The Genealogy of JesusSample

Before they were known as the “Twelve Tribes of Israel,” the sons of Jacob were a bunch of brothers navigating a challenging family situation: one dad, four moms, an overbearing maternal grandfather, an angry uncle Esau and one sister, Dinah. Judah was the oldest son and most likely bore many of these pressures.

Like Jacob, Judah and his brothers faced some integrity challenges, too. Reuben slept with his father’s concubine. Simeon and Levi exacted revenge on the sons of Shechem. And most notably, they plotted to kill their brother, Joseph. Judah came up with the opportunistic “plan B” that sold Joseph into slavery.

The Lion of Judah may not appear to be a title worthy of our Savior after what you read about Judah in Genesis. But, God would increase the tribe of Judah in reputation and stature beyond the man named “Judah”. The inclusion of Judah in the lineage of Christ is another reminder that our worthiness is found in who Christ is, not in who we are.

1. Have you ever felt like your family of origin was dysfunctional? How do the passages we read today encourage you?
2. Have you questioned whether you are qualified to be used by God?

Prayer: Lord, family dysfunction doesn’t disqualify me from serving you. Convict me of my sin and refine me so I may be a pure vessel.