Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

Moses provides a genealogical record of Jacob’s sons and their descendants.

What is this passage teaching?

It is not uncommon to skim through or even completely skip genealogy passages. The names are hard to pronounce and most of them are not given any commentary other than being listed among the generations. However, genealogies fulfill two important roles in the Scripture. First, they provide legitimacy to the leaders who are listed. Moses begins the genealogy with Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, to connect him and Aaron back to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Aaron’s genealogy becomes particularly important as his descendants are chosen to serve as priests. Second, genealogies are reminders of God’s providence throughout every generation. The unbroken line from Abraham to David to Jesus is a testament to God’s gracious provision to fulfill His promises. Through the birth of Christ, there came an offspring that would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), who would possess the gates of his enemies, and would be a blessing to all the nations of the earth (Genesis 22:17-18).

How do I respond?

Have you ever thought of all God has done to bring you to the place you are in right now? If you are a follower of Jesus, you are the recipient of a gospel that has been faithfully proclaimed in hundreds of generations. Generation after generation, God weaved beautiful stories of redemption in His people, providentially carrying the glorious, good news of Jesus’ resurrection. What does it look like for you to be faithful in your generation? What family member, friend, or coworker is God drawing you to share the gospel with? As you praise God for His faithfulness towards you and all those who came before you, consider what role He is calling you to play in passing the baton of faith to the next generation of Christ-followers.