“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matt 1:1)

Dolly Parton’s song “Family” includes this stanza:

Some are preachers, some are gay

Some are addicts, drunks and strays

But not a one is turned away

When it’s family

Some are lucky, others ain’t

Some are fighters, others faint

Winners, losers, sinners, saints

It’s all family

Like many of us, Jesus’ family tree is quite messy. The genealogy in Matthew 1 includes characters with a lot of shady and sinful behavior in the line of the Messiah.

Let’s focus just on the five women (vv. 3–5, 16) and their stories: Tamar (Gen 38); Rahab (Josh 2); Ruth; Bathsheba (2 Sam 11); and Mary. Three of these women were foreigners (and Bathsheba was married to one). The Canaanites (Tamar, Rahab) stem from a divine curse, related to the sexually-scandalous affair between Noah and his son Ham (Gen 9:25). The Moabites (Ruth) stem from the incestuous rape of Lot by his daughter (Gen 19:37; “Moab” means “from the father”). Both people groups come from the other side of the spiritual tracks. The Israelites would’ve snickered and sneered every time the names were mentioned.

All five women themselves were involved in sexual scandal, real or perceived. Tamar pretended to be a prostitute, intentionally being impregnated by her father-in-law. Rahab was a real prostitute, using deception to hide the Hebrew spies. The description of Ruth at the threshing floor (Ruth 3), which often doubled as an ancient redlight district, could’ve elicited a not-so-innocent perception and outcome. Though blameless by the narrator, the rumors and accusations against Bathsheba’s culpability for her sexual encounter with David resound to today. Finally, Mary was an unwed, pregnant teenager—even Joseph sought to break off the engagement until interrupted by the angel.

But these women were used by God in his unfolding redemption throughout history. They played key roles in major events like the conquest, the establishment of the Davidic kingdom, and the incarnation. They are connected to key figures like Judah, Joshua, David, Solomon, and ultimately Jesus, the savior of the world. Several of them confessed personal faith (cf. Josh 2:8–11; Ruth 1:16–17; Luke 1:46–55).

Our shameful past does not keep us from being in Jesus’ family or from being used of God in his mission of expanding the family. Invites all. Includes all. Embarrassed by none. This is the gospel of Christmas.

Article Written by Dr. Ken Turner, Professor of Biblical Studies at Toccoa Falls College