I love discovering stories of past generations. My cousin studies our family’s history, and I enjoy hearing the ways people lived, their connections to each other and to the happenings of their day. One great-great-great grandfather (my cousin can correct me if I have the wrong number of “greats”) fought on both sides of the Civil War—Union and Confederate. Not many two-way players in that conflict. He lived in the violent border region of the Ozarks filled with vigilantes and outlaws who burned homes and murdered innocents. He switched back and forth to best protect farm and family.

Matthew laid out the genealogy of Jesus and added several women, an unusual choice (Luke also shares a genealogy, but without the women). In the patriarchal society of Israel usually only men made the list. Matthew’s account stands out, both for including women and for the specific women he chose to highlight.

Four women are referenced, three of whom suffered sexual exploitation. Tamar was ignored by her father-in-law (Judah), who legally was to provide her with a husband. Taking matters into her own hand, she disguised herself as a prostitute and tricked Judah into sleeping with her. The resulting son, Perez, continued the line to Jesus.

Rahab, or Rahab the Harlot as she’s sometimes known, was a prostitute in Jericho. She embraced the Lord, sheltered Israelite spies and saved her family. After the destruction of Jericho one of the spies, recognizing her character and tenacity, proposed on the spot. Their son became King David’s grandfather.

David shamefully took Bathsheba, the third woman referenced. She gave birth to Solomon, the greatest king of Israel. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also on the list. While she did not suffer violence, she still experienced the startling visitation of an angel and a pregnancy by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew the tax collector knew the seamier side of life. He understood the darkness that accompanies families, and revealed how Jesus was born among sinful people—those he came to save. Matthew brings to light strong women whose blood flowed through the veins of Jesus. I love that he chose to add these details.

Sinners haunt the branches of all of our family trees, and we’re not necessarily any better. The good news is that Jesus arrived among us, not above us. Despite our background and history and actions, in him we find life and grace and hope, for us and for generations still to come.

Matthew 1

Photo by Chris Curry