Why does the Bible keep all these names and lists? Why all the names? Because you are important. People are essential to God. He has always wanted a relationship with us. Unfortunately, we have sometimes avoided him. All of us find meaning in our relationships. That is why we seek relationships and connections. People are looking into DNA research and genealogies to find meaning. We have abandoned meaning in relationship to God and tried to tie ourselves through science and history. God has always known our meaning and purpose comes in a relationship with him. That is one of the main reasons Jesus came.

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham…. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

We are connected to God’s Great Family

You and I are connected to a great family of God’s followers through Jesus. Humanity was touched by God’s grace in Jesus. Jesus left heaven for you and me. Today celebrate him.

Questions to consider today:

As you read through the list of Jesus’, family think about what you know about them. Some were kings and others poor. Some were Jews, and others not. David killed a man. How has God shown up in your imperfect family and past? How do you need Him to show up today?

How does it make you feel to know that God knows you by name? What makes your generation unique to God’s heart? How has he made Himself real in your lifetime?

Use one of these lines to start your own prayer.

  • Father, thank you for sending Jesus so I could be a part of your family. Help my friend _______________ see their place in your family and this world.
  • Lord, I lift up to You the ____________ family. They need your help, grace, and love. God lift their suffering and ….
  • Lord, I know you care about the generations in my city and community. I lift up to your the _____________ generation because I see them suffering from ___________. Please make your self real by…