Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary: The Women in Jesus’ Genealogy

Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary: The Women in Jesus’ Genealogy

Introduction

Genealogies in the Bible are more than just lists of names—they tell a story, reveal divine purpose, and connect generations to God’s plan of salvation. Matthew’s Gospel begins with one such genealogy (Matthew 1:1–17), tracing Jesus’ lineage from Abraham to Joseph. What’s especially striking about Matthew’s record is his inclusion of five women , which was uncommon in Jewish genealogies at the time.

These five women— Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary —were not chosen for their status or perfection. They were chosen because of how God worked powerfully through their pain, perseverance, faith, and scandal . Their presence in Jesus’ family tree reminds us that the Gospel is for the broken, the marginalized, and the redeemed.

1. Tamar: The Woman Who Fought for Justice

Reference: Genesis 38
Role in Genealogy: Tamar was the mother of Perez and Zerah, children she bore with her father-in-law Judah.

Tamar’s story is often glossed over, yet it holds powerful lessons. Widowed twice and denied justice, she was promised marriage to Judah’s youngest son. When that promise was not fulfilled, she took a daring and controversial step. Disguising herself as a prostitute, she seduced Judah and bore his children—Perez and Zerah.

Though her actions seem morally questionable, the biblical narrative does not condemn her . Instead, Judah himself declares, “She is more righteous than I” (Genesis 38:26). Tamar was bold enough to fight for her rightful place and became the mother of a royal line that would eventually include King David—and Jesus.

Lesson:

God honors the cry for justice, even when it comes through broken systems. Tamar’s story tells us that God works even through the messiest situations to bring about His redemptive purpose.

2. Rahab: The Woman Who Believed

Reference: Joshua 2; Matthew 1:5
Role in Genealogy: Rahab was the mother of Boaz.

Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute in Jericho, yet she chose to believe in the God of Israel. When Israelite spies came to scout the land, she hid them, risking her life. Her words in Joshua 2:11 reveal a heart of faith:

“The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”

She asked for protection, not just for herself but for her family. Her faith led to her salvation, and she was integrated into the Israelite community. She later married Salmon and gave birth to Boaz—who would marry Ruth.

Lesson:

Faith can flourish in unexpected places. Rahab shows that God welcomes anyone who turns to Him in faith, regardless of their past or reputation.

3. Ruth: The Loyal Outsider

Reference: Book of Ruth
Role in Genealogy: Ruth was the mother of Obed, the grandfather of David.

Ruth was a Moabite widow , a foreigner in Israel with no social standing. Yet her story is one of loyalty, devotion, and trust in God. After her husband’s death, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring:

“Your people will be my people and your God my God.” —Ruth 1:16

Through a series of divine orchestrations, Ruth met Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s, and married him. Her humility and faithfulness were rewarded, and she became the great-grandmother of King David.

Lesson:

God values faithfulness and commitment over heritage and status. Ruth's life proves that outsiders are not outside of God’s plan—they are central to it.

4. Bathsheba: The Woman Who Was Wronged

Reference: 2 Samuel 11–12; Matthew 1:6
Role in Genealogy: Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon.

Bathsheba’s story is complex. She is introduced as the woman David took , leading to adultery and the arranged death of her husband, Uriah. While the Bible doesn’t detail her feelings, she was undoubtedly a victim of royal power and tragedy .

Yet God redeemed her pain. After the death of their first child, Bathsheba bore Solomon, who succeeded David as king. She later played a key political role in securing Solomon’s throne and is even present in the dialogue of Proverbs 31, traditionally believed to be maternal advice to Solomon.

Lesson:

God brings restoration to the violated and broken. Bathsheba's inclusion in Jesus' lineage shows how God redeems the lives of those wronged by others, giving them dignity and purpose.

5. Mary: The Faithful Virgin Mother

Reference: Luke 1–2; Matthew 1
Role in Genealogy: Mary was the mother of Jesus.

Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, was chosen to bear the Son of God . Her life turned upside down with the angel Gabriel’s announcement. Yet her response was one of faith and surrender :

“I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” —Luke 1:38

Despite the potential for shame, social ostracization, and danger, Mary embraced God’s calling. She nurtured and raised Jesus with wisdom and strength, even as she witnessed His crucifixion.

Lesson:

Obedience in uncertainty reveals great faith. Mary’s story challenges us to say "yes" to God, even when the road ahead is difficult or unknown.

Why These Women Matter

In a patriarchal society where women were often unnamed and unseen, God intentionally highlighted these five women in the lineage of His Son. They weren’t included to decorate the family tree—they were integral to the story of salvation .

Their stories share common threads:

• They were often outsiders —foreigners, widows, or outcasts.

• They experienced hardship, injustice, or stigma .

• They demonstrated faith, courage, and resilience .

• God used them in transformative ways to bring about redemption.

Lessons for Today

1. God Uses the Unexpected

God chose women with complicated stories—not perfect resumes. This reminds us that God uses broken people to fulfill beautiful plans.

2. Faithfulness Matters More Than Status

Whether you are a foreigner like Ruth or a virgin like Mary, your faith and willingness are what draw God's favor.

3. Grace Covers All Pasts

Rahab and Bathsheba had pasts marked by sin or scandal, yet grace covered them. The Gospel is not for the perfect but for the redeemed .

4. God Elevates the Marginalized

These women came from the margins of society, yet they were central to God's redemptive plan. God’s kingdom reverses the world’s hierarchies .

5. Your Story Has a Place in God’s Story

Like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary, your life can carry divine purpose. No matter your history or challenges, you are not disqualified from being part of God’s work.

Conclusion: A Lineage of Grace

Matthew’s genealogy is not just a family record—it is a proclamation of grace . It announces that the Messiah comes from a line of real people, with real struggles, sins, and sufferings. Jesus did not descend from a sanitized family tree but from a lineage soaked in grace and redemption .

By including Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary, God tells us that every life has value , every mistake can be redeemed, and every person—regardless of gender, status, or past—can be used for divine purposes .

These five women show us that the Gospel is not only for those who have it all together—but especially for those who don’t.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Lord ,
Thank You for the powerful stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Through their lives, You remind us that grace triumphs over sin, and purpose rises from pain. Help us to walk in faith like Ruth, to trust You like Mary, and to embrace our calling even in uncertainty. May we never forget that You can use our brokenness to bring beauty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.