Luke 3 & Matt 1

Hope for Impossible Homes

a straight, vibrant, healthy family tree

Introduction

• The “perfect family” is an unrealistic, discouraging aspiration

???

a twisted, gnarled, messed up family tree

The perfect family?

Introduction

• The “perfect family” is an unrealistic, discouraging aspiration

• Jesus did not have a perfect, spotless lineage– 2 genealogies from different

perspectives

The Genealogies of Jesus

• Luke 3:23-38– “the son of”– Through Joseph– Back to Adam,

the son of God

• Matthew 1:1-17– “the father of”– Through Abraham– Fwd. to Mary, by

whom Jesus was born

Introduction

• The “perfect family” is an unrealistic, discouraging aspiration

• Jesus did not have a perfect, spotless lineage– 2 genealogies from different

perspectives– Fam. trees full of scoundrels, villains,

and sinners

Luke’s Genealogy

David (3:31)ADULTERY, MURDERS, DECEPTION, CONSPIRACIES

Jacob, Isaac, Abraham (3:34)LYING, THEFT, SELF-PRESERVATION

Noah (3:36)DRUNKENNESS

Lamech (3:36)MURDER, REVENGE, ARROGANCE

Adam (3:38)DISOBEDIENCE, COVER-UP

Matthew’s GenealogyAbraham, Isaac, Jacob (1:2)

LYING, THEFT, SELF-PRESERVATIONJudah and his brothers (1:2)

FIGHTING, KIDNAPPING, CONSPIRACYTamar (1:3)

INCEST/RAPERahab (1:5)

PROSTITUTIONBathsheba (1:6)

ADULTERY

The Dysfunctions• Sons not following Fathers’ leading• Fathers not correcting Sons• Sons rebelling openly against Fathers,

doing damage• Sons fighting with each other• Incest/rape, adultery, promiscuity• Favoritism• Death, intense grief• Drunkenness• Deceit, cover-up

The Dysfunctions

=SIN

The Solution

Conclusions

• The cycle of sin can be broken• God uses even dysfunctional

families to bring Himself glory• His mercy is poured out from

generation to generation– Protection from destruction– Provision for needs– Correction of waywardness

Hope for Recovery

• Recognize the sin that is cycling• Confess it, repent from it, and

change with God’s grace• Teach your children, grandchildren

to fear the Lord• Pray for God to be merciful to

them, blessing them through you• Lead by example, live righteously