Genealogy
Reflection
When you see a Bible genealogy, do you skim through it quickly or maybe just skip over it and go to the next story? Many of us are tempted to do that when we encounter a long list of names, as in the family tree above. But genealogies are in the Bible for a reason. And this one at the beginning of the New Testament is especially important.
The word “genealogy” in our English Bible comes from the Greek word genesis, which means “origin, beginning, coming into being.” Here Matthew introduces a new beginning in revelation history, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In addition, as he links fourteen generations in three groupings, Matthew shows his Jewish audience that Jesus is a descendant of some of the most important people in their history. The connection to King David is especially important because God promised that a descendant of David would sit on the throne of Israel forever (2 Samuel 7).
Through this genealogy Matthew is showing that the long-promised Messiah, the greatest deliverer of God’s people, has come to fulfil all of God’s promises.
Do you sometimes wonder if God keeps his promises? This genealogy shows that he does, and in the power of Jesus the Messiah we can live and serve today with confidence.
O Lord, you are the God of our spiritual ancestors. Through them we see the continuing promise of your love, fulfilled in your Son, Jesus, the Son of David. Amen.
We pray for Others
God, from everlasting to everlasting.
We like the Israelites in the wilderness, we too have known Your love, and experienced Your care and provision.
You invite us to extend that love to the world around us— to care for others as deeply as we care for ourselves.
And so we bring the needs of our world before You now.
In Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the many who do not have enough: enough food to eat, or shelter to keep warm; enough employment, or money to pay their bills; enough medicine or medical care.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We also pray for those who have more than enough,
but who still struggle to find meaning and purpose in life;
who indulge in dangerous or self-serving activities
to dull their pain or loneliness.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, Your grace reaches out to all of us.
You call us to live as citizens of heaven, working together with one heart and mind.
Strengthen us to live in a manner worthy of the Good News we have received, offering our lives in service of Your kingdom, where the last are first, and the first are last, and there is grace enough for all.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, Amen.
When we pass through the waters, God is there with us.
When we suffer and feel hopeless, God is there with us.
When we are joyful and celebratory, God is there with us.
Whether we feel triumphant or defeated, God is there with us, always.
Come, let us worship together with Emmanuel, God with us.
Amen
Go now and continue to offer prayers and thanksgiving for everyone.
Be shrewd in dealing with the world around you but do not be seduced into serving wealth.
Weep for those who suffer and share faith and truth with all.
And may God welcome you with love;
May Christ Jesus give you knowledge of the truth;
And may the Holy Spirit lead you into all godliness and dignity.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord…
