Why do we need to
read or understand the genealogy of Christ? It’s important as the Messiah
needed to be able to prove that He came from the line of Judah as prophesied in
the scriptures. We can also learn a lot about the Messiah by what we read about
with His family. We will also see some of His different characteristics of who
He is through these various names.
Luke 3:23-29 ( ESV )
23Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age,
being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,
27the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the
son of Shealtiel,£ the son
of Neri,
·
Jesus-Jehovah is salvation. Right off the bat we
are told the purpose of Messiah’s coming to earth. He came here to save our
souls. Began His ministry..about 30 years of age-Thirty
was a customary age to enter into the office of a prophet Ez. 1:1, Priest
Numbers 4:3, 35 and 39, lastly a king as well with David in II Sam. 5:4.
·
Supposed-Not truly his Father.
·
Joseph-Let him add. Little is said about him in
the N.T. but note his obedience and character. Matt. 1:19 and Matt. 1:25
·
Mattathias-One of the most common names used in
the listing meaning, “The Gift of God.” A true proclamation of the Messiah to
come that He would be the Gift of God and His salvation would be the greatest
gift from God. Eph. 2:8-10.
·
Melki-My king and my Counsel. The messiah to
come would be one that would not only rule over Israel but the whole world.
Rev. 19:16 A name written King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
·
Jannai-Flourishing
·
Amos-Burden.
·
Nahum-His name means Consolation yet, he had a
son named burden. In Luke 2:25 Simon was
waiting for the consolation of Israel. He was looking forward to the one who
would bring comfort and peace. The Messiah would do just that. Jesus said the
following in John14:27 “Peace I leave you with, my peace I give unto you.”
·
Esli- Reserved of God. To be that of His
completely is the Christian’s greatest goal. Rom. 12:1-2
·
Naggai-Illuminating. Jesus would be and is the
LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
·
Maath-Small. In light of the Messiah’s coming we
are to be that of a people who will truly humble themselves before Him.
·
Semmein-Same name for Simon meaning the one who
hearkens my report. When the Messiah comes we will listen to what He has to say
and do what He commands.
·
Joda-He shall be praised. The Messiah is truly
worthy of our praise. Phil. 2:5-11 Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is worthy of our praise and shouts of joy
will be heard for the name above all names.
·
Joann-Sustained of Jehovah.
·
Rhesa-The head. Eph. 5:23 tells us that Christ
is the head of the church.
·
Zerubbabel-Born at Babel. He was the head of the
tribe of Judah at the time of the return of Christ during the Babylonian
captivity in the first year of the reign of Cyrus.
·
Sheltiel-I have asked of God
·
Neri-Jehovah is my lamp. John 8:12 I am the
light of the world.
·
Er-Watchful. He was watchful of the Messiah’s
coming. I Peter 4:7 “But the end of all things is at hand; Be ye therefore sober
and watch unto prayer.
·
Joriam-Similar to Joann.
·
Eliezer-God is my help. Ps. 40:17 “Thou art my
help and my deliverer.”
·
Jorim-Jehovah is exalted.
Just some names, I don’t think so. Are we willing to allow
these names to be part of our Christian character? In our next blog we will
look at the rest of the list and hopefully we will consider these names and
allow them to be part of our Christian Heritage.
