The Genealogy of Jesus

Weekly Update – November 14th, 2024

This week we returned to our series in the gospel of Luke.  So far, we have seen the births of John that Baptist (1:57-66) and Jesus (2:1-7), side by side. We have also seen a bit of John the Baptist’s ministry (3:1-20), ending with him being in prison for calling out Herod Antipas’ sin of adultery and incest (3:20). Yet as we came to chapter 3 verse 21, it is almost as if Luke goes back to the ministry of John the Baptist as Jesus to him to be baptized.  As Jesus comes up out of the water, Luke tells us of this amazing proclamation from God, as the Father speaking over Jesus says, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (3:22). At the same time, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus, in the likeness of a dove (3:22), perhaps symbolizing the ministry of peace that Jesus brings.  All of this concludes for us this beautiful picture of the triune God, present in all three members: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 

Why then does Luke take us to Jesus’ genealogy next?  What is the purpose of recording his genealogy and why did we take the time in our Sunday service, to not only read all 77 names, but to actually have these names function as a major part of the sermon?  In other words, why take time and focus on the genealogy of Jesus?  Let me give you three reasons why this genealogy is important and what it is we can take away from it.

First, we focus on the genealogy of Jesus because we affirm all of scripture.  If we truly believe 2 Timothy 3:16 which states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness”, then we cannot simply skip over the parts that seem a bit more difficult to apply. If we skip over this section, then why not skip over others that might be a bit more difficult or even controversial.  Instead, we must view a commitment to expositional preaching with confidence as we consider every text inspired by the Holy Spirit and good for our spiritual growth in Christ.

Second, the genealogy of Jesus shows that he is human. With all sorts of wrong teaching trying to define Jesus, it is important to not only affirm that Jesus is God, but that Jesus is also a man.  He is not a divine being who merely dropped out of heaven, did a few miracles, taught some nice parables, and then completed the work of God by dying on a cross. No, he is the divine son of God become man who is rooted in the history of his people. From here, by being a man, Jesus provides the necessary mediatorial relationship between us and God that only he can bring.    

Third, the genealogy of Jesus shows that there is hope for mankind.  As you read through these 77 names, you will notice many names that you likely don’t know. At the same time, you will recognize very prominent names.  Names such as Abraham, Jacob, Judah and David.  At the same time that you recognize these names, you can’t forget their sin either.  Abraham got caught lying (Gen. 12, 20), Judah solicited a prostitute (Gen. 38:15), Jacob was called a deceiver (Gen. 27:36), and David was a murderer and adulterer (2 Sam. 11). All of those referenced in the genealogy of Jesus are sinners because they all come from the first man listed in 3:38, Adam.  Yet here we have one greater than Adam, one who was tempted but did not sin:  Jesus.  Though this genealogy starts with Adam, it ends with the one who would redeem us from Adam’s curse. 

In many ways, the genealogy of Jesus sets us up for Jesus’ entry into ministry.  We know who he is as the Son of God, approved by God at his baptism, as well as the Son of Man, coming up through history as the one greater than Adam. Now we are ready to see his perfect work, leading into his sacrificial death, climaxing with his victorious resurrection. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson