Apparent Discrepancies Are Made Clear: The Genealogies of Christ Fill Us with Hope and Encouragement

When God was incarnated 2000 years ago, He did not miraculously materialize out of thin air. The human lineage of the first God-man extended all the way back to Adam, including among His antecedents King David. Some modern theologians, however, seek to discredit the Scriptures by highlighting apparent incongruities between the parallel genealogies of Christ recorded in Matthew and Luke (e.g. Spong 213). Nevertheless, an examination of Christ’s genealogies in the context and light of God’s economy, not only underscores their compatibility; it should also fill us with hope and encouragement regarding our own relationship with Christ.

[Matthew] Christ’s genealogy as recorded in Matthew

[Luke] Christ’s genealogy as recorded in Luke

[Jesus’ grandfather] Matthew says Jacob; Luke says Heli.

[David’s son] Matthew says Solomon; Luke says Nathan.

[Chart] Both genealogies shown together in a clear, concise chart

[We’re related] Christ’s genealogies reveal that we can be related to Him!

[He is everything] Christ’s genealogies reveal that He is everything to us!

[Matthew] [Luke] [Jesus’ grandfather] [David’s son]
[Chart] [We’re related] [He is everything]

Copyright © 2000. Christian Websites. All Rights Reserved