Statement: New Genealogy Since Jesus (05/07/'24)

New Genealogy Since Jesus The genealogies in Genesis establish the book’s structure and outline the progression of humanity, leading from Adam to the rise of the Israelites. The genealogical records in Genesis (chapters 4, 5, 10, 11, 22, 25, 29–30, 35–36, and 46) chart humanity's journey from creation through the early history of the Israelites. The genealogies of Jesus, appearing in the Gospels of Matthew (1:16) and Luke (3:23), introduce a new lineage that differentiates between Joseph's earthly ancestry and Jesus's divine origin. Joseph, though not Jesus's biological father, completes the earthly lineage, while Jesus's conception by the Holy Spirit initiates a new era for the Messiah's genealogy. This shift represents a clear demarcation between the Old Testament and the New Testament, highlighting the spiritual kinship formed through faith in Christ. Jesus emphasizes this new spiritual family when he says, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers and sisters?" – redefining familial bonds based on faith. The Gospel of John frames the new genealogy theologically: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God" (John 1:1-2). Through Jesus, a new spiritual lineage is established, rooted in faith and fulfilling God's will on earth and in heaven. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 7, 2024)