How many times have we read through the lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1 at Christmas, struggling through the names, wanting to just hurry and move on to the “good stuff” of the Christmas story? I know I have. In the past few years, though, I’ve been drawn to study more deeply the names in the lineage of Jesus.
In the Bible times, establishing one’s lineage was based on blood ties but also grounded on ideas of covenant. In Judaism, it was a way to verify one’s ethnicity (a true Israelite); but also to establish a proper line of descent for the expected Messiah. It is worth noting that in these times women were not valuable in the social structure. Their worth was tied to their husbands in many ways. That’s what makes it so remarkable that Matthew lists four women in the lineage of Jesus.
These women aren’t notable because of great wealth or achievements. They are included in the long lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1, because they show how God loves to take weak, broken, hurt, and empty people and bring meaning, restoration, and purpose to their lives. They were women who were used, abandoned, and lonely. Their stories include the pain of rape, broken promises, death of loved ones, murder of a loved one, prostitution, and being poor and needy. Each of these women,seemingly, had no real prospect of rescue.
Read about these women and take in the depth of their sorrow. Tamar: II Samuel 13:1-22, Rahab: Joshua 2 and 6:22-25, Ruth: the entire book of Ruth is heartbreaking and yet a wonderful love story! Bathsheba: II Samuel 11 and 12. Their stories tell of women who experienced great pain, and yet eventually great hope, peace, joy and love through the Providence of God. They were transformed from the deepest of hurt to lives of restorationand purpose. These are the women recognized in the lineage of Jesus!
Isn’t that what God shows us again and again in the Bible and in the lives of people we see and know today? He so wants to bring life and purpose to our darkness and desperation! The traumaand the painful happenstances of our lives can be used by God to show His great love and care for us. We are not unforgiveable,and we are not a mistake with no way out. We are not meant to live our lives in the depths of shame and condemnation (Romans 8). God knows us deeply and wants to give us a life of freedom from all those things we think make us worthless. He brings beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). I can testify that God does bring healing and purpose. He did so for me; lifting me from deep despair and hopelessness.
There is no doubt that pain is, indeed, pain. Shame and hopelessness in the depths of our heart do exist and can make us feel worthless. Don’t let anyone tell you those things aren’t realor shouldn’t affect us. However, take some time this Christmas season to read Matthew 1. Look for the names of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Go back and read of their lives and how God brought healing, meaning and purpose to them. Marvel at their mention in the lineage of Jesus. Take in what it means that God loves us in our emptiness.
Jesus came to bring life to our darkness, hope for our deep pain, and love to all who will receive it! Is there any greater message to be taken from the Christmas story?
Love This! Thank You!! I needed this and I am going to go through the passages tonight.