What's with these long list of names? Why are there genealogies in the Bible?

Should we study these long lists?

Matthew 1:2-5

2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.

3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram.

4 Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon.

5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,

Let's Be Honest

How often have you skipped the long lists of names (genealogies) and move to the more important part of the text?

There are at least 23 of these lists in the Bible – from Genesis 5 and 11 – to – Matthew 1 and Luke 3.

Why are they in the Bible? What is their purpose? Are they important?

Beget, Begat, Begot

Strange words, not in common usage today Small child – “Abraham forgot Isaac, Isaac forgot

Jacob” John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt

among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Some Explanations

Long life = generations skipped

Just historical facts for genealogy buffs

Matthew and Luke are different – therefore – Bible is not inspired of God.

Their Purpose:Evidence of Authenticity

Important to know the beginning Many research their family tree – seek to learn

the background, history and origin These are real people – they lived, made

mistakes, served God, and died Sets the stage for the coming of Christ. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David, Solomon

are all verified in other historical records

Their Purpose:Establish Chronology

All the figures match up About 2,000 years from Abraham to Christ

Luke – 55 generations About 40 years = 1 generation Totals about 2,000 years

Genesis gives how long they lived Not skipping generations After the flood – God shortened their lifespan

Their Purpose:Needed to keep the Law of Moses Judah – tribe of kings

Levi – tribe of priests

House of Aaron – lineage for High Priests

Each tribe was given specific land areas

Their Purpose:Not as important for Christians

Jesus is our kingJesus is our king John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You

a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Acts 2:33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

Their Purpose:Not as important for Christians

Jesus is our king Jesus is our high priest Jesus is our high priest Hebrews 4:14-15 Seeing then that we have a

great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

We are priests of God

Their Purpose:Not as important for Christians

Jesus is our king Jesus is our high priest We are priests of GodWe are priests of God 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal

priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Revelation 1:6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Read Genesis 5

See more than a list of names See more than how long they lived See more than how many children they had “And they died” - Enoch is the exception (21)

Lessons to Learn

Our past is important Our present is important Our future is important If you live to be 100 or 900 – not important “And he died” - Death is coming to all Are you ready? Would another 100 years be of any help?