Unexpected Grace: The Scandalous Genealogy of Jesus

 

Summary

In the midst of our Advent journey, we find ourselves reflecting on the genealogy of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. This genealogy is not just a list of names; it is a tapestry woven with stories of unexpected and scandalous figures, particularly the five women highlighted by Matthew. These women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah, and Mary—each carry a narrative marked by scandal and grace. Their inclusion in the genealogy is not incidental but intentional, pointing us to the profound truth that God works through the unexpected and the unlikely to fulfill His promises.

Mary, the fifth woman in this lineage, stands out as the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. Her story, like those of the women before her, is marked by scandal—not of her own making, but scandal nonetheless. The virgin birth, a cornerstone of our faith, is a scandalous miracle that defies human understanding. Yet, it is through this very scandal that God chose to enter the world, shattering expectations and redefining what it means to be enough.

As we consider Mary's role, we are reminded of the faith she embraced despite the societal judgment and personal turmoil she faced. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises. The question posed by the popular song, "Mary, Did You Know?" invites us to ponder the depth of her understanding and the magnitude of her faith. While she may not have known every detail of her son's life, she knew enough to trust in God's plan.

This Advent season, we are challenged to examine our own expectations and to find contentment in the sufficiency of Christ. In a world that constantly tells us we are not enough, the story of Mary and the genealogy of Jesus remind us that Jesus is more than enough. He is the fulfillment of the promises made to the women in His lineage and to us. As we celebrate His birth, we are invited to embrace the grace and forgiveness He offers, recognizing that our greatest need is met in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew highlights five women whose stories are marked by scandal, yet they are integral to the lineage of the Messiah. This inclusion teaches us that God often works through the unexpected and the unlikely to fulfill His divine purposes. [01:51]

- Mary's story, marked by the scandal of the virgin birth, challenges us to see beyond societal judgments and embrace the miraculous ways God intervenes in our lives. Her faith in God's promise is a model for us to trust in His plans, even when they defy human understanding. [05:54]

- The question "Mary, Did You Know?" invites us to reflect on the depth of Mary's faith and the magnitude of her role in God's redemptive plan. While she may not have known every detail, her trust in God's promise was unwavering, reminding us to have faith in the unknown. [11:25]

- In a world that often tells us we are not enough, the story of Jesus' birth reminds us that He is more than enough. Our identity and worth are found in Him, and His grace is sufficient to meet our deepest needs. [13:12]

- The heart of the Christmas story is the promise of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus. This promise, embraced by the women in Jesus' genealogy, is fulfilled in His birth, life, and sacrificial death, offering us the grace we desperately need. [14:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:51] - The Scandalous Genealogy
- [03:33] - Mary's Unique Role
- [04:50] - The Scandal of the Virgin Birth
- [05:54] - Mary in the Spotlight
- [07:01] - Engagement and Scandal
- [08:10] - Joseph's Dilemma
- [09:07] - The Virgin Birth in the Family Tree
- [09:55] - Honoring Mary
- [11:25] - Mary's Faith and Expectations
- [12:29] - Shattered Expectations
- [13:12] - Jesus is Enough
- [14:05] - The Promise of Forgiveness
- [14:43] - Salvation Through Jesus
- [15:29] - Conclusion: Jesus is More Than Enough

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:1-16
2. Luke 1:26-38
3. Isaiah 7:14

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#### Observation Questions
1. What is significant about the inclusion of the five women in the genealogy of Jesus as presented in Matthew? [01:51]
2. How does Matthew's account of the genealogy differ from other Gospel accounts, particularly in its focus on Mary? [04:50]
3. What societal norms and expectations are highlighted in the story of Mary's engagement to Joseph? [07:01]
4. How does the sermon describe the reaction of Joseph upon discovering Mary's pregnancy? [08:10]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might Matthew's inclusion of scandalous figures in Jesus' genealogy suggest about God's way of fulfilling His promises? [01:51]
2. How does the sermon interpret the significance of the virgin birth in the context of societal judgment and divine intervention? [05:54]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Mary's faith serves as a model for believers today? [11:25]
4. How does the sermon connect the story of Jesus' birth to the theme of sufficiency in Christ? [13:12]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt judged by societal standards. How can Mary's story inspire you to trust in God's plan despite external judgments? [05:54]
2. The sermon challenges us to find contentment in the sufficiency of Christ. What are some areas in your life where you struggle with feeling "not enough," and how can you seek fulfillment in Jesus? [13:12]
3. Consider the question posed by the song "Mary, Did You Know?" How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, even when the future is uncertain? [11:25]
4. How can the inclusion of unexpected figures in Jesus' genealogy encourage you to see value and purpose in your own story, regardless of past mistakes or scandals? [01:51]
5. In what ways can you embrace the grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus this Advent season, and how might this change your interactions with others? [14:43]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of faith in the unknown. What is one step you can take this week to strengthen your faith in an area of uncertainty in your life? [11:25]
7. How can the story of Jesus' birth and the fulfillment of God's promises through unlikely individuals inspire you to be more open to God's work in unexpected ways in your life? [14:43]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

Day 1: God Works Through the Unexpected
The genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew is more than a mere list of names; it is a profound tapestry that includes five women whose stories are marked by scandal and grace. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah, and Mary each have narratives that defy societal norms and expectations. Their inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah is intentional, highlighting the truth that God often works through the unexpected and the unlikely to fulfill His divine purposes. This genealogy challenges us to see beyond the surface and recognize the ways in which God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will. [01:51]

Matthew 1:3-6 (ESV): "and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king."

Reflection: Consider a time when God used an unexpected person or situation in your life to bring about His purpose. How can you remain open to the unexpected ways God might be working in your life today?


