Advent Reflections Update #3

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.” Luke 1:26-27

I know lineage is important in the Jewish culture, even today. And, yes, it is traditionally traced through the father’s line. However, Jesus was not Joseph’s son. At least, that’s what the faith teaches.

So why is Joseph’s lineage (not Mary’s) noted here? This has always bothered me.

Okay, okay. To the Jews back then (and possibly modern Jews, too), it would be reassuring to know that Jesus was raised in a Davidic Jewish family. But, then, why not include Mary’s heritage as well as Joseph’s?

This is especially confusing to me in light of Matthew 1, which lists Joseph’s heritage generation by generation…and includes women!

I am still trying to understand this. Any ideas?

Tags: confused, God, lineage, women