SBP Advent Day 21 - Saint Benedict Parish

A History of Grace

Light three candles and say together
Come, Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
teach us to walk in the path of knowledge.

Reflection

Genealogies are unlikely to be anyone’s favourite part of the Bible but I happen to love this one. Sure, it is a fun mouth workout to try to pronounce all the names, but more than that, what is found in this first chapter of Matthew is not simply a family tree. This list of names is a treasure trove of stories demonstrating God’s character and faithfulness displayed through generations of unexpected people experiencing unexpected miracles.

This genealogy starts with Abraham and the miraculous birth of his son, Isaac. The genealogy in itself is proof of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with this one, very old man who had no heir but through whom God promised to bless the entire world. But even when all hope seemed lost, Abraham believed God’s promise and that was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). After Abraham’s miracle son Isaac was born, God spared Isaac's life from a near-death traumatic experience. (Genesis 22:1-18). Isaac’s son, Jacob's life was transformed after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-31). And those are just the first three names.

Notice also the stories of the women featured in this genealogy. Women were not a common addition to genealogies, so their presence is important. Until Mary is listed, none of the named women were of Jewish lineage. Tamar was presumably Canaanite, as was Rahab. Ruth was a Moabite, and Bathsheba was likely a Hittite. Each of these Gentile women are noticeably grafted into Christ's lineage, becoming key figures in God’s plan.

Their stories are also striking. Tamar had to get tricky to claim her place in this lineage and God blessed her for it. We meet Rahab first as a prostitute; Ruth, a poor widow. Bathsheba, the “wife of Uriah” has a story that is full of grief and trauma. And then, of course, there is Mary, a woman who, by society’s standards, got pregnant out of wedlock.

Focus now on the kings. Through this lineage, Matthew shows Jesus’s kingly claim as a descendent of King David. Many of the listed names are kings, and not all of them followed God as they ruled. In fact, Joram, Ahaz, and Amon were incredibly evil kings.

And yet, through all of this history, God knew what He was doing. In God’s perfect wisdom, He chose each one of these people and He chosen each of their stories to weave together the perfect plan: a plan to come to Earth, fully man and fully God.

Jesus came to Earth and made a way for you to be grafted into God’s family. Your life also tells a story of God’s grace and faithfulness. Your story may include dashed hopes or miracles or near-death experiences or grief and trauma or experiences as an outsider or moments of deep wrestling with God. Like the names listed, what matters is not your past, what matters is that you are part of God’s plan. You and your story are valuable to Him and you are welcomed into this holy history.

Reflect and Discuss

How many of these names did you recognize on first read-through? Are you interested in anyone’s story? Consider reading through the Old Testament in the new year to learn more about this history.
What do you notice about the names listed whose stories you already know? Were they perfect? How does this help you identify as a grafted-in member of this same family of faith?
What are the parts of your faith story that can shows God’s faithfulness and grace. How can your story encourage others?

Pray
O Wisdom of God Most High, you weaved together our history with power and love. Teach us to walk in the path of knowledge. May our lives bear witness to your faithfulness and loving character.
Amen

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