The Genealogies of Christ

Introduction:

The genealogies of Jesus are listed in Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38. Usually, studying genealogies do not cause one to get excited. We often view them as boring and completely useless (especially when one can’t even pronounce the names correctly!). In the New Testament, we have two genealogies of Christ recorded for us. Some say there are discrepancies and thus the entire Bible can not be believed.  Why are there two versions of the same record? Are they really the same in content?

I.               Matthew’s Account – Matthew 1:1-17

A.    The purpose of Matthew’s genealogy was to show the royal bloodline of Jesus.

1.     Book of Matthew was written to Jews.

a.     Matthew starts with Abraham and runs through King David in the genealogy.

2.     There is strong internal evidence within Matthew’s book which solidified Jesus’ claims.  See Matt. 27:11; 2:2 (King of the Jews)

a.     Phrase “Son of David” is used 7 x’s.

b.     “Throne of His glory” is only used in Matthew. 25:31

c.     Seems Matthew is going to great lengths to convince people Jesus was really the King of the Jews. 27:29,37

B.    A unique twist in this genealogy is that Matthew lists (or mentions) 5 women as ancestors of Christ.

1.     Unique because it was not common for women to be listed in genealogies.

a.     1:3 – Tamar; 1:5 – Rahab; 1:5 – Ruth; 1:6 – Bathsheba; 1:16 – Mary

b.     Perhaps used to show no distinction in Christ; Jew vs. Gentile, righteous vs. unrighteous, male vs. female.

2.     Also included in this genealogy is a mention of Jesus’ earthly father.

II.             Luke’s Account – Luke 3:23-38

A.    Luke had a completely different audience in mind as he penned his version of Christ’s genealogy.

1.     His focus was on the Greeks and Gentiles.

2.     With a different audience one can quickly see why Luke goes all the way back to Adam.

3.     Luke’s record shows Jesus’ ancestry back through His mother Mary.

III.           Two Genealogies, Two Audiences

A.    The main point to remember is that Matthew and Luke are writing from two completely different perspectives.

1.     Matthew – Jews; Luke – Greeks/Gentiles

B.    The purpose of these differences

1.     What these genealogies prove.

a.     Through Joseph – Jesus had a legal claim to the throne.

b.     Through Mary – Jesus was of proper bloodline, just not in order to assume the throne.

Conclusion

A.    While boring on the surface, these genealogies provide us with a wealth of information and reinforce to us who Jesus is.

B.    Won’t you give your life to the One who gave His life for you?