Why the Genealogies? (Luke 3:23-38)

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Genealogies play a significant role in Scripture by rooting the biblical account in history. Because of their importance, the Jews kept very careful genealogical records, which survived until the Romans sacked Jerusalem and burned the temple in A.D. 70. In fact, the genealo­gies recorded by both Matthew and Luke are likely based on those pub­lic records, which were still in existence when they wrote. In addition to the official public records, many families undoubtedly kept private genealogical records. The Old Testament contains numerous genealo­gies (e.g., Gen. 4; 5; 10; 11; 1 Chron. 1--9).The New Testament also alludes to the availability of genealogical records. For example, Anna is identi­fied as a member of the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36), Barnabas as a mem­ber of the tribe of Levi (Acts 4:36 [cf. Luke 10:32]), and Paul as a member of the tribe of Benjamin (Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5). Also, as noted above, Joseph knew that he had to go to Bethlehem for the census "because he was of the house and family of David" (Luke 2:4).

Because of the significance of genealogies in the ancient world, Luke's readers would have understood why he included the genealogy of Jesus Christ. It was an essential credential for one claiming to be the Messiah to be a descendant of David. Luke has already given several cre­dentials that establish irrefutably that Jesus is the Messiah.The account of John the Baptist's miraculous birth to an elderly, barren couple intro­duced His prophesied forerunner (Luke 1:17; cf. Isa. 40:3--4; Mal. 3:1)...

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