The family tree stops here
We were looking yesterday in church at the first chapter in the New Testament – Matthew 1. This opening chapter of Matthew’s good news account famously contains Jesus’s family tree, his genealogy. The way that Matthew has structured this family history of Jesus, along with the less-than-perfect ancestors who pop up along the way, shows us several key things about Jesus’ identity and his mission:
Jesus is the true Son of David – the true heir to David’s throne. Jesus is a King with all authority, demanding our allegiance.
Jesus is the great descendant of Abraham – through him all the nations are blessed with salvation.
Jesus is so named because he came to save his people from their sins – which is their greatest need.
Jesus came from a dysfunctional family – his family tree is one of glory and of shame. Jesus is not removed from the experiences or realities of sinful people living in a rebellious world.
Jesus is God with us.
Jesus’ conception shows us that God rescues his people supernaturally and that we can’t save ourselves.
Jesus signals a new beginning in God’s relationship with humanity. Jesus is the start of a new creation. He takes us forward to a new start in him.
One thing that struck me that I hadn’t really thought of before was the fact that it is VERY important that Jesus’ family tree stops at him, i.e. that Jesus has no descendants. The idea of Jesus having secret children (normally with Mary Magdalene) and therefore a continuing family tree has been popularised by books such as The Jesus Scroll and The DaVinci Code, even though no credible scholarship really supports this hypothesis.
It is very important that Jesus was the last of his line from a theological point of view. The Bible as a whole looks forward to, describes, demonstrates and explains the fact that Jesus is the central figure in God’s story of rescuing a people for himself – of saving them from their sins.
The writer to the Hebrews makes this very clear throughout that particular epistle, drawing out great truths about Jesus right from the start of the letter,
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…
Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV)
Jesus is the last word from God concerning salvation. That’s part of the reason for him having no descendants. Salvation history is bound up in him. He is the unique Son of God and Son of Man. His family tree stops with him. We are compelled to come and worship the one true saviour of humanity. We must belong to Jesus – the way, the truth and the life.
And who can speak of his descendants?
Isaiah 53:8 (NIV)
With thanks to Alex for bringing us this clear, Christ-exalting sermon on Matthew 1.
