The Imperfect Background of Jesus Christ

The Imperfect Background of Jesus Christ

The Imperfect Genealogy of Jesus Christ – Lessons from His Lineage

Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. – Matthew 1:2-6

Even though He came into the world through a virgin birth and He lived a pure life all through His 33 years on earth, Jesus nevertheless did not have a similar stainless origin.

By the mere fact of coming to earth through a biological process, it is already predisposed that He was bound to have imperfections in His background because the earth, this hemisphere where we humans exist, is only inhabited by imperfect people. There is no perfect person living or who has lived on earth. No, not one. Incidentally, only Jesus Himself had the singular honor of living without sinning. Every other person who had lived before or after Him had failed and fallen at some point in their evolution as a human being.

That is why it is not surprising that in the lineage of Jesus were recorded such social maladies as incest, prostitution, outcast, generational curse, confusion, murder, and adultery. In fact, every time a woman was mentioned in His genealogy as seen in Matthew 1:2 16, it was because there were some abnormalities surrounding the referenced women.

The first woman so referenced was Tamar, who had to sleep with her father-in-law in order to have her own children after the death of her husband. The next woman was Rahab, a very well-known prostitute and a heathen, who nonetheless made enough of an impression on Salmon and gave birth to Boaz for him. Boaz himself followed his father’s footsteps by marrying Ruth, a Moabitess, an accursed tribe, not to mention that Moab itself was a product of incest between father and daughter.

Finally, and perhaps more shocking, was the involvement of David, a great king, the sweet psalmist of Israel and a man after God’s own heart, who had an adulterous affair with the wife of one of his warriors and had the husband killed at the battlefront when he discovered the woman was pregnant.

This, with some confusion thrown into the mix as to which of David’s sons Jesus actually came from, whether it is the womanizing Solomon (Matthew 1) or the unknown Nathan (Luke 3:23-38), adds to the imperfections in the origin of Jesus Christ.

But, through all this, God is perhaps teaching us a lesson we have often heard but do not seem to have imbibed as evidenced in our reactions to scandals or someone’s fall, that imperfections are the mosaic He uses to weave a great destiny as well as accomplish great things on the earth.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14

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The Origin of Jesus Christ – Whose Son was He?

The Origin of Jesus Christ – Whose Son was He?

The Origin of Jesus Christ: Tracing His Lineage to David and Abraham

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. – Matthew 1:1

While we generally accept Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God who came to the earth to fulfill the important mission of redemption and reconciling humankind back with God in a father-child relationship, just as God intended right from the beginning, it is also important to note that Jesus would not have been able to accomplish His mission on earth if He hadn’t come in human form.

It takes an earthling to dwell on the earth. For the duration of time He had to live to complete His assignment on earth, Jesus essentially needed to operate in a human form, even though He was divinity and of God. And, since being an earthling requires traceability, Jesus had to come to earth through the lineage of David, of the tribe of Judah, with Abraham as His earthly ancestor.

That is why, even though there were several generations between Abraham and David, as well as David and Jesus, the writer of the gospel in our reference passage today highlighted the three of them first as the most prominent in their genealogy: Abraham, the ancestor; David, the father; and Jesus, the Son. That is why Jesus was sometimes addressed as the Son of David by people in His time, because He came from a prominent family tree, the lineage of David, an illustrious king in ancient Israel, and someone attested by God as a man after His own heart [1 Samuel 13:14].

To be continued…

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14

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You can now partner with the Daily Dew Ministry by clicking here

Who is Jesus Christ?

Who is Jesus Christ?

Who is Jesus Christ: Knowing Jesus Christ – Origin, Mission, and True Teachings

You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. – John 4:22

We have spent some time in the past week exploring the influence and impact of the Lord, Jesus Christ. From this point onward, we shall dive deeply into the real business of what this particular series of Daily Dew Spotlights is all about, understanding the origin, personality, mission, purpose, teachings, likes, and dislikes of Jesus Christ.

This exploration is very crucial because God commanded it. The truth is, God is not too pleased about the way He and His Son, Jesus Christ, are being portrayed by some clergy and perceived by the laity, respectively. While this has been an agelong problem, dating back to the days when Jesus Himself was on earth, God has, nevertheless, always sent witnesses who would testify to their true nature.

You may consider this website one of the witnesses through which God chose to reveal His true nature and that of His Son, Jesus Christ, to this generation.

Again, God and Jesus have been grossly misrepresented by some anointed ministers who were entrusted with His oracle. But the greater culprits of this misrepresentation are those who called themselves to ministry, either due to economic exigency, greed, ignorance of their true calling, or pressure of various kinds.

It is not everyone who was ordained as, or is being called, a priest, pastor, bishop, archbishop, apostle, evangelist, et cetera that God reckons with as one. And the fact that many of these officials put forth doctrines that are not grounded in the Bible or have divine validation is causing ignorance to proliferate across the world.

While we shall not dwell on specifics of the false doctrines and dogmatic theories that are out there, we shall, however, use this devotional to highlight biblical truths about Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His ways as empirically evidenced in the Holy Bible, starting with the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

It promises to be another interesting journey of enlightenment. So be sure to subscribe to the website so that you are served the dews as we publish them.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14

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You can now partner with the Daily Dew Ministry by clicking here

The Influence of Jesus Christ on the Arts (2)

The Influence of Jesus Christ on the Arts (2)

Jesus Christ and the Arts

In continuation of our thoughts yesterday, Jesus Christ has not only touched hearts through preaching and miracles but has also inspired stories, poems, films, and even everyday symbols that remind us of His love. From ancient writings to modern creativity, Christ remains the center of countless works of art that point people back to Him.

Jesus in Literature

The Bible itself is the greatest book ever written, showing us the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus. Many other writers have followed, using their words to share His truth.

  • The Bible tells of Christ’s birth, miracles, parables, and His death on the cross for our salvation.

  • C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia used stories and allegory to help readers see Christ through the lion Aslan, who gives His life for others.

  • Many modern Christian authors continue to write novels, poetry, and devotionals that point people to Jesus.

Jesus in Film

Movies have become another way to tell the story of Christ and remind us of His sacrifice for humankind.

  • The Passion of the Christ shows the final hours of Jesus’ life, His suffering, and His death on the cross. It helps us reflect on His love and salvation.

  • Jesus Christ Superstar uses music and theatre to retell the story of Christ in a fresh way, showing His struggles and His mission.

The truth is, through film, people who may never open a Bible have the opportunity to hear about and continue to hear about Jesus.

Symbols of Christ

Simple symbols have carried the name of Jesus across generations.

  • The Cross is the most powerful reminder of His death and resurrection. Every time we see it, we remember the price He paid for us.

  • The Fish (Ichthys) was used by the early Christians to secretly recognize one another. The word itself means “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”

These symbols are another way Jesus has immensely influenced global culture across the ages, as they continue to remind us of who He is.

Jesus in Modern Art

Even today, artists create new ways to show the love of Christ.

  • Salvador Dalí’s “Christ of Saint John of the Cross” offers a dramatic picture of Jesus on the cross, helping viewers reflect on the mystery of His sacrifice.

  • In street art and digital media, artists bring the message of Christ into public spaces and modern culture, making His story visible to new generations.

Whether through books, movies, symbols, or modern paintings, Jesus Christ continues to inspire and wax influence. The arts remind us that His story never grows old, but rather that it speaks to every age, every culture, and every heart that is open to receive Him.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14

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You can now partner with the Daily Dew Ministry by clicking here

The Influence of Jesus Christ on the Arts (1)

The Influence of Jesus Christ on the Arts (1)

The Influence of Jesus on the Arts: Faith, Creativity, and Worship

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. – John 1:16

From the beginning of the Christian faith until today, Jesus Christ has inspired many forms of art. Through painting, music, stories, and even church buildings, people have tried to show their love for Him and share the message of the gospel..

Jesus in Painting and Sculpture

Artists have painted and carved images of Jesus for hundreds of years. They wanted to show His life, His love, and His sacrifice.

  • The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci reminds us of the moment Jesus ate with His disciples before going to the cross. It shows His love and the purpose of His mission.

  • The Pietà by Michelangelo shows Mary holding the body of her Son after the crucifixion. It is a picture of sorrow but also hope, pointing to the great love of God for us.

Churches Built to Honor Christ

The beauty of churches and cathedrals also points to Jesus. These buildings were made so believers could worship together and remember His glory.

  • Gothic cathedrals with tall arches and stained-glass windows tell the story of Jesus and lift our eyes toward heaven.

  • Many churches are built in the shape of a cross, reminding us of Christ’s death and the gift of salvation.

When we step inside these places, the very walls seem to tell us of Jesus’ love.

Music for the Glory of Christ

Songs and music have always been a way to worship Jesus. From old hymns to today’s worship songs, believers lift their voices to honor Him.

  • Handel’s Messiah proclaims the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.

  • Hymns and chants throughout the ages remind us of His grace, and modern songs like “Amazing Grace” or “How Great Is Our God” continue this tradition.

Music helps us carry God’s truth in our hearts and brings joy to our faith.

The arts, be they painting, buildings, or music, all point us to Jesus. They remind us of His life, His sacrifice, and His glory. May we see Him not only in works of art but in our daily lives, and may our own words and actions also be a form of worship to the One who gave everything for us.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14

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You can now partner with the Daily Dew Ministry by clicking here

The Influence of Jesus Christ on Science (2)

The Influence of Jesus Christ on Science (2)

The Influence of Jesus Christ on Science (2) – A Glimpse Through the Lives of Galileo, Kepler, and Pascal

It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

— Isaiah 40:22

Yesterday, we considered the influence of Jesus Christ on arguably the most outstanding scientist who ever lived in the person of Isaac Newton. Today, we will continue our exploration of Jesus’ influence by considering some more scientists whose works and impacts were heavily influenced by their Christian faith. We will be considering Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Blaise Pascal.

These three were not only pioneers in their fields, but they were also witnesses to the harmony between faith and scientific reasoning. Their position on the universe as God’s creation led them to discover truths that resonate with the divine order of the cosmos, even when they were not so popular during their time.

Galileo Galilei

Regarded as the father of science, Galileo’s name is synonymous with the dawn of modern science. His work in astronomy, particularly his advancements in telescope design and his support for the heliocentric theory, has forever changed our understanding of the universe.

Although he faced fierce opposition from the Catholic Church, his steadfast belief in the harmony between scripture and nature never wavered. For Galileo, the heavens were not a distant, empty expanse; they were the creation of a loving Creator. As he gazed at the stars through his telescope, he didn’t just see celestial bodies; he saw the fingerprint of God. Galileo once said, “I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.” His faith in Christ empowered him to explore the natural world, confident that it would reveal God’s glory.

Galileo made discoveries about planets and moons that reinforced God’s brilliance and intentionality in creation. Even in the face of conflict with the Church, Galileo held to the belief that both Scripture and science pointed to the same truth: a divine Creator who speaks through His creation. The universe was not a random collection of particles; it was a beautifully ordered system, a reflection of God’s perfect mind.

Johannes Kepler

Whereas Galileo looked outward to the heavens, Johannes Kepler sought to uncover the precise laws that governed them. Kepler’s laws of planetary motion laid the foundation for the physics of motion that would later be perfected by Isaac Newton. Yet for Kepler, his scientific discoveries were deeply intertwined with his faith.

He was a devout Christian of the Lutheran sect, and he saw the laws of the universe as evidence of God’s incredible intelligence and design. To him, each planet’s motion was a reflection of God’s mind, and the order and precision in the cosmos were not accidents of nature—they were the deliberate handiwork of the Creator. In his own words, “The chief aim of all investigations of the external world should be to discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on it by God and which He revealed to us in the language of mathematics.”

Kepler believed that understanding the universe was an act of worship. The stars were not mere points of light; they were divine messages written in the language of mathematics, a language that, as he saw it, revealed the mind of God. Kepler’s faith in Christ drove him to explore the cosmos with a sense of awe and reverence, believing that every discovery was a deeper insight into the beauty and brilliance of the Creator.

Blaise Pascal

Blaise Pascal is best known for his work in mathematics, physics, and the invention of the early mechanical calculator. Yet, what makes Pascal’s story particularly profound is how his scientific pursuits were deeply intertwined with his Christian faith. Pascal’s brilliance was matched by a profound spiritual commitment that led him to write Pensées, a work that defends the rationality of Christianity and presents a passionate plea for the necessity of faith.

Pascal, whose work in probability theory has influenced fields far beyond science, believed that reason alone could never answer the deepest questions of human existence. In his famous “Pascal’s Wager,” he argued that faith in God was not only rational but also the most reasonable choice for anyone seeking truth. For Pascal, the universe, in all its complexity and design, pointed to a Creator who was not distant but intimately involved in His creation.

This made his scientific work not just an intellectual pursuit, but an act of honoring God. Pascal once wrote, “The supreme function of man is to know God, and the greatest comfort is to know that He knows us.” His life was a testimony to the belief that the pursuit of knowledge, when grounded in faith, is not in conflict with Christianity but rather a way of understanding and glorifying the Creator.

Galileo, Kepler, and Pascal each saw their work as a response to the divine call. They did not separate their scientific endeavors from their faith in Christ; rather, they saw the two as deeply interconnected. For them, science was not a cold, impersonal study of nature but a way to honor God and discover His wisdom. Their devotion to Christ gave them the courage to explore the mysteries of the universe, confident that in doing so, they would reveal not only the beauty of creation but the glory of the Creator Himself.

To be continued…

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14

Also read:

You can now partner with the Daily Dew Ministry by clicking here