This Week's Worship

Misfit Joy

The individuals listed in Christ’s genealogy represent a striking diversity of social identities and historical contexts. Some occupied positions of honor within their communities, while others were socially marginalized, morally complex, or considered unsuitable for inclusion in the ancestral line of the Messiah. Nevertheless, the biblical narrative intentionally incorporates each of them, demonstrating that God employs people as they are—within the realities of their circumstances—to advance the unfolding story of Christ’s incarnation. 

Likewise, God does not engage human beings on the basis of their perfection. Rather, despite human limitations, weaknesses, and moral imperfections, God chooses to work through individuals in ways that align with His sovereign purpose and ultimately lead to their participation in divine joy.

Matthew 1:16-17 (NKJV) 

16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.