Meditation: Matthew 1:1-17

3rd Week of Advent

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:1)

What’s your story? Discover your roots! Claim your heritage! Maybe you’ve seen similar advertisements for DNA-based ancestry tests. It’s easy to see why these tests are surging in popularity: we like to know where—and whom—we come from. It’s fascinating to see how our story links up with historical events. It’s also exciting to see if our DNA reveals some unexpected plot twists or links to people we never expected.

If we were to approach today’s Gospel reading in this way, what first seems like a long, dull list of names can turn into an intriguing treasure hunt. These people—all of them—are part of your own spiritual ancestry! Their DNA lives in you and can reveal long-forgotten secrets of your heritage.

This is Jesus’ ancestral tree. You may not be biologically related to any of these men and women, but that doesn’t change anything. Remember, you have been grafted into the body of Christ. He is your brother, and you are now part of his family. That means that his past is your past as well.

So just what does Matthew reveal about your heritage?

First, you have a heritage of faith. Some names are familiar: Abraham. Jacob. Joseph. Mary. You may recall their stories and marvel at the opposition they endured as they strove to stay faithful to God. You may want to celebrate their lives just as you might cherish the memories of your grandparents. You may also want to celebrate the fact that their faith flows in you—they can teach you how to believe and trust in God.

Second, you have a heritage of mercy. Like any family tree, this one has some surprises. Think of Rahab, the “woman of the night” who came to faith and became a forebear of Jesus. Think of Ruth, the unlikely foreigner. Even King David had a checkered history. God’s mercy was big enough to cover them all. And it’s big enough to cover you.

Of course, the story doesn’t end with you. It keeps unfolding—in your children’s lives and in the people that you touch. You could say it’s a never-ending inheritance of grace!

“Lord, thank you for bringing me into the family of God.”

Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17