Luke Part 1 Week 15

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 3:24-26 

²⁴ Heli was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Melki. Melki was the son of Jannai. Jannai was the son of Joseph. ²⁵ Joseph was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Amos. Amos was the son of Nahum. Nahum was the son of Esli. Esli was the son of Naggai. ²⁶ Naggai was the son of Maath. Maath was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Semein. Semein was the son of Josech. Josech was the son of Joda. 

The study of genealogies is a technical study. One sometimes does not know how to pronounce the names, but that would have been no problem to Jewish readers. One must also remember the word “son” does not necessarily mean a direct father-son relationship as thought of today. The word “son” sometimes only means “descendant.” In fact, the word “son” does not appear in the Greek text of the genealogy. A literal example is “Heli of Matthat.” One assumes the relationship. 

REFLECT 

Remember that Luke is tracing Mary’s genealogy back to Adam. 

RESPOND 

Do you have some family names that others would find difficult to pronounce? Share some of these with a friend and ask what names that friend has that you would not know how to pronounce or spell.  

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 3:27-29 

²⁷ Joda was the son of Joanan. Joanan was the son of Rhesa. Rhesa was the son of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the son of Neri. 

²⁸ Neri was the son of Melki. Melki was the son of Addi. Addi was the son of Cosam. 

Cosam was the son of Elmadam. Elmadam was the son of Er. ²⁹ Er was the son of Joshua. Joshua was the son of Eliezer. Eliezer was the son of Jorim. Jorim was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. 

Scan these names for those you might recognize. A problem is that some were common names during Bible times and are easy to confuse. With search engines one can examine a particular name. Commentaries often do not say much about genealogies but only pick out key people to be aware of. 

REFLECT 

It is not necessary that you are able to understand the significance of each person in biblical genealogies. Some following verses will point out a significant difference in the genealogy in Luke in contrast to that in Matthew.  

RESPOND  

As mentioned, some following verses will point out a significant difference in the genealogy in Luke in contrast to that in Matthew. As of now discuss with a friend about the importance of believing the Bible whether you understand it completely or not.  

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 3:30-32 

³⁰ Levi was the son of Simeon. Simeon was the son of Judah. Judah was the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Jonam. Jonam was the son of Eliakim. ³¹ Eliakim was the son of Melea. Melea was the son of Menna. Menna was the son of Mattatha. 

Mattatha was the son of Nathan. Nathan was the son of David. ³² David was the son of Jesse. Jesse was the son of Obed. Obed was the son of Boaz. Boaz was the son of Salmon. Salmon was the son of Nahshon. 

In this portion some point out that Mary’s genealogy is traced through Nathan the son of David. On the other hand, Matthew’s genealogy of Joseph, the legal father, is traced through David’s son Solomon (see Matthew 1:6). Ruth 4:21-22 lists the genealogy of Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse and David as one thinks of the older to the younger. 

REFLECT 

It is refreshing is it not to see names you are familiar with? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in reading the four chapters in the book of Ruth. Focus especially on the last chapter. 

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 3:33-35 

³³ Nahshon was the son of Amminadab. Amminadab was the son of Admin. Admin was the son of Arni. Arni was the son of Hezron. Hezron was the son of Perez. 

Perez was the son of Judah. ³⁴ Judah was the son of Jacob. Jacob was the son of Isaac. Isaac was the son of Abraham. Abraham was the son of Terah. Terah was the son of Nahor. ³⁵ Nahor was the son of Serug. Serug was the son of Reu. Reu was the son of Peleg. Peleg was the son of Eber. Eber was the son of Shelah. 

In this set of names you have some significant names as you think of the line back to Adam. Genesis tells you of several of these. Abraham was a turning point when God chose him and promised to produce a nation through him.  

REFLECT 

Think of this special history of people being traced back to Adam.  

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in reading Genesis 11:27—12:3. This reveals a key turning point in Old Testament history. 

Day 5  

RECEIVE 

Luke 3:36-38 

³⁶ Shelah was the son of Cainan. Cainan was the son of Arphaxad. Arphaxad was the son of Shem. Shem was the son of Noah. Noah was the son of Lamech. ³⁷ Lamech was the son of Methuselah. Methuselah was the son of Enoch. Enoch was the son of Jared. Jared was the son of Mahalalel. Mahalalel was the son of Kenan. 

³⁸ Kenan was the son of Enosh. Enosh was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God. 

Remember that Noah’s three sons were Shem, Ham and Japheth. Mary’s line is traced through Shem. Adam and Eve are recorded as having sons Cain and Abel as well as Seth, but the line is traced through Seth. Adam “was the son of God” in that he was created by God.  

REFLECT 

In a sense we are all related as a descendant of Adam if our genealogy could be traced back to him. Mary’s ancestors were significant in revealing God’s special choice of her. 

RESPOND 

In concluding thinking about this genealogy, believers can be thankful that God inspired a listing of Mary’s genealogy in Luke’s gospel, just as He did of Joseph, the legal father, in Matthew’s gospel.