Genealogies in the Bible function like résumé's today. So why do the Gospel writers include a prostitute in Jesus’ family tree? It shows that God is in the business of overturning our definitions of worth and people of profound difference can be woven into the fabric of a community. From the series, "Jesus' Family Tree" at Church of the Apostles.
Joshua 2:1-7
Matthew 1:1-6;18
God is in the business of overturning our perceptions of value.
Fatih involves three verb:
• Believing - Count something to be true.
• Belonging - Relating to what you believe.
• Behaving - Acting according to what you belong too.
Believing
The first person in the land of Israel, to profess the God of Israel, was a Canaanite, female sex worker.
The quantity of our faith doesn’t save us: it’s the quality of our faith. It’s not the strength of our faith that saves us. It’s the strength of the one we put our faith in.
Belonging
The ultimate outsider comes into the fold of God.
Why is Rahab’s story included in the book of Joshua? It shows us that the most unlikely and immoral people can advance the purposes of God.
People of profound difference can be woven into the fabric of a community.
Christin community is not about uniformity, it’s about unity that overflows in Christ.
Behaving
Faith is in internal thing. But we cling to signs that reflect this inner reality.
They remind us of who we are, where we’re going, and who is toward us.