Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob"... "6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias"... "7 And Solomon begat Roboam"
Very many Christians often gloss over the genealogy of Christ as being of minimal importance, and because of this, many solemn and relevant truths are left on the table, being regarded as inconsequential. But this should never be the case, for whereas it may seem boring to some, it is actually loaded with phenomenal truths and deep science of no ordinary character, bringing the riches of His grace and mercy to the surface. The first book of the Bible is Genesis, and the first five letters of that title spells the word "Genes", thus from the beginning of time, and even down to our day, the role that genes play in human tendencies and propensities is of major concern and significance, as is clearly stated in several passages of scripture.
For instance, if we were to observe carefully the spiritual descendants of Cain, we would see a pattern of behavior and godlessness developing in the overwhelming majority of his offspring, and this fact can directly be attributed to their genetic make up, their pattern of choices, and the evil tendencies that were handed down from generation to generation as a legacy. Cain's son Enoch, was the first to introduce city life to the human family, which in many cases has served the purpose of drawing away our attention from God, and the natural things He created for our happiness, and focusing our gaze on the superficial, man-made works and inventions of the fallen race. Then Enoch's grandson Lamech, was the first to introduce polygamy to the world, by which the desecration of the marriage institution began cascading downward, which then resulted in warped concepts and practices such as the many gay and alternative lifestyles that we see today.
Then, as if that weren't enough, Lamech continued to indulge the legacy of bloodshed started by his forefather Cain, for he murdered a man in cold blood, just as Cain did, when overcome by an unwarranted hatred of his brother, Abel. Let's read:
Genesis 4:17 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. 19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
Thus the genealogy of Jesus Christ is very important, for it shows that in the line of His earthly predecessors, there were some characters who did some pretty strange and sinful things. For instance, our passage for today mentions individuals such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Solomon, all of which had serious faults in their characters, and who committed acts that are definitely contrary to the teachings of scripture. For reference purposes, we observe that Abraham lied on several occasions about his wife Sarah, and Isaac in turn told the very same set of lies about Rebekah. Then Jacob who descended from Isaac, practiced lying and fraud to the extent that he was forced into exile on account of his misdeeds.
And David murdered Uriah and took his wife Bathsheba to himself from whom Solomon was derived, who then went on to follow in the steps of his predecessors, by having seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Thus, when we read that a virgin was with child, in the form of Jesus, we must understand that the fallen nature of man, with its liabilities of urges such as hunger and thirst, were concentrated in Mary, and although Christ did not inherit the tendency to indulge these urges in an ungodly manner, yet He suffered tremendously on account of them, for being human, He suffered severe hunger and thirst just like any other human being. Let's read:
Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
Hebrews 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Although time and space would not permit us to expound further on these sacred truths, yet the Bible teaches us that Christ overcame sin and satan from a point of disadvantage, being saddled with the results of centuries of indulgences by His earthly predecessors, and therefore it brings us great hope and joy, that because He was victorious in negative circumstances, we too can also be victorious in negative circumstances, for abundant help has been provided us through the power of The Holy Spirit. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which points us to Christ as the be all and end all of righteousness, for through His earthly genealogy He clearly shows that every person who believes in Him can live victoriously. Let's read:
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!