Son of David

Read Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38
 
Matthew 1:1 This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:
 
NOW that you’ve read Joseph’s and Mary’s genealogies that reveal Jesus’ lines of ancestry, let’s understand why these are essential to know. We’ve read genealogies throughout the Bible. Why?
   Yes, genealogies in Scripture can often cause our minds to glaze over. There seems to be no story line or plot to follow. Names are difficult. We hurry through such lists to say, “I've read it.” when we really want to say, “Forget it.”
   But here’s a first point to change your “genealogy mindset”. Peter encourages us to know Scripture’s source: 2 Peter 1:20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. Everything is essential to develop a deep relationship with God.
   Think of it this way. If you have ever farmed, gardened or raised any kind of plant, you know how essential the smallest microbes are for your plants’ vitality - and even your income if you sell what you grow. If certain of even the smallest nutrients are missing, the soil produces less and may even become unproductive. Our modern technology also needs some of the earth's micro minerals to function. For centuries these “rare earth” minerals were once considered useless. Now you can't have a cell phone, TV or many other products we use daily without rare earth minerals. Woodworkers, too, know how critical exact measurements are to create useful, lasting construction. The Bible’s genealogies are words from the Spirit of God to build you up in knowledge of Jesus Christ.
   Here are four additional lessons we learn from these two genealogies: 1) God keeps his Word. He has said the Messiah would come from David’s line. Both genealogies prove this. 2) God’s salvation plan extends through sinful people. Some such as Manasseh committed deep sins against God. Still God used these people to keep his promise. 3) God’s grace is greater than our sins, our weaknesses and our limitations. His grace is above our humanity and liberates us into the true teachings of Jesus, Lord and Savior. 4) God’s New Creation will come. He has fulfilled his promises of old to deliver a Savior. He will fulfill his future promises to establish a new heaven and earth.
   These genealogies are your Christian family tree. They point to past and to your future as you are in Christ’s saving blood. Amen.