Jesus' Grandmothers

Generational Obedience

It wasn’t until I became a mother that the genealogical threads throughout the Bible changed my spiritual journey in a ground-breaking way. I realized there were more and more names, the names of mothers and grandmothers, written between the lines. My own name, and my children’s names, and my grandchildren’s names and those of their children would be added to this long list one by one. We are all a part of God’s story that began so long ago.

As I pored over these lines of genealogy, the spiritual significance of motherhood awakened in me. I realized my obedience to God, and likewise my disobedience, could and would have a generational consequence. 

This genealogy at the beginning of the New Testament is the only one to mention the names of women… mothers. Just like you and me, they each had a story and played a role in the lives of their children and descendants. Though Matthew lists the genealogy from the bloodlines of the fathers, he takes extra care to mention five special mothers: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. I just love this sweet celebration of motherhood!

As I look at the genealogy in Matthew 1, I do not see perfect people, but I do see how God has used and equipped each of these women to fulfill his good and perfect plan.