The Mistake In the Genealogy of Jesus

Mat. 1-6.001The language is so stark, yet so common that you almost miss it.

But, when it hits you, you realize, that wasn’t right!  It is not supposed to be that way. 

You think, “that was a mistake!”  And you are right! 

Actually, it was a big mistake, and it got David in a lot of trouble.

I am talking about Matthew 1:6 in the record of the linage of Jesus.  The text says, “and Jesse was the father of David the king.  And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah.” 

The genealogy is progressing typically until this statement.  David being the father of Solomon is normal, but it is not supposed to be by another man’s wife!

The Bible teaches us that we are supposed to have kids with our own wife, right? 

Yet, here is David having Solomon with Uriah’s wife.  You most likely know the story of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah, if not read 2 Samuel 11.

But what lessons can we get from Matthew mentioning this episode centuries later. 

First, it shows us that our mistakes follow us, even the ones we might like to be forgotten.  Even though God forgives, the reality of our mistakes remain.

Second, it reminds us that God’s grace and providence works through our mistakes.  God brings good out of bad.  Through the years “illegitimate” children have often been treated unfairly.  In some respects Solomon was illegitimate and even the genealogy of Jesus has its “mistakes.”  Rahab, the ancient Gentile prostitute, is also a part of his ancestry.  Ruth the Moabitess was the great-grandmother to David.

Third, this shows us that every family has “mistakes” in its family tree, yet the family can still do powerful things for the Lord’s kingdom.       

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