In the Gospel of Matthew, the genealogy of Jesus is divided into three sections of 14 generations each. The number 14 symbolizes perfection and completeness. It shows that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. He is the heir to the Messianic throne. The number 14 also represents Nisan 14, the day that Israel was freed from slavery in Egypt. The firstborn were saved from death by the blood of a lamb. This event foreshadowed the future salvation of humanity from sin and death through the sacrifice of Jesus. Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar. It marks the beginning of spring. It also marks the birth of the Israelite nation. It’s also the month when the Jewish people celebrate Passover, which commemorates their liberation from slavery in Egypt.

The Genealogy  of Jesus  tells us that the lineage of Jesus is far from perfect. You heard all those names in our gospel reading. Not all those people are faithful and saints.  Several of them are sinners, cheaters, and weak leaders.

Let us take, for example, Jacob, the son of Abraham. If you remember, he took his birthright from his brother Esau through dishonesty and deceit.  Another person was King David. Yes, he was a great and respected King of Israel.  However, he had an unfaithful relationship with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife.

Yes, the Savior’s ancestry was also filled with flaws.  It shows us that God uses everybody, saints and sinners, to be a part of His plan of salvation.  He uses not only the good, but also the bad.

God uses you and I to bring forth the good news to earth. We here have a chance to be bearers and heralds of good news.  God anyone to achieve his works.

We have the chance.  So do not be concerned about your origin.  Wherever we came from, whoever our ancestors are, they do not matter to the Lord.  He can heal and transform us and make us a new creation.  What is essential for God is where we are at the present.

If you are still bearing the emotional burden from the past, put it aside. Let go of what happened to you and your family. Unburden what you have done or what others had done to you and move forward.

Let us accept the healing grace of God and start a new life. God sees how we strive to be closer to Him despite past experiences and circumstances. He heals and allows each one of us to be a participant in His plan!