The Fruitful Family tree of Jesus

The Fruitful Family tree of Jesus Son of David, Our Ruler Seed of Abraham, Our Righteousness

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David…

“Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph… the son of David… the son of Abraham… the son of Adam, the son of God” (Luke 1:26-27; 3:23, 31, 34, 38 – ESV).

People who research their genealogy often make some boast-worthy discoveries: been here since the 1600’s, fought in the Revolutionary War, from *this* part of Ireland. Optimal bragging rights belong to those who can claim kinship to someone of renown: royalty, a president, an inventor. “George Washington is my great, great…” carries some nice weight.

Jesus’ family tree has some serious bragging rights: related to King David and to Father Abraham, to name a few. However, it’s one thing to be a distant son of David and a seed of Abraham. It is another to be THE Son of David - God’s Ruler - and THE seed Abraham - our Righteousness.

When Dr. Luke carefully tells us in his gospel of Jesus’ credentials and credibility, he points to some very sweet fruit from Jesus’ family tree. This virgin-born son of Mary, the “supposed son” of Joseph, is indeed the Christ. Jesus’ birth, up-bringing, baptism and now his birth record all reinforce His royalty and righteousness.

Genealogies give legal legitimacy. They point out true heirs and rightful relations. Jesus’ genealogy goes further than mere legalities, it points to His lordship – He is the virgin-born, adopted son of Joseph (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1). It also testifies of His linkage to God’s promises, His people and all people – son of Adam.

Christmas is a time of anticipation: longer lines, crankier customers, antsy kids and last minute shoppers. Hang tough, men! I’ll see you at the store Christmas Eve.

Christmas has always been a time of anticipation. When Jesus was born, God’s people had been waiting, longing for centuries for God’s promised Messiah. King David’s heir was to rule on the throne, restore the people to the land and the city to its glory (2 Sam. 7:2-16; Psalms 89:1-4; 19-37; 132:11, 12).

As still happens, false Messiahs in Jesus’ day claimed to be God’s anointed one. Yet only Jesus, as Luke clearly attests, is God’s Sent One, the Christ. He is the righteous Branch, the suffering Servant, the Son of David, the seed of Abraham.

As the son of David – not just “a” son – Jesus is the rightful Ruler of the Universe, not just Jerusalem. He belongs on the throne of the heavens and our hearts. He will - as Handel wrote, quoting scripture – reign forever and ever. We are wise to get not just on the right side of history, but eternity.

Even King David, the previous premiere emperor of Israel, calls his great-grandson Jesus “Lord” (Ps. 110; Matt. 22:41-46). Jesus, the Son, is greater than David; that happens when you are God. To King Jesus, every knee will bow and tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God (Phil. 2:5-11).

A barren old man was given a promise of progeny: “You’ll have so many kids”, the Lord pledged to Abraham, “that you won’t be able to count them” (Gen. 12, 15). This seemingly laughable legacy lead not just to uncountable seeds, but a Seed. One in whom all the nations of earth would be blessed: Jesus (Galatians 3).

Abraham, the Father of faith, believed God’s wild promise and God declared him righteous. His faith – not law obedience – lead to a standing of righteousness before God; as does our faith (Gal. 3 & 4; Romans 5).

Paul, the Rabbi-turned-Apostle, tells us that The Seed, Jesus, is our source of righteousness. Because of Jesus’ death for us - taking our sin - God can count His righteousness to all who believe (2 Corin. 5:21). The Just died for the unjust.

Because of the Seed of Abraham, God can justly declare us innocent, acquitted, righteous, justified (Romans 3-5). Such a Seed, that supposed son of Joseph is! Oh Vey!

Dr. Luke gives us not just a birth record, but a praise-prompt. Jesus, the Ruler, is the son of David: bow. Jesus, our righteousness, is the seed of father Abraham: believe.

My Dad used to say he was afraid to research our family tree. He feared finding a horse thief hanging from it. Ironically, he did. There is another One who hung in our family tree – the crucified King, the Sovereign Seed.

Jesus said you can judge a tree by its fruit. His family tree points to a tree on which He took our judgment. Now He is alive, ascended and enthroned above and some day will return and rule.

Bow before the King. Believe in Him. Enjoy this fabulous fruit from God’s family tree. O come, let us adore Him, our Ruler and our Righteousness.

*Kerry S. Doyal* - Pastor *Grace Bible Church (an EFCA)* *Kingsport, TN ** *