“Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king.”
The names of Jesus’ ancestors play a vital role in describing Jesus Himself. Many carried virtues that Jesus possessed in its fullness, such as the faith of Abraham, but it is the names that give us an insight into who Jesus was. “Abraham” means the father of many nations, and Jesus is Father of many believers. “Isaac” means laughter, for through the salvation of Christ we are filled with joy. “Jacob” means supplanter, as the life of love brought in by Jesus supplanted the old law. “Judas” means “let him be praised,” for our King is most worthy of all praise. “Phares” is translated as “the divider,” for all judgement is for the Son, who will divide the sheep from the goats. “Zara” is “the east,” for the Orient from on high has visited us, in the words of Zechariah. “Esron” means arrow, for His merciful love strikes at the heart like an arrow, wounding us with love. “Aram” is “chosen,” for it is Love Incarnate that was chosen from all people to bring about the era of love. “Aminadab” is “willing,” for behold your Savior willing to do anything for the sake of love, enduring persecution, trial, rejection, and even death just to love you. “Naasson,” or “augury,” shows His knowledge of all things, past, present, and future, for He sees all that you do with a loving eye; nothing can abate His love, which shines upon you as a perpetual sun. “Shew me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou liest in the midday” (Song 1:6), like one that seeks the noonday sun of love that no shadows may interrupt their enjoyment of love. “Salmon” means “the one that feels,” for Our Lord felt all the weight of our fallen human condition, in every way, that He may be more one with us. He knows your entire life from His own experience and knowledge, from joy to difficulty, that He may be more closely united and espoused to you. Rahab indicates the Gentiles joining the Church of Christ, the people of Israel under the new law, and means “hunger,” which shows our hungering for righteousness, which will be satisfied. “Booz” can be translated as “strength,” because “love is strong as death” (Song 8:6), so is Christ’s love for you. He and Ruth, whose name means “hastening,” for it is expected of lovers to hasten towards each other, so does the Sacred Heart hasten to you, had Obed, “a servant.” The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, for love shows itself in humble service towards others. Of Obed came Jesse, or “burnt,” for the fires of love consume the Sacred Heart, and He longs to pour out this same flame into your heart, that you may be constantly enkindled with love and affection. Finally, King David’s name means “of a strong hand,” and this same king was a great warrior that lived a life of warfare, showing the protective, mighty aspect of Jesus Christ, who met the forces of darkness in meekness and humility, overwhelming their pride and hatred with a perfect love, for your soul was locked away and He would not turn from the way until He had claimed it for His own. His is a mighty arm to those that would see you fall, but a gentle caress to you and those that turn to Him.