Jesus is a Real Person

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1

After this passage, we have a list of names that comprise the genealogy of Jesus Christ. For Jews, genealogy was very important. It shows what tribe you are from, which land belonged to you. It was a significant part of your identity.

RC Sproul, the American theologian tells a fascinating story of a Wycliffe Bible translator, who worked on translating the book of Matthew for an obscure tribe for 10 years. To expedite the process, she skipped the genealogy and had the Book of Matthew printed. The tribe was not interested. She noted that they were even more interested in the truck that brought the book. She persevered and came out with a second edition that included the genealogy. As she was explaining the genealogy to the tribal chief, he exclaimed, "You mean to tell me this Jesus you have been telling us about is a real person?" She replied, "Of course!"

He said, "I thought he was some mythical character!" Soon after he realized Jesus was a historical person, that he had walked on the earth, he accepted Jesus, and the whole tribe followed him. The genealogy of Jesus is also very important because it showed he was a descendant of David, and showed that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. We believe in a real person, not some fictional character. And it is Jesus, the real man, who wants to have a real relationship with us.

Lord, during this season of Advent, may my heart be Your manger. May I really know You more and more each day. Open my eyes to the reality of Your love for me, and 

Your perfect plan!