Infamous Women in Christ Birth

In the genealogy of Jesus, five women are mentioned in Matthew 1. We usually discuss only about Mary. But let us take a look at the other four women:

1. Tamar: Matt 1: 3  Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. She is the daughter in law of Judah but bore a son through Judah. Widows in those days are not like today - she can’t marry anyone. She kept herself pure - did not defile herself. Judah himself testified about Tamar saying “She is more righteous than I am”. You can read more about her story in Genesis 38.

2. Rahab:  Matt 1:5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. She was a prostitute from Jericho who saved the spies. You can read more about her story in Joshua 2. She gave up her profession, she was still a foreigner, but she humbled herself and learnt the laws of the Israelites. The scarlet cord that she tied saved her, her family and made her a part of Jesus’ birth. That scarlet cord (the blood of Jesus) is still available for you and me.

3. Ruth: Matt 1:5 Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. She was a widow, a Moabite woman. Moabites are descendants of Lot – they were a curse. You can read about that in Deut 23. She gleaned in the field of Boaz.  Gleaning was done by the lowliest of the lowly. She did that but God exalted her.

4. Uriah’s wife (Bathsheba): Matt 1:6 David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife. Even her name is not mentioned in Matthew. She lost her husband, lost her first child through David, still she pressed in. You can find her story in 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

All of the four women were imperfect – but they all had a part in bringing the Messiah to the world. They did not let their past define their future. When the enemy shows your past, show him his future which is a bottomless pit.

The only one who can prevent you from your calling is you. All these women had so many setbacks. But still they were used by God. Their job was not perfect. Their family background was not perfect. The world despised them. Nevertheless these women had a part in the Savior's birth. 

You may not have a job let alone a perfect one. You may be despised and rejected by others. But you are cherished by your father in heaven. You are his beloved daughter. You are the daughter of the king. You are a holy nation, a royal priesthood. Your identity in Christ, is your anchor.

Jesus Christ became a curse for you, to set you free from all curses. He became poor for you, to make you rich in every way. His love for you is more than you can fathom. His plans are to prosper you. His plans for you are much higher than your plans for yourself.

When we humble ourselves, God will use us to birth many children into his kingdom.