Today’s passage exhibits the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Genealogies are important because it preserves the record of historical figures that existed from generation to generation. They also show our roots, which in this case points back to Jesus’ roots as a man.
How does Luke’s genealogy record compare to Matthew’s account? At first glance, it appears as they are different with minimal similarities. Therefore, it begs the question which genealogy is accurate or if they’re both inaccurate. However, as both genealogies are recorded in the pages of Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we believe both records to be historically accurate. In Luke’s particular case, he reveals that he investigated everything carefully from the beginning… so that [we] may know the exact truth about the things [we] have been taught (Lk. 1:34). Archeology also evidences over time as historical artifacts become uncovered. Furthermore, if any part of Jesus’ genealogy contained false names, the first century unbelievers would have sought after the false information to discredit Jesus as the Messiah, but this was not the case.
Similarities between Matthew and Luke’s genealogy account
- Matthew and Luke 3:31-34
- Matthew 1:20 and Luke 3:27
Differences between Matthew and Luke’s genealogy account
- Matthew’s account is Joseph’s genealogy (legal line) whereas Luke’s account is Mary’s (blood line)
- Although Mary’s name is never mentioned people argue this point as Nathan is an ancestor of Mary, not Joseph
- Matthew’s order is top-down whereas Luke’s order is bottom-up
- Matthew mention five women, but Luke omits women
- Matthew mentions Solomon whereas Luke mentions Nathan as the son of David
- Jeremiah 22:28-30 – God cursed the line of Coniah; therefore, his descendants cannot be the King or Messiah
- However, to better understand why Nathan is mentioned is due to several reasons, but most importantly because Jesus’ Messiahship does not depend on blood as He was born by the Spirit.
Although there are similarities and differences between the two abovementioned genealogies of Jesus Christ, we need to ask ourselves what Luke’s purpose is for including it in his gospel record in the third chapter. While chapters 1 thru the early part of chapter 3 shows the spiritual evidence of how Jesus became man, Luke also wanted to add additional evidence from man’s perspective to show Jesus as a true historical man. In other words, in chapter 3:22 heaven approved Jesus as the Son of Man and Luke adds an earthly approval of Jesus as a true historical man.
What Luke is trying to reveal about Jesus through the genealogy
- Jesus was truly man yet without sin
- As man, Jesus is our representative, substitute, exemplary,
- Jesus as King
- Jesus as the second Adam
- Jesus as the Son of God
Luke’s ultimate purpose is to demonstrate that Jesus is truly God and His genealogy is one of many examples demonstrating the deity of Christ. Therefore, if Jesus is God, we must ask ourselves if Jesus is God in our own hearts. Jesus gave up Himself so that we might be saved. He came to save sinners but requires our repentance and to believe in Him as our personal Lord and Savior. And we must always examine our hearts to see which Jesus we believe in because we reflect that Jesus. Is the Jesus we hold on to the Jesus of the Bible who is God or a false Jesus that is an idol?
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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