The genealogy of Jesus

THE

book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar . ... Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph . ... Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.

...Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

REFLECTION

THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST.

Christmas in the Philippines is one long festive celebration characterized by family reunions, get-togethers, homecomings, weddings, and shopping for family, relatives, and godchildren.

God chooses to send to the world His Son who becomes part of the family of Mary and Joseph and lives in utmost simplicity. In effect, God is telling us how to begin everything with the family. It is in the family where we learn about life and relationships, where we discover our imperfections and nurture our good traits.

The genealogy in the Gospel shows how the mysterious hand of God works in the lives of Jesus’ ancestors. Some of them were notable people, like King David. Others were virtually unknown, who lived a quiet and ordinary existence. What is unique about this genealogy is the mention of women, something unheard-of in other genealogies.

The genealogy can be divided into three parts, and every part speaks of fourteen generations. Jesus’ ancestors are just like us — people who make sincere attempts to follow the Lord. We often fail, but God lifts us each and every time.