What’s your family history like? Is it embarrassing to look back at your family tree? How about this: What’s your history like? Is it embarrassing to look back over your own life?
Then you should see Jesus’ family tree. Before he writes the story of Jesus’ birth, Matthew records Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17). He traces Jesus’ family line all the way back to Abraham. When you look at Jesus’ family tree, do you know what you see? Sinners. Lots of sinners. Jacob deceived his father. Judah slept with his daughter-in-law. Rahab was a prostitute. Ruth had been an idol worshiper. David committed adultery and murder. We could go on and on… That’s Jesus’ family tree. What do you think?
Why on earth would God be willing to be born into such a sinful family? Here’s why: Jesus was willing to be born from sinners, because he came to save sinners. After recording Jesus’ family tree, Matthew tells us exactly what Jesus came into the world to do: “He will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
If your family history is filled with shady characters, if your own personal history is filled with regrets and moments you’d like to forget, know this: Jesus came for you. He came to save you. There is forgiveness in Jesus. That means no more regrets. No more embarrassment. Jesus has saved us from our sins!
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