Through the Bible
Two Genealogies, One Messiah
The New Testament presents us with two distinct genealogies of Jesus–one in Matthew and one in Luke. At first glance, the differences in names, order, and emphasis may seem contradictory, but a closer examination reveals that these genealogies serve different theological purposes and audience expectations. Matthew writes to a Jewish readership seeking confirmation of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Luke writes for a broader, Gentile audience, emphasizing Jesus' universal relevance as the Son of Man. Together, they give a fuller picture of who Jesus is–legally, historically, and theologically.
| Feature | Matthew's Genealogy | Luke's Genealogy |
|---|---|---|
| Location in Gospel | Matthew 1:1-17 | Luke 3:23-38 |
| Purpose | Establishes Jesus as the legal Messianic King, son of David and Abraham | Presents Jesus as the Son of Man, tracing lineage to all humanity through Adam |
| Order | Starts with Abraham and ends with Jesus | Starts with Jesus and goes back to Adam |
| Structure | 3 groups of 14 generations: Abraham → David → Exile → Jesus | A continuous line of 77 generations: Jesus → Adam → God |
| Line Traced Through | Joseph, Jesus' legal father; royal line through Solomon | Likely Mary's line, with Joseph as son-in-law of Heli; non-royal line through Nathan |
| Key Ancestors | Abraham, David, Solomon | David, Nathan, Adam, God |
| Special Features | Includes 4 women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba); emphasizes Jewish history and prophecy | Emphasizes divine sonship and human solidarity by connecting Jesus to all mankind |
Practical Applications
1. Greater Confidence in Scripture
Understanding the purpose behind the two genealogies helps believers trust that the differences are not contradictions, but complementary testimonies. Matthew confirms Jesus' legal and prophetic claim to the throne of David, while Luke affirms His identification with all humanity. This deepens our appreciation for how the Holy Spirit inspired different authors for different audiences–yet all pointing to the same Messiah.
2. Assurance That Jesus Is for Everyone
Matthew's genealogy highlights Jesus' Jewish roots and fulfillment of Old Testament promises, which is essential for covenantal faith. Luke's genealogy, however, goes beyond national identity and reminds us that Jesus is the Savior not just of Israel, but of all people. Whether you come from a faithful heritage or a broken past, Jesus' family tree–filled with kings and sinners alike–makes room for you.
- Why do you think God included two genealogies of Jesus instead of one?
- What do these genealogies tell us about God's long-term plan for salvation?
- How does Jesus' inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in His ancestry impact the way we view the church today?
- Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB95).
- AI-generated content based on a curated conversation in the ChatGPT app (ChatGPT, September 2025).
- The Gospel According to Matthew by R.T. France, Eerdmans, 2007.
- The Gospel of Luke by Joel B. Green, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1997.
- Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham, Eerdmans, 2006.