Flawed People

In many societies, official records are edited to emphasize what is deemed important. In the process, mistakes often are covered up or ignored. Biographies are shaped to present impressive backgrounds and ideal preparation for leadership.

But the Bible is different. In fact, it was written with a surprising level of honesty. We see the flaws of characters, even prominent people like David and Solomon, Moses and Abraham.

This honesty is present in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus. There has been no attempt to ignore or eliminate people who might be perceived as questionable. In fact, this list includes Rahab the prostitute (Joshua 2) and Tamar, who seduced her father-in-law, Judah (Genesis 38). We see Ruth, a woman from Moab, which had been Israel’s enemy. Bathsheba is not specifically named, but Matthew speaks of “her who had been the wife of Uriah” (v. 6 NKJV), reminding us of David’s sinful actions. Others include men like Manasseh, a king who committed “detestable sins” (2 Kings 21:9-11). But the Bible also tells us that, later in life, Manasseh “humbled himself greatly before…God” and was restored (2 Chronicles 33:12).

The details found in Jesus’ genealogy demonstrate that God knows our sins, flaws, and mistakes. The Bible is reminding us that Jesus came from a line of imperfect people. People who made mistakes. Here we see a powerful example of God’s grace at work. And we are reminded that He can use anything and anyone to achieve His purposes.

How He can use people like you.