The Family Tree
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Series: The Birth of A King
DescriptionThe Family Tree Matthew 1: 1-17Intro: How many of you have spent time researching for genealogy? ILL - $1,000 to discover his relatives…$2,000 to cover them up! Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus --- at first glance it seems to be perfectly normal….perfectly boring! Yet, on closer examination we discover a family tree full of surprises….even scandal..... and some rich spiritual truth. Matthew 1: 1-17 (I will read it all….what catches your attention?) • The Structure of 3 X 14 Abe to David == Promise Soloman to Deportation = Failure Captivity to Messiah = Fulfillment “Despite mankind’s failure, God is faithful to provide a Savior!” • Vs. 16 – subtle allusion to the virgin birth (1: 20-25) • FOUR WOMEN Why the Four Women? Why THESE four Women? 1. Tamar (3) – wife of Judah’s oldest son (wicked man who died) Judah’s family neglected her…refused place in family She tricked Judah into fathering her child! (yuck!) 2. Rahab (5) – Canaanite woman from Jericho who rescued spies. “Broad” … “Public woman” …. Possibly prostitute 3. Ruth (5) – Moabite woman who married a son of Naomi Returned to Israel with Naomi and eventually married Boaz 4. Bathsheba (6) - Literally only “Her of Uriah” Possibly foreign…Urriah was a Hittite Pressure, pleaded along with Nathan to make Solomon King instead of Adonijah Why These Four Women? What do they have in Common? SINNERS --- Adultery, deception, prostitution, …. Less than sterling reputations! POINT: Jesus came to a sinful people…. We Need a Savior! Problem: These women were well respected within Judaism! (Ruth!) FOREIGNERS Tamar was a Canaanite Rahab – also Ruth was a Moabite Bathsheba possibly a Hitite The Kingly Lineage was not Pure! (Gentiles always have had a part!) WOMEN --- Strong, active, Essential --- Women! Tamar took matters into her own hands Rahab believed before many of the Hebrews and risked her life Ruth was exemplary! Bathsheba prevented David from appointing the wrong heir! ILL – Jewish men in 1st century prayed daily “ Thank God I am not a gentile, a publican or a woman!” App – The Gospel of Jesus Christ elevates the status of women! These four were crucial to God’s Redemption Plan! • Galatians 3: 27-29 UNDERDOGS Exp – None of these four women had the credentials, advantages, reputation, qualifications to be included in the Messiah’s lineage …. Their inclusion Surprises us! God Loves an underdog! Mary (young, single and pregnant) Zacharias & Elizabeth (Old and barren) David (Not the King….before…shepherd vs. Goliath and Saul) Abraham & Sarah (Old, barren, and away from home) Joseph protecting family from Herod Shepherds (outcast out in the field) Disciples The Church Why does God Love to Use Underdogs (sinners, strangers, second class citizens)?? 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31 |