A special family tree

This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David; who was a descendant of Abraham.

From Abraham to King David, the following ancestors are listed: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and his brothers; then Perez and Zerah (their mother was Tamar), Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz (his mother was Rahab), Obed (his mother was Ruth), Jesse, and King David. (verses 1-6a)

Read Matthew 1:1-17

Sometimes, in searching to find out who we are and where we’ve come from, we expend a lot of time and effort on tracing our roots through family trees. Often this culminates in a wonderful family reunion.

Jesus’ family tree shows how God’s promises were carried through with his faithful people from the time of Abraham through to King David, who was a direct descendant of Abraham. This special family tree also points to the way in which the many prophecies made in the Old Testament about Jesus coming to earth were fulfilled.

Jesus’s birth and his life on earth culminated in his death on the cross for the sins of all humankind, for his ancestors and everyone who would follow after him, including you and me.

But our family history doesn’t stop there. Jesus was raised from death, and because of this we also will rise again to eternal life with him in heaven. Praise God! It will be the biggest and most wonderful family reunion ever.

Thank you, Father, for my family and for the family of all believers, of which you made me a member through your Son, Jesus. I look forward to being with you and all your people m heaven. Amen.

By Grace Bock, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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