Luke 3 ends with a long list of names. Jesus has come into the world, born of a virgin. Ancient prophecies have been fulfilled. Angels have joyfully announced his arrival. John the Baptist has been calling people to bear fruits in keeping with repentance. A voice from heaven has echoed on earth as Jesus was baptized: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (3:21-22).
The next verse tells us,
Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi… (3:23-24)
Name after name after name is listed, 77 names in all. We recognize some of them from the chronicles of the Old Testament: Zerubbabel, David, Jesse, Boaz, Judah, Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Noah. Notice especially how the list of names concludes.
…Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. (3:36-38)
While 77 names–many of them difficult to pronounce–are a lot to wade through, think about what those names represent. After 39 Old Testament books and thousands of years’ worth of men and women struggling under the curse of sin, we finally see the One with a direct connection, not simply to king David or father Abraham, but to God himself. Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophetic fingerprint, the royal heir, the Anointed One, the consolation of Israel, the light of revelation to the Gentiles, the curse-breaker, the blessing-bringer, the seed of woman, the serpent-crusher.
This long list of names in Luke 3:23-38 is a testament to the faithfulness of God, each one a small reminder that the God of precious promises keeps his promises. The God who initiates covenants is faithful to his vows. The Creator loved his image-bearers enough to send his own Son for our salvation. Because of the Father’s faithfulness and the Son’s sacrifice, the words Jesus heard after his baptism can be said of you and me. “You are my beloved son.” “You are my cherished daughter.” “With you I am well pleased.”
The next time you run across those long lists of names in your Bible, take your time. Do a little digging. Remember. Appreciate. Take courage. Hope. Believe. The God of promises and covenants is faithful.