Jacob, nearing death, blesses his twelve sons and speaks prophetic words over their futures. His blessing to Judah stands out. The scepter, a symbol of royal authority, would not depart from Judah until the true ruler, the Messiah, comes. This prophecy, spoken centuries before Christ, first found partial fulfillment in King David, but ultimately in Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The Gospel reading affirms this connection by tracing Jesus’ genealogy through Abraham, David, and Judah, showing him as the promised Messiah. Matthew highlights not only kings and patriarchs but also four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. God’s plan of salvation embraces the broken, the outsider, and the imperfect. God’s promises never fail, even if their fulfillment takes generations. Our choices and character leave a spiritual legacy for those who follow us. In Christ, we belong to God’s family tree, grafted into his story of redemption.

Abba Father, teach us to trust your promises, to surrender our past, and to live as true sons and daughters of your Kingdom. Amen.