Different Approaches To Jesus Genealogy

Jesus genealogy is explained in two books of the New Testament. This is in the gospel of Mathew and that of Luke. These two books are clear that he was not born of man but begotten of God. He is said to have come through virgin birth by Mary into the world. There is a similarity in the description given by these two writers though minor difference exists.

Mathew arrives at Joseph through Jeconiah, King Solomon, David and Abraham. The sons of David are said to have been cursed by God. A lot of kings are mentioned in the process to elevate Jesus to similar status. Joseph is mentioned as a care taker and not the biological father.

The difference in accounts provided by Luke arises when he mentions an insignificant descendant of David called Nathan. There is a clear link between Joseph, who was the foster father and Adam. Scholars have attempted to explain these differences. They claim that these writers used different account, wrote at different times and the events were a reconstruction, which can never be perfect.

There is a similarity in Jesus genealogy given by both Mathew and Luke especially between Abraham and David. Change occurs when David enters the scene. This difference has been explained by scholars as emanating from the approaches taken by the two writers.

Luke is said to have traced the lineage of Mary in developing his account. The lineage of Joseph informed Mathew as he recounted the history of the Son of Man. The two however converge and agree that he was a descendant of David. This explains the differences and similarities.

David is important in the history of this narrative. God had promised him that his blood would occupy the throne forever. This would not have come true if he had not come of his descendants. Joseph passes the rights to Jesus as a father and Mary through blood.

Nathan is important because he was a minor son of David. The promise made would not have been realized since God had cursed Solomon. The curse would have blocked the promised made to David. Nathan is immune to this curse. This offers a perfect opportunity for the promise to be fulfilled.

The accounts of Jesus genealogy provided by Luke can be verified from the Old Testament. There is a mention of such names as Mattathias by Maccabaeus. This is a testimony that the personalities existed. The number of generations mentioned is symbolic. Augustine, a biblical scholar, considers the number 77 as a symbol of the forgiveness of God.

Mathew is insistent that he was born of a royal priesthood. He begins his accounts with such names as Messiah and Son of David. The two writers have not left out such names as Mary, Ruth and Rehab. They tally with the accounts provided in the Old Testament.

Jesus genealogy omits several kings in succession. This is viewed as a way of cleaning this lineage of wicked persons who would rather not be associated with the Son of God. It is therefore viewed as deliberate. A clear picture can be gotten when one compares biblical accounts with historical accounts of the Jews.

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Different Approaches To Jesus Genealogy