The record of Jesus' ancestors (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23b-38)
How far back do Matthew and Luke go in tracing Jesus’ genealogy?
With which historical figures did Matthew particularly want to connect Jesus? (Matthew 1:1)
What four people or events divide the genealogy into important epochs? (Matthew 1:17)
Much has been made about the virgin Mary, but Matthew’s genealogy (vv. 1-16) highlights four other women in Jesus’ family. They were touched by scandal and remembered as ‘sinners’ and ‘foreigners.’ Jewish genealogies typically ignored women. Readers would expect those included to be exceptionally noble. Matthew must have had a special purpose for featuring “scandalous” women. What scandal was associated with each of these? a) Tamar (Matthew 1:3; see Genesis 38); b) Rahab (Matthew 1:5; see Joshua 2:1-24); c) Ruth (Matthew 1:5; see Ruth; Deuteronomy 23:3-6); d) Bathsheba (Matthew 1:6; 2 Samuel 11-12)
What scandal was associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus? (Matthew 1:18-19)
How does Luke handle the fact that Joseph was Jesus’ legal father but not his biological father? (3:23; see Matthew 1:18)
Who was the real father of the child Jesus?
Matthew mentions David five times, Luke only once. According to Matthew 9:27, 12:23, 21:9, and 22:42, who were the people expecting the Christ to be?
If we want to be like Jesus, we need to understand and accept our roots in terms of culture, race, gender, and reputation. Moreover, like Jesus we want to avoid demeaning anyone else’s heritage. What parts of your background or present history are you tempted to conceal as embarrassing?
How does that background or present history influence who you are?
Why is it important for you to be honest and forthright about your roots?
What other name does Matthew give to Jesus to reinforce this messianic anointing? (vv. 1, 16)
Luke ends his genealogy by calling Adam “the_______________” (3:38). Since this is Jesus’ genealogy, what do you infer from this way of concluding? What does Gabriel announce to Mary that corresponds with this description of Adam? (Luke 1:32)
