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“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,” Luke 3:21-23.

Genealogies. Someone may be preparing a family history as a Christmas gift for the rest of the family. I was blessed several years ago when my brother, Jay, blessed us with a history of our family. He spent much time over the years meticulously researching and recording the mysteries of our family. What a blessing he gave us!

All the stories of the past looked forward to the future and the shaping of a family who touched communities and made a difference in the lives of others.

A person’s genealogy is particularly important if that person is a child born into the aristocracy. That genealogy may entitle her to a kingdom or the family business.

In the Old and New Testament times, the Jews paid particular attention to their genealogies. Rights to property hinged upon the specific tribe and family a person belonged to. Standing within families depended upon whether the son was born first or tenth.

Credentials. Family history.

When John had baptized the people and Jesus, as Jesus was praying, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and God said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,”confirming the authority of Jesus to begin His ministry.

In the next verses, Luke traces His genealogy.

I usually hurry over genealogies or skip over them, but last year, I read an article in Christianity Today that made me linger over genealogies. These family histories are important to God and to us.

“the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,” Luke 3:31.

Jesus’ lineage includes King David, a man after God’s own heart. Jesus is entitled to rule on earth.

“the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,” Luke 34.

God promised Abraham that He would make a great nation from the seed of Abraham and that through Abraham’s descendants, God would bless the whole earth, Genesis 12:1. Abraham is the father of the nation of Israel.

Jesus’ ancestry qualified Him to minister to the nation of Israel.

“the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.” Luke 3:38

The first Adam sinned. Jesus is the Second Adam.

God reveals Jesus as The Perfect Son. The One Who Takes Away the Sins of the World.

Each of the families listed in the genealogy of Jesus has a story – a story about God.

Each of the families in our genealogy has a story. Are there stories about God in your genealogy?

Throughout Israel’s stories, God progressively reveals His nature, just as Jesus progressively reveals His nature in the New Testament and in the lives of His followers.

From Baby in a Manger to Son in the Temple. From Carpenter to Teacher. From Compassionate One to Miracle Worker. From Righteous One to Forgiver of Sins. From Crucified Hope to Risen Savior. Jesus is Revealed! Click To Tweet

Stories. We all have them. They have helped to shape how we think, how we act, and how we define ourselves. Christmas and the end of the year are times that many of us take to reflect upon our stories and the paths we will take in the new year.

This Christmas season, won’t you read the genealogy of Jesus slowly and meditate upon the stories of those families that you are familiar with and perhaps look up the Scriptures that refer to them? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you why He included their stories in the Bible.

My prayer

Almighty God, Ruler of the past, present, and future, thank You for Your story and the stories of Your people. Through these stories, You have pointed us to Jesus, our Savior and Friend. Cause us to reflect upon Your story in a fresh way and lead us in the paths that You have prepared for us – paths that will lead to glorifying You and Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas season.

Please share your insights in the Comments Section below.

Title Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash