And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. (Matthew 1:16)
Mary is the fifth and last woman named in Matthew’s account of the genealogy of Jesus. She was probably no more than a teenager, a virgin, betrothed to a man named Joseph who was from the lineage of David. Yet her age did not matter to God, as He chose her to be the mother of the Christ Child.
By Jewish custom, a betrothal was more than an engagement and betrothed couples were referred to as husband and wife, although they were not yet considered to be married. Sexual unfaithfulness during the betrothal was considered adultery and under Mosaic law, a person could be stoned to death.
When the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her what was to come, she said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38a) Mary knew the potential consequences, yet she willingly obeyed.
These five women, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary were not perfect. Incest, prostitution, ethnic group, adultery, age—none of this mattered, because each one of them had faith and believed in the One True God. And their descendent, Jesus, came as the Savior of them all. He came to save me, He came to save you. Believe in Him.
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)
