1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
Commentary: The genealogy of Jesus highlights the humility of His incarnation. Rather than presenting a lineage filled only with perfect or noble individuals, the genealogy includes people with flawed and scandalous pasts—like Rahab, a former prostitute, and David, who committed adultery. This lineage reflects God’s humility in associating Himself with humanity in its brokenness and imperfection. Jesus does not separate Himself from humanity’s messiness but chooses to embrace it fully to fulfill His purpose of redemption. The humility of Jesus' genealogy reminds us that God's plans are not hindered by human imperfection. It teaches us to humbly acknowledge our need for grace and to serve with confidence that God can redeem any past and bring us to repentance and growth no matter the depth of our sinfulness.
Application: Humility invites us to embrace others in their imperfections, recognizing that God’s work often shines through transforming sinners into saints. Rather than despising others for their sin, in self-righteousness (Luke 18:9), believe that they can be changed, and work to help them repent just as you repent. Remember that God wants all kinds of people to come into His kingdom!
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
Commentary: Joseph’s response to Mary’s pregnancy is a profound example of humility. Initially, he plans to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace, showing compassion even when he believes she has wronged him. However, when the angel reveals the truth—that Mary’s child is conceived by the Holy Spirit—Joseph humbly sets aside his plans and pride, choosing instead to obey God. In taking Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his son, Joseph demonstrates humility by prioritizing God’s will over his own reputation and feelings. His actions reflect a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and societal standing for the greater purpose of God’s kingdom.
Application: Like Joseph, we are called to humbly submit to God’s will, even when it disrupts our plans or challenges our comfort. In relationships, humility requires us to act with compassion and grace, even when we feel wronged. True humility also demands prompt and unquestioning obedience to God, trusting that His plans are far greater than our own.