Royal Pedigree
Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:1-17
A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David ...
Matthew 1:1
Did you make it to the end of our reading today? My apologies for assigning the entire genealogy of Jesus. I hope the pronunciations of names didn't slow you down-but the genealogy of Jesus is important. Really!
Most of us don't read many genealogies-unless, of course, they are our own. In recent years, more of us have been checking out our family trees. We hope to find a bit of royalty or other status among our branches. But most of us are disappointed. Frankly, we're more likely to discover a town drunk than a duke or earl.
The genealogy of Jesus includes royalty. Jesus can claim a blue-ribbon pedigree. Not only is Jesus a "Hebrew of Hebrews" as one whose line runs back to Father Abraham, but Jesus' lineage also contains kings of Israel and Judah!
This genealogy fulfills God's pledge that we find in 1 Chronicles 17. There God promises David a son who will sit upon the throne forever. That promise is now being fulfilled. That's Matthew's point in verse 17. Seven is the number of completion. Jesus begins a seventh set of seven. Jesus fulfills all that this genealogy anticipates.
Of course, Jesus has more than a royal pedigree. He's not only the Son of David but also the Son of God. There will be rulers in this world who will try to give him trouble. But they are no match for the King of all kings.
Lord Jesus, not everyone confesses your royal identity. Even fewer acknowledge your reign by bowing to you as disciples. May we be among those who confess you as King. Amen.
About the author — Bob Heerspink
Dr. Robert Heerspink was director of Back to God Ministries International from 2006 until 2011, when he passed away. He had previously pastored several Christian Reformed churches. Bob loved to write and was a frequent contributor to the Today devotional.
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