Far from a boring drudgery of meaningless names, Jewish genealogies authenticated one’s very identity. Genealogies in the first century gave weight to a person’s status.

As a Jew, then, who is writing to Jews, Matthew opens his gospel with Jesus’ genealogy. Think of it as a parade of the Who’s Who of ancient Israelite history.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll brings to life this list of names that not only demonstrates the Messianic lineage of King Jesus but teaches how the grace of God writes us into His royal family.