Dec. 18, 2022: The Genealogy of Jesus
We find that there are two versions of the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament. One is in Matthew (1:1-17) and another is in Luke (3: 23-28). The basic aim of any such list of descendants in the scripture, is the connection of each era to God’s progressive plan of salvation which reaches its fulfillment in Christ.
The genealogy of Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises God made to Abraham and David. One notes that there are four woman, perhaps all gentiles, in the list. The inclusion of these women may serve to indicate that Jesus came to save all mankind and not just the Jews (Mt. 28: 19). David, a sinner guily of adultry and murder (2 Samuel 11: 6), is also included in the list, thus indicating that Jesus, who was without sin, was fully immersed in the sinfulness of humanity.
The genealogy of Luke’s gospel is even more obvious in indicating the universal mission of Jesus. He goes back from Jesus, to Abraham, and all the way back to Adam, the son of God; thus he shows Jesus as the New Adam, who begets a new humanity.
The two genealogies are quite diverse in the personages included. In fact, they agree only on two names from David to Joseph. Matthew’s royal lineage supports his concept of messianic fulfillment while Luke may have been more authentic in tracing the line through Nathan. In any case, one finds that the theological purpose of the genealogies supercedes any consideration for factual accuracy. The intention of the lists is to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that had been prophecied in the Old Testament. The covenant that the Lord established with David will stand forever: “The Lord says that his covenant with David stands firm and he will make his posterity endure forever and his throne as the days of heaven” (Ps. 89: 29-30).
Not only does the psalmist assure us that the covenant with David and his posterity will last forever, but Jeremiah the prophet tells us that one of David’s descendants will appear and rule as a glorious king:
“The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: “The Lord our justice”
For thus says the Lord: Never shall David lack a successor on the throne of the house of Israel, nor shall priests of Levi ever be lacking.
Micah tells us that the great king will come from Bethlehm: “But you Belthlehem Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth one for me who is to be the ruler in Israel; whose origin is from old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:1).
He also describes the Messiah, beginning with the statement that he will spring from the root of Jesse:
“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding.
A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord.
Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice and decide aright for the land’s afflicted.
He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his lips (Isaiah 11: 1-5).
The genealogies call us to trust in the salvific plan of God: all will be brought to fulfillment by the Lord in his own time and in his own way. In spite of difficulties, we are called to trust in the promises of the Lord. Jesus himself, the Son of the Father promised, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not” (Luke 21: 33).
——————————
Synaxarion for the Revelation to Joseph evening prayer (Ramsho), Maronite Divine Office.