God’s Grace Despite of Our Pasts

DAILY READING

Matthew 1:1-7

FIELD NOTES

Why are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba mentioned in this genealogy? Since this genealogy lists relationships as “the father of,” Matthew did not need to list any women unless he wanted to make a point, as these four women were the subjects of scandal in Jesus’s family.

Tamar prostituted herself with Judah to produce Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38). Rahab was a prostitute of Jericho (Joshua 2:1-21). Ruth was a Moabite, which meant to the Jewish people that Jesus’s bloodline had tainted non-Jewish blood (Book of Ruth). Then, Matthew explicitly hangs out the family’s dirty laundry by saying that David fathered Solomon by the wife (Bathsheba) of another man, Uriah. Then David has Uriah murdered in battle (2 Samuel 11). So, why did Matthew mention these particular women in Jesus’s genealogy if he tried to prove that Jesus was the holy Christ?

This genealogy is a compelling example of God’s grace. No matter our family history, the skeletons in our family’s closet, our past, or how ashamed we may be of some family members, or even of ourselves, God still loves us no matter what. God loves us enough to claim us as God’s children and live in our hearts.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• How far back can you trace your family tree? 
• Who are the people in your family tree?
• What skeletons exist in your family?
• What skeletons do you have which you do not want people to know?
• How is God’s grace helping you go forward—skeletons and all?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Draw a picture of your family tree.
• Help your children and your spouse understand the significance of these people in your life.
• If it is safe to do so and your children will understand, share some skeletons in your family tree.
• If it is NOT safe or if your children are not old enough to understand, discuss how grace means that God and your family love each other no matter what is said or done.

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear loving, gracious God, thank you for all of the many blessings you give us. I confess that I’m not perfect and have done many things that are not right. Yet, your amazing grace shows you love me no matter what I’ve done. Please help me change by first confessing my mistakes (sins) and receiving your grace and forgiveness. In your gracious name, I ask. Amen!