Day 2: Embracing the Miraculous
Mary's story, marked by the scandal of the virgin birth, invites us to look beyond societal judgments and embrace the miraculous ways God intervenes in our lives. The virgin birth is a cornerstone of Christian faith, a miraculous event that defies human understanding. Yet, it is through this very scandal that God chose to enter the world, shattering expectations and redefining what it means to be enough. Mary's faith in God's promise, despite the personal turmoil and societal judgment she faced, serves as a model for us to trust in God's plans, even when they defy human logic. [05:54]

Luke 1:34-38 (ESV): "And Mary said to the angel, 'How will this be, since I am a virgin?' And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.' And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to see beyond societal judgments or personal doubts? How can you invite God to work miraculously in that area today?


Day 3: Trusting in the Unknown
The question "Mary, Did You Know?" invites us to reflect on the depth of Mary's faith and the magnitude of her role in God's redemptive plan. While Mary may not have known every detail of her son's life, her trust in God's promise was unwavering. This challenges us to have faith in the unknown, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see the full picture. Mary's story reminds us that faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in the One who does. [11:25]

Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are uncertain about the outcome. How can you practice trusting God with the unknown details today?


Day 4: Finding Sufficiency in Christ
In a world that often tells us we are not enough, the story of Jesus' birth reminds us that He is more than enough. Our identity and worth are found in Him, and His grace is sufficient to meet our deepest needs. As we celebrate His birth, we are invited to embrace the grace and forgiveness He offers, recognizing that our greatest need is met in Him. This Advent season challenges us to examine our own expectations and to find contentment in the sufficiency of Christ. [13:12]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate or insufficient? How can you find contentment and sufficiency in Christ today?


Day 5: Embracing the Promise of Salvation
The heart of the Christmas story is the promise of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus. This promise, embraced by the women in Jesus' genealogy, is fulfilled in His birth, life, and sacrificial death, offering us the grace we desperately need. As we reflect on the stories of these women and the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's grace and the hope of salvation that is available to all. This season, let us embrace the promise of salvation and live in the light of His grace. [14:43]

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and live out the promise of salvation in your daily life? What steps can you take to share this hope with others today?

Quotes

"Matthew highlighting and mentioning four unlikely, undeserving, unexpected women in a genealogy that usually would contain only men. We heard about them last week. There was Rahab, and there was the wife of Uriah. There was Tamar, and there was Ruth, Ruth connected to the story of Jesus's family tree." [00:01:39] (25 seconds)


"And Matthew, as he highlights these four, he's mentioning these four women, and they're unusual in a sense, in that there's one thing that connects each and every one of those women. They were marked by scandal. Scandalous women. Sexual scandal in one way or another, each and every one of their stories." [00:01:51] (21 seconds)


"But there is a fifth woman in that genealogy that I did not mention last week. A fifth woman that is a part of this genealogy whose story jolts us as well. You might not know as much about those four last week, but this one, this fifth woman, you know all about. You've been singing about her, this babe, this child of Mary. Mary." [00:02:49] (29 seconds)


"Her inclusion in the story, Matthew tells us about it. Matthew tells us it's in the genealogy. We didn't hear it today, but we heard it last week that Jacob fathered Joseph, the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah." [00:03:18] (15 seconds)


"And the reason why Mary is held in high esteem, as Dr. Luke tells us in his gospel, while we call her blessed among women, throughout the Old Testament we find these women being highlighted in the developing story of the coming Messiah. And Mary belongs in that company, the last in line, the greatest of all in that line." [00:06:00] (23 seconds)


"After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, were introduced to Joseph in the genealogy, but now the story continues and begins with Mary, begins with an engagement. Now, engagements in those days, they were a lot different than engagements now. There were contracts that were drawn up between the families, most of them usually arranged." [00:06:39] (22 seconds)

"Joseph at first doesn't hear the Holy Spirit part either. Mary isn't married. She's pregnant, and she's facing a divorce. Put yourself in her shoes at this point. A pregnant teenager. She knows the real truth, but no one believes her. Her life is now a scandal, and that's why Matthew places her in the genealogy." [00:08:32] (23 seconds)


"it's so wonderful that mary can embrace this promise by faith the angel then tells joseph that mary's child is god becoming man and that joseph has a part in this mission as well to help him as he saves his people from their sins mary embraces that promise and mary herself is that unlikely and unexpected person she's poor she's lowly she's not a queen she's not nobility she's an unknown and anybody but yet given this great burden and gift and she embraces it all by faith" [00:10:36] (37 seconds)


"And while she may not have known every detail and event, Mary did know. She knew that pain and suffering would be there because of that and promise that she's embraced. Whatever expectation she had going into the marriage with Joseph's, they're going to be changed, shattered, blown up by a baby she now carries, but embraces by faith because of who he is, God with us, the one who saves her and others in the family tree from their sins." [00:11:37] (34 seconds)


"We learn that from Mary and her inclusion in this story, that Jesus is enough. Jesus is enough. Jesus is more than enough. We're in a season where we're going to be reminded and bombasted over and over and over again, being told we're not enough. You don't have enough. You don't look right enough." [00:13:02] (24 seconds)


"The highlight reel, it's what we want, but it's not what we live. We live the reality where we are not enough, never enough. And that's okay, because we can take it from Mary. We can take it from Rahab. We can take it from Tamar, from Ruth, from the wife of Uriah, and from the wife of Uriah. And from Mary herself. Jesus." [00:13:43] (33 seconds)


"Years later, as Mary's son goes to the cross and saves his people from their sins, the unlovely, the unlikely, the unexpected, the unworthy, the unbelievable, all of us, Mary gives birth to the Savior of the world. Mary gives birth to the promise. Mary gives birth to grace. And Jesus, Jesus is enough. He's more than enough. Amen." [00:15:10] (34 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?