The Genealogy of Jesus
May 8, 2019
Commentary
Luke recorded that Jesus was about 30 years old when He began His ministry (v. 23). Luke apparently used the term “about 30” to indicate that He was well prepared for ministry. The two genealogies of our Savior are found in the first chapter of Matthew and here in this chapter of Luke (vv. 23-38). When we read II Timothy 1:4 we find “Neither give heed to … genealogies." Therefore we don’t base anything on our earthly genealogy. Our confidence is in the fact that we have regeneration by the Word and Spirit of God.
God has preserved the genealogies of His Son so we may have a clear record and see His identification. Matthew wrote especially to show the Savior came from the line of David (who should sit upon the throne and reign in righteousness over all this universe) and Abraham (through whom all nations of the earth shall be blessed) which interested the Jews. What is the significance of Luke’s genealogy?
Tracing the line of Mary shows that she was in the line of David; therefore Jesus was qualified as Messiah not only through Joseph but also through Mary.Luke was tracing the line of Joseph to show that the legal and actual line of David through which Jesus came was fulfilled in Joseph, the supposed father of Jesus. The important thing is that Jesus fulfilled all prophecy and came to seek and to save all people, Gentiles and Jews.
Application
Isn’t it great that God included us in His plan before we were born so that we can come to Jesus and trust Him as our very own personal Savior? He is the only way to Heaven and through Jesus I have my sins forgiven. Now, I need to share this good news with others who do not know Him personally.
Luke 3:23– 38 (NET)
23 So Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years old. He was the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Illustration: The Genealogy Instrumental in Bringing a Jew to Christ
Gideon Miller was born a Jew. He had a drinking problem and when he eventually realized that he had this problem, he started going to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous – which met in a church. One evening he arrived early and so looked round for something to read. He picked up a New Testament and started reading Matthew’s Gospel. He read the genealogy of Jesus and suddenly realized that Jesus wasn’t a Christian – he was a Jew!!So he went out and bought a New Testament and began reading it regularly. And eventually he decided to give his life to Christ. The genealogy of Christ was instrumental in bringing Gideon to know Jesus as Saviour (Source Unknown).