01/25/2026
Here is the written part of Bro. Stuart's message.
Sermon Text: Matthew 1:3-6
Sermon Title: THE DARK SIDE OF THE FAMILY TREE
Every family has a dark side to its history that falls into obscurity. We do not talk about it. Perhaps we do not like it very much because it is miserable and unworthy of our attention. On one level, such a history is often despised, mocked, and scorned. However, on another level, it is often presented in God’s grand design as a misfit who lands on Grace Island. Such is the case with these four forgotten women in Christ's family tree: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Their inclusion in the royal ancestry reveals the Gospel story wrapped in a shell.
First, TAMAR entered the family tree through sinful deeds (Genesis 38). For example, the sons of Judah were Er, Onan, and Shelah, and their mother was Shua, the daughter of a Canaanite (Genesis 38:1-4). Judah arranged for Tamar to be Er's wife. However, Er was so wicked that God killed him (Genesis 38:7; 46:12). Because the Levirate marriage was practiced similarly in the law of Moses and in other nations at the time, as shown in the Nuzi tablets, his brother was obligated to raise a seed in Er’s place since he was now dead (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Therefore, Judah arranged for Onan to raise a seed in his brother’s name, but the Bible says, “Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother, and the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also” (Genesis 38:8-10). Hence, with Er and Onan being killed by God, Judah told Tamar to remain a widow until Shelah grew up. After Judah’s wife, Shua, died, the promise given to Tamar did not seem likely to be fulfilled, so she devised a scheme and took matters into her own hands.
Tamar knew of Judah’s trip to Timnath for the annual shearing of the sheep. So she discarded her widow’s clothing, veiled her face, wrapped herself, and sat in an open area along the road to Timnath. Judah mistakenly thought she was a harlot, unaware she was his daughter-in-law, because she had covered her face. He negotiated a baby goat as payment for her services, which he did not have with him at the time, but he promised to send it to her later. Nevertheless, she asked for collateral, his signet ring, bracelets, and staff, until the payment was made. Thus, a deal was made. Consequently, she conceived a child by Judah; Tamar went her way and shed her harlot’s garments for her widow’s garments; and when Judah sent over the baby goat, she was gone.
Three months later, it was discovered that Tamar was pregnant. Judah was furious and outraged that she had been a harlot, and he ordered her to be put to death. However, he was even more shocked when she revealed that she was pregnant by the one who owned the staff, signet ring, and bracelets. In deep remorse, Judah acknowledged his sin, “She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more” (Genesis 38:26).
Tamar gave birth to twin boys named Pharez and Zarah. Although Zarah extended his hand first and a scarlet thread was tied to his wrist, his brother passed before him to become the firstborn. Thus, he was named Pharez, meaning “breach,” and his brother was named Zarah, meaning “rising light.” At their birth, they foreshadowed the first and second comings of Christ, how He would appear on stage to suffer and be taken away, but would return one day to reign as King; therefore, Pharez is found in the royal ancestry. Consequently, Tamar is included in the genealogy because of sin. Even so, everyone must acknowledge that they are sinners in need of a Savior before they can enter the family of God (Romans 3:23).
Second, RAHAB found her way into the genealogy through her faith in God (Joshua 2; 6:17). She provided lodging for the scouts conducting reconnaissance of the promised land, and a covenant was made between them (Joshua 2:12-17). Rahab’s allegiance is evident in the contrast between her lie and her genuine confession (Joshua 2:5, 9). She believed in God through the witness of God's great signs and wonders in Egypt (Joshua 2:9-10). By contrast, the Canaanites had abandoned their knowledge of God to worship idols (Exodus 23:24, 32-33; 34:15; Deuteronomy 11:16, 28; 12:2-3, 30-31; Romans 1:18-32). The same fate that struck Egypt filled them with terror in anticipation of God’s imminent judgment on Jericho, and Rahab chose to side with the God of Israel (Joshua 2:11; Hebrews 11:31). Therefore, an oath was administered to confirm their word through the sign of the scarlet cord (Joshua 2:12-14, 16-21). Hence, her name finds its way into the family tree because of her faith. Even so, the way into God’s family is only by faith in the LORD Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:30-31).
Third, RUTH was a Moabitess born outside the Law, but her name appears in the genealogy by God’s mercy. Although a Gentile, she came to believe in the true God, and it was through Boaz’s merciful act that we gain understanding of how Jesus became our Kinsman Redeemer (Leviticus 25; Romans 1:3; Hebrews 2:14). Since Boaz had the means to purchase the inheritance, he did so willingly (1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 10:7). Consequently, this Gentile was admitted into the royal family by an act of mercy. Likewise, it is through God’s mercy that we have the opportunity to become members of the family of God by acknowledging our sin, accepting God’s mercy, and placing our faith in the LORD Jesus Christ to be our Kinsman Redeemer (Genesis 3:15; Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 5:5-6).
Fourth, BATHSHEBA finds herself in the royal family, ruling alongside the king by grace. She was the wife of Uriah, one of King David’s loyal warriors. During a time of war, King David left his post to stay behind, falling into temptation. He saw Bathsheba bathing from his high tower, sent his servants to inquire, and took her in an act of adultery in the most appalling chapter of his life (2 Samuel 11). Accordingly, he had one of his most dedicated soldiers, Uriah, killed in battle. His sin is exposed by the prophet Nathan, and although his confession and repentance are genuine, his baby becomes sick and dies. God forgave them of their sin, but severe consequences affected the rest of their lives. Even so, it is by grace that Bathsheba finds her name listed in Christ’s family tree and reigns with the king. In like manner, it is by grace that the sinner is saved and can become a part of the family of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In summary, these four forgotten women in the story of Christ’s birth tell us the Gospel story. First, acknowledge your sinful condition. Second, believe in God by faith, trusting Christ as your kinsman redeemer. Moreover, it is by God’s mercy and grace that you are forgiven and will be welcomed into God’s kingdom to rule and reign with Him forever. Is your name written in Heaven (Luke 10:20; Revelation 22:27)? Would you like to call upon the name of the LORD Jesus Christ and become part of the family of God? I invite you to pray…“Dear LORD, I admit that I am a sinner and acknowledge that there is nothing I can do to merit my salvation. I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the promised Redeemer. He died on the cross in my place, and His blood paid in full what I owe as a sinner. He rose again from the dead on the third day. Here and now, I place my faith in Christ alone to be my Savior. I receive you into my heart, cleanse me from every sin, and grant me new life. In Jesus's name, I pray, Amen.”
