The Genealogy of Jesus

This Lord’s Day, we’re starting a new series on the Gospel of Matthew, and the very first text is the genealogy of Jesus. Of course, I’ll talk about Matthew’s genealogy in detail on Sunday, but as you may know, there’s actually another genealogy of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. This is commonly raised as an objection to the trustworthiness of Scripture since these genealogies are different. Below is a video from Dr. Bill Mounce giving various explanations for the differences. There are several options, but I believe the last view he gives is the correct one–that Matthew is giving Jesus’ legal genealogy and Luke is giving his natural genealogy. (I believe in the past, I’ve given a different explanation, but after spending a lot of time studying the issue the past couple of weeks, this is where I’ve landed.)

Now, Dr. Mounce rightly points out that there’s no perfect explanation. This is a really complicated issue. But at the end of day, I think all Bible-believing Christians can agree that both genealogies are truthful because they are Spirit-inspired Scripture; we just don’t know exactly how. So it’s worth thinking about, but don’t get too worked up about it. Remember what the Apostle Paul says:

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim 1:3-5)

Updates

1. The Christmas program is this Sunday at 5. We’ll have a light fellowship meal afterward. If you’re participating in the program, be sure to be at the church by 4:15 to get ready.
2. We’re taking a break from midweek activities for Christmas and New Year’s. Choir and Bible study will resume on the week of January 4th.

Your friend in Christ,
Reid