth. Joseph is the foster father of Jesus since Mary conceived through the Holy Spirit overshadowing her. Through this adoption by Joseph, Jesus is shown to Matthew’s Jewish audience as having a direct link to the throne of King David.
 
Also, in this time, a genealogy would not normally list women, yet within this passage there are actually four listed, each with interesting stories: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, & Mary. It’s another way that God shows us that no matter our past or our perceived place in this world, He will use all of us to bring about His salvation in the lives of those around us. 
 
And lastly, Matthew’s list is not exhaustive. As he describes the total number of generations from Abraham to Jesus, he has divided the forty two generations up into three groups of fourteen, which means there are people left out. Why does he do this? The Israelites use Gematria, a game of numbers and letters. The number fourteen had symbolic value. Most scholars agree that it has to do with King David because the letters in David add up to fourteen. In this listing, David is actually the fourteenth individual. It appears that Matthew is trying to show the Jews that Jesus is clearly connected to David, linking him as the Messiah that they had been waiting for. 
 
Reflection Questions: Have you ever taken the time to really study the genealogy of Jesus? What else can be learned from this passage and how does it help you understand Jesus and the Jewish people?
 
Prayer: Jesus, help me to embrace all of Scripture and dig deep to find the message You have for me even when it’s not obvious or doesn’t bring me consolation as I read it. You have given me Your Word as a love letter. Help me to cherish every word and be bold in seeking out answers to better understand what You are saying. Amen.