Bible Questions & Answers Archive 

Two Different Genealogies?

By: Dr. Max D. Younce

0082

 Question 

Why do the genealogies of Jesus, presented in Matthew and Luke, seem to be indicating two different lines that Jesus came through. How do I reconcile the differences?

 Answer 

All records were destroyed when Titus, the Roman General, destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. God recorded the genealogies in Matthew and Luke for documented proof that Jesus Christ is the promised, virgin-born, Messiah; and, rightful heir to the throne of David as King of Kings. Matthew presents Christ as King (Zechariah 9:9); therefore, a record of His heritage is necessary. Mark presents Christ as Servant (Isaiah 42:1); no genealogy is required for a servant. "Dr. Luke" presents Christ as the Son of Man; therefore, gives the genealogy showing that Christ was God in human flesh (Zechariah 12:10). John presents Christ as Jehovah God. No genealogies are needed as God had no beginning nor end. (Isaiah 9:6).

THE VIRGIN BIRTH: In Luke 3:31, Nathan was the older son of David (I Chronicles 3:5) and had a right to the throne. If Christ were the natural son of Joseph, He could not have occupied the throne because Joseph descended through Solomon’s line, which was set aside by the curse in Jeremiah 22:28-30. But Christ, being the seed of Mary, and through Nathan's line (bypassing the curse), gave Him the legal right to inherit the throne as the adopted son of Joseph. Therefore, His blood rights came through Mary and His legal rights through Joseph.