Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#9]
FAMILY MATTERS
Luke 3:23-38
Introduction:
This morning, we are going to talk about the importance of family by looking at the family trees found in Luke 3:23-38 and Matthew 1:1-17. At 1st, these lists of names might seem boring or just a long record of people, but they actually show us a deeper story about how we are all connected and how God’s story has been unfolding over time. In Luke's genealogy, we see Jesus' family going all the way back to Adam, reminding us that every person has a role in God's bigger plan. Each name represents someone significant, showing us that our faith journey is not just about 1 person but about all of us together through the years.
As we think about these family trees, we can see that families are beautiful and complicated. Families today come in many different forms, each with their own strengths and challenges. Some of us have family histories that make us proud, while others might have stories of hurt or struggles; but through all of this, we can find God's faithfulness in each family line. Jesus, who came from both David and Adam, teaches us that where we come from doesn’t determine our value or purpose; it’s our connection to Him that truly counts. As we explore what "Family Matters" means today, let’s open our hearts to the lessons in these names and think about how our own families, (both our relatives and our Church family) play a part in God's wonderful story of love and redemption.
Luke 3:23-38
Family matters in our…
1. Identity.
Jesus's family tree teaches us an important lesson about our identity. Jesus's connections to His ancestors show that where we come from matters. They remind us that our identity is shaped by the families we belong to and the stories of those who came before us. Just as Jesus recognized His place within His family history, we, too, are influenced by our family's experiences, victories, and struggles. This means that our identity is not something we create alone; it is connected to our families and to God, who cares about our relationships and heritage.
Understanding this helps us think about how we relate to our families, whether they are biological or spiritual. We should honor the lessons and values we inherited, while also being honest about any challenges we face. Recognizing how our families shape us can improve our relationships, as we strive to treat one another with love and grace. Additionally, as we appreciate our family history, we can make a conscious effort to guide the next generation, passing down a legacy of faith and connection. By nurturing our family relationships through both good and tough times, we can find a deeper understanding of who we are in Christ and realize just how important family is on our faith journey.
Family matters in our…
2. Heritage.
Jesus’ family tree is not just a list of names but also a powerful message about our heritage and who we are. This genealogy shows how God's plan for saving humanity unfolded through history, starting from Adam and leading to Jesus. It reminds us that every family has a story that fits into God's bigger plan. Just as Jesus has a rich family history that includes many faithful people, we are also part of a spiritual family that goes back many generations. When we understand where we come from, it strengthens our faith and helps us see our purpose. We are called to honor our family stories and to pass them on to the next generation.
Recognizing our heritage helps us build stronger connections within our families and creates a sense of belonging. When we take the time to remember the struggles and successes of our ancestors, we can create a family atmosphere that values history and relationships. Sharing our faith stories can inspire younger family members to appreciate their own background. Moreover, understanding our heritage encourages us to accept and celebrate the differences in our families and communities. Just like Jesus' family tree includes many varied individuals, our families today can reflect God's creativity. By embracing each person’s unique story, we not only honor our past but also prepare ourselves to make a positive impact on the future.
Family matters in our…
3. Purpose.
The family tree of Jesus shows us that God cares deeply about families and their history. Each name in this genealogy tells a story of God's faithfulness over many generations, reminding us that everyone in our families has a unique purpose, no matter how ordinary they may seem. The genealogy includes people who made good choices and those who made mistakes, showing us that God can work through imperfect families just like ours. This teaches us that our families are part of a bigger story in God’s plan for salvation. It’s important for us to see our family ties as sacred and essential in shaping who we are and what we believe.
Understanding the purpose of our families leads us to intentionally invest in our relationships with one another. Our families can be spaces where God's love and grace are shared every day. We should work on creating an atmosphere of forgiveness, support, and understanding, reflecting the love God has shown to us. Simple actions like talking about our faith, engaging in family traditions, or just spending time together can help us build a strong family legacy that aligns with God’s values. Every moment spent with our families can demonstrate the love of Christ and influence not only our immediate family but also generations to come. In this way, we become thoughtful builders of our family legacy, creating a community that honors God and fulfills His purposes on Earth.
Matthew 1:16
Family matters in our…
4. Relationships.
We see the importance of family history and relationships. These genealogies show how God has worked through many generations, reminding us that families play a key role in His plans. Each person in Jesus’ family tree has their own story, filled with both successes and struggles. This encourages us to think about our own families, whether they are biological, chosen, or spiritual, and how our relationships with them can shape who we are and strengthen our faith.
Simply put, understanding that "Family Matters" means we need to take care of our relationships. We should focus on building love, forgiveness, and grace within our families, just like God does for us. By doing this, we create safe spaces for everyone to grow and thrive spiritually and emotionally. This idea also encourages us to connect with others beyond our immediate families, including our church communities and neighbors. In doing so, we reflect God’s desire for unity and healing, showing that through our relationships, we can share His love and grace. We can make our families, (both those related to us by blood and those chosen) places where everyone feels welcomed and can grow together.
Matthew 1:17
Family matters in our…
5. Redemption story.
In the story of redemption, families are very important because they show how God works to bring people back to Him through our relationships. These genealogies remind us of Jesus’ family tree, which connects Him to key figures in Israel's history. This list of names is not just historical; it shows us God's faithfulness over many generations. Each name tells a story of a family, filled with both mistakes and successes, showing that God can work through imperfect families to accomplish His perfect plans. We also see that people from various and even difficult backgrounds are included, reminding us that no family is too far for God to reach and that His story of redemption is open to everyone.
On a practical level, understanding the importance of family in God’s story can change how we view our own relationships. This perspective encourages us to create homes filled with grace, acceptance, and support. Just as God redeemed the imperfect people in Jesus' family tree, we are also called to show grace to our own family members, emphasizing forgiveness and support. While families face struggles, these can become opportunities for God to show His healing and redemption in our lives. Sharing our own experiences of God’s faithfulness can inspire hope among us, reminding everyone that no family situation is beyond God’s ability to restore. Therefore, our families not only provide love and support but also play a key role in God’s story of bringing redemption to the World.
Conclusion:
The family tree found in Luke 3:23-38 reminds us just how important family is in God's plan. As we look from Adam to Jesus, we see many different stories of faith and grace. Each person in this lineage tells us that God works through regular people and their unique family stories. Both Luke and Matthew 1:1-17 show us that every family, no matter its history, plays an important role in God's story. Even when our family relationships are tough, we are part of a bigger picture that God is shaping in the world.
Additionally, these family records teach us that family is important not just in a physical sense, but also spiritually. Jesus’ family tree includes people from all walks of life, showing that everyone has value in God’s Kingdom. As we think about our own families, we are encouraged to accept their differences and challenges, seeking to show love, forgiveness, and togetherness. In a world that often experiences division, we are called to be peacemakers in our families and communities, reflecting Christ's love. Let's do our best to nurture our family connections, so we can truly follow Christ's command to love one another.
