Matthew’s genealogy underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’ role as the Messiah, the promised king who brings peace and justice. It also emphasizes the universality of Jesus’ mission. Gentiles and women are introduced in the lineage when the lineage breaks from the pattern of father to son.

Matthew includes:

Tamar (Genesis 38) – A Canaanite woman.

Rahab (Joshua 2) – A Canaanite woman from Jericho.

Ruth (Book of Ruth) – A Moabite woman.

Bathsheba (referred to as “the wife of Uriah” in 2 Samuel 11) – Her husband was a Hittite.

These inclusions highlight God’s grace and the inclusive nature of Jesus’ mission. They also illustrate that God’s plan of salvation transcends ethnic and social boundaries, showing the importance of faith and righteousness over lineage alone. This genealogical inclusivity serves as a potent reminder today that the message of Jesus is for all people, regardless of background or heritage.

Jesus declared that “… whoever does the will of my Father…” is family (Matthew 12:50). This statement highlights the importance of spiritual bonds over biological ones. It’s a powerful reminder that faith creates a deep and inclusive family connection among believers, so we continue the line through generations of those who follow Jesus. Our families, too, are important in keeping our lineage connected to God. We must keep the lineage through our children and/or help other families instruct their children to keep the covenant going from generation to generation. According to Luke 18:8, Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?

Let Us Pray:

Oh Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; You yourself who secure my lot. Pleasant places are marked out for me: a pleasing heritage indeed is mine. God of life and of light, your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires; your goodness is seen in the beauty of human life; and by your touch, our world is made holy. (Prayer from Praise God In His Holy Place by Father Bernard J. Camire SSS)