“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21
Years ago we lived where I could walk to and from my church office. Our three-year-old son would wait in the afternoon at the front door for my return. When my wife spotted me coming, she’d say, “He’s here!” and my little son would run to greet me. What a wonderful way to arrive home!
Matthew announced that the long-expected Messiah had come. “He’s here!” But if you take a look at the names of all the people who led up to Jesus, you’ll note something interesting. Women’s names are included, a rarity for genealogies. These particular women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba—are two non-Jews, a prostitute, and an adulteress. Jesus’ mother was a virgin, and His father was a simple carpenter. Why such a lineage for the Savior of the world? It shows, in part, that God isn’t concerned with family background. That’s why it was not unusual for Jesus to spend time with outcasts, the marginalized, and “sinners.”
No matter who you are, He loves you and is waiting for you to receive His love. He’s here! Run right into His welcoming arms!
Matthew announced that the long-expected Messiah had come. “He’s here!” But if you take a look at the names of all the people who led up to Jesus, you’ll note something interesting. Women’s names are included, a rarity for genealogies. These particular women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba—are two non-Jews, a prostitute, and an adulteress. Jesus’ mother was a virgin, and His father was a simple carpenter. Why such a lineage for the Savior of the world? It shows, in part, that God isn’t concerned with family background. That’s why it was not unusual for Jesus to spend time with outcasts, the marginalized, and “sinners.”
No matter who you are, He loves you and is waiting for you to receive His love. He’s here! Run right into His welcoming arms!
Scripture Focus
Matthew 1:1-24
Insight
“Man of Sorrows! What a name/ For the Son of God, who came/ Ruined sinners to reclaim:/ Hallelujah! What a Savior!” (Philip P. Bliss, 1875)
Bible In A Year
- Amos 4-6
- Proverbs 18
- 1 John 3-4
