Jesus is the Hero of the Story (Matthew 1:18-25)
At first glance, the genealogy of Jesus might seem like an unexpected place to begin the story of the Savior. A long list of names. Generations we struggle to pronounce. History that feels distant. And yet, Matthew opens his Gospel here on purpose—because this family tree tells us something essential about who Jesus is and what kind of story God is telling.
Before diving into Jesus’ story, we paused to reflect on our story as a church family. From our beginnings as a Park Community Church neighborhood site in 2016, to becoming Church in the Square in 2018, through seasons of growth, disruption, outdoor worship, borrowed spaces, and finally returning home to Logan Elementary—our history is marked by change. Dates and locations tell part of the story. But what can’t be measured is the transformation God has been faithfully working in the lives of this community. And that transformation helps us understand why Matthew 1 matters so much.
Genealogies are about identity. They tell us where we come from and how our story fits into something larger. That’s why it’s so striking that Matthew begins the story of Jesus not with a miracle or sermon, but with a family tree.
Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, anchoring Him in God’s covenant promises to Israel. Luke, writing to a broader audience, traces Jesus all the way back to Adam—declaring that this Savior is for the whole world. Together, they show us that the genealogy isn’t just a list of names. It’s God’s redemptive plan unfolding through history.
But Matthew does something unexpected. Instead of presenting a lineup of spiritual all-stars, he highlights brokenness. Names like David, Solomon, Rahab, and Manasseh remind us that Jesus’ family tree includes adultery, violence, idolatry, outsiders, and failure. Matthew even names David’s sin outright—“Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife”—forcing us to confront the truth that God’s hero emerges not from human perfection, but from divine faithfulness.
This confronts a common mindset, especially for high-performing people: the belief that failure disqualifies us. When we succeed, we’re tempted to become the hero of our own story. When we fail, we carry shame and guilt, wondering if we’ve gone too far. But the genealogy of Jesus tells a different story. God does not overlook sin—but His grace is powerful enough to redeem it.
That truth isn’t just theological; it’s deeply personal. As Jason reflected on his own journey toward eldership, he shared how shame and self-doubt once made him say no—believing his past disqualified him. But God doesn’t call people because of a flawless history. He calls people whose lives have been redeemed by grace. That same grace is what fills Jesus’ family tree—and what continues to shape His church today.
Matthew organizes the genealogy into three intentional movements:
The Story of Promise — God’s covenant faithfulness to Abraham and David
The Story of Brokenness — human failure honestly named, not hidden
The Story of Fulfillment — Jesus as the true Son of David, the eternal King
Jesus is not just the next name in the line. He is the turning point. The fulfillment of every promise. The true Hero of the story.
For those carrying grief, regret, or uncertainty—this genealogy offers hope. God is not finished with you. Grace still has the final word. And Jesus meets us right where we are, not to shame us, but to lead us home.
As Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Through Him, we are fully and securely children of God—held by a Father who will never leave us.
Reflection Questions
Where in your life have you believed that your past failures disqualify you from God’s purposes? How does Jesus’ genealogy challenge that belief?
Which part of the story—promise, brokenness, or fulfillment—do you most resonate with in this season of life?
What would it look like to trust Jesus as the true Hero of your story instead of trying to carry that role yourself?
