Jesus' Family Album December 7 Devotional

MATTHEW 1:16 | ¹⁶ and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, who bore Jesus, who is called the Messiah.

Jesus is part of the royal and messianic line by adoption, not by blood. Joseph did not “know” Mary when she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit, which overshadowed her. This detail is compelling in several ways.

Since families are far from perfect and tragedy is a feature of human life, children often lack a parent and sometimes two. Jesus’ story elevates adoption and sacrifices it. Every adopted child shares this characteristic with Him. Joseph had to choose to raise a child not biologically his own. Jesus also shares a story with children born naturally into families since He is a biological son to Mary.

But this detail also prefigures our own reality. You and I are part of God’s forever family, His divine clan, by adoption through Jesus.

Pray for children awaiting adoption.

Gracious God,

Bless families raising children, whether biological or adopted. Help many more people join Your family through the adopting power of faith in Your Son.

Amen.