One
of the banes of many-a-Bible-reader is the genealogical material throughout the
Bible. Often have people, intending to
read the whole Bible, been confronted with a list of names foreign and hard to
pronounce in mouths and minds used to the English language. I have often counseled those dismayed by
these lists to skip them rather than stop reading God’s Word. However, if one were to skip the genealogy in
Luke 3 one would miss something wonderful to give us hope.
After
describing John the Baptist’s ministry of preaching and baptizing for
repentance and forgiveness of sins, Luke speaks of Jesus’ baptism showing that
God Himself anointed Jesus for His ministry; the Holy Spirit descending on Him
as a dove and then a voice (the Father’s?) saying, “You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”
Luke
goes on to list that Jesus was the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, and lists
his earthly heritage including heroes of the faith like King David, Jacob,
Isaac, Abraham and Noah. The recitation
ends with, “… the son of Adam, the son of God.”
Twice
in this chapter we are told that Jesus is God’s Son. What is more, since this genealogy goes back
to Adam, Jesus is displayed as your kinsman, your family. While Jesus was clearly Jewish and belongs to
Israel, in a greater sense, as the son of Adam and the son of God, He is
accessible to all who would believe in Him.
When
I was in confirmation class the pastor once gave a list of people: a witch doctor, a prostitute, a thief, a
murderer, and the like. He asked which
of these would not be welcomed in Jesus’ presence. Arguments were made for and against
each. Pastor told us that each and every
one would be welcomed in Jesus’ presence because of His love and grace. That is Luke’s point, too. Those that we humans think cannot come to God
are welcomed in Christ for he came for all people.
Lord
Jesus, help me see that you came for all people, and use me to reach someone,
even someone I might think “unworthy.”
Amen.
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