Scandalous Women in Jesus's Family Tree: Prostitutes, Mistresses, and the Messiah

Prostitutes, Mistresses and the Messiah

It is no secret that Jesus had a soft spot for those who were considered outcasts by society. He was often found in the company of prostitutes, tax collectors, and sinners. As we read through the Bible, we see that many of the women who were closest to Jesus had a scandalous reputation. These women are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary, Jesus's mother.

Tamar: A Bold and Resourceful Woman

Tamar is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:3 as the daughter-in-law of Judah. Her story is quite scandalous and can be found in Genesis 38. Tamar was married to Judah's oldest son, but he died before they could have children. According to the law of Levirate marriage, she was to marry the next brother in line to carry on the family name. However, the second son also died before they could have children. Judah then promised Tamar that his third son would marry her when he was old enough. But he reneged on the promise, leaving Tamar in a vulnerable and desperate situation.

Tamar did not give up. She dressed up as a prostitute and waited for Judah on the road. He did not recognize her and slept with her, thinking she was a prostitute. Tamar became pregnant and gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah. Perez is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, making Tamar a vital part of Jesus's family tree.

Tamar was a bold and resourceful woman who took matters into her own hands to ensure that justice was done and her family line continued. Her actions were not without consequences, but she was willing to take the risk to secure her future.

Rahab: A Courageous Woman of Faith

Rahab is another woman with a scandalous reputation. She was a prostitute who lived in the city of Jericho, which was about to be attacked by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. Rahab had heard about the Israelites and their God and believed that they would be victorious. She hid two Israelite spies in her home and made a deal with them to spare her and her family when the city fell.

When the Israelites attacked Jericho, Rahab hung a scarlet cord from her window as a sign of her faith and obedience. She and her family were the only ones spared when the city was destroyed. Rahab went on to marry Salmon, and their son Boaz married Ruth, another woman on this list of scandalous women.

Rahab's story is a reminder that God looks beyond our past mistakes and sees our potential for faith and obedience. Rahab's faith and courage saved her and her family and ensured that she was part of Jesus's family tree.

Ruth: A Loyal and Faithful Woman

Ruth was a Moabite, which meant that she was not Jewish. She married into a Jewish family but was widowed along with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Judah, and Ruth chose to go with her, even though it meant leaving her own family and country behind.

Ruth was a loyal and faithful woman who worked hard to provide for herself and Naomi. She gleaned in the fields to gather food and caught the eye of Boaz, the owner of the field. Boaz was impressed by Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her hard work, and he showed her kindness and favor.

Boaz and Ruth eventually married, and their son Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. Ruth, a Gentile woman, was part of Jesus's family tree and a reminder that God's love and acceptance extend beyond nationality and race.

Bathsheba: A Woman of Tragedy and Redemption

Bathsheba is perhaps the most well-known of the women on this list. She was married to Uriah, but King David saw her bathing on her rooftop and was overcome with desire for her. He had her brought to him and slept with her, even though she was married. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David tried to cover up his sin by having Uriah killed in battle.

Bathsheba's story is a tragic one, but God's redemption is evident in her life. After the death of her first child, she gave birth to Solomon, who became one of Israel's greatest kings. Bathsheba's role in Jesus's family tree reminds us that God can bring good out of even the most difficult and tragic circumstances.

Mary: A Young Woman of Humility and Obedience

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a young Jewish girl who lived in Nazareth. She was engaged to Joseph when an angel appeared to her and told her that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. Mary was obedient to God's plan, even though it meant facing ridicule and rejection from her community.

Mary's humility and obedience are evident throughout her story. She sang a song of praise to God when she visited her cousin Elizabeth, and she treasured the events surrounding Jesus's birth in her heart. Mary's role in Jesus's life and ministry is essential, and her obedience to God's plan is a model for us all.

Conclusion

The stories of these five women show us that God's love and acceptance extend beyond our past mistakes and reputations. They remind us that God can use anyone, no matter their background or status, to accomplish his purposes. They also show us that Jesus's love and acceptance were not limited to those who were considered respectable in society.

As we read these stories, we are challenged to look beyond our own biases and prejudices and see people as God sees them. We are called to love and accept others, even if their reputation or past mistakes make us uncomfortable. And we are reminded that God's plan for our lives may not always be what we expect, but we can trust that he is working all things together for our good and his glory.

Let us follow the example of these scandalous women and live lives of boldness, courage, loyalty, and obedience, trusting in God's plan and his love for us.