Subject: Jesus/Joseph/Jacob?or Jesus/Joseph/Heli? |
Bible Note: Hello, What is so hard to accept? Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, while Luke traces the lineage through Mary. BGG is correct as to why they both use Joseph's name. Women didn't have any authority in society. In fact, Women were viewed as little more than property. That's why in legal matters, such as lineage, the Husband was the focus. This was true for both Jews and Gentiles alike. As for Matthew addressing the Jews, this is quite true. His Gospel is directly geared for the Jew to read. He sites many prophecies, customs, and places that only a Jew would understand. However, when you read Dr. Luke's account, he begins with an address to the gentile reader who hired him. As a result, Dr. Luke wrote his gospel for the Gentile. He uses events and people from gentile and secular history to corroborate his gospel. When he does refer to a Jewish custom, he usually refers to those that every person familiar with Israel would know, such as passover, or he gives a brief explaination. The purpose for Jesus' lineage being shown to us is extremely important. Why? Because one of the Main prophetic aspects of the Messiah was that he was to be from the line of David, and hier to the throne. Matthew points out the Legal line to the throne from Joseph, Jesus' adopted father, to Solomon the Son of David. However, the line was taken away from the Line of Solomon due to the actions of Solomon's decendant Jeconiah or Jehoachin as he was also known. So, we turn to Dr. Luke's account. Here the line goes through Nathan, Solomon's Brother. Dr. Luke uses Joseph as the Connection instead of Mary, but the line is Mary's. That's why Dr. Luke says "son of" instead of "was born" like Matthew. After all, Joseph was the son of Heli, through marriage. It was a common practice in those days. There's nothing to be confused about. Jesus Loves You! Jesusman |