How does Perez's birth connect to Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1:3? The Text in Matthew 1:3 “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.” (Matthew 1:3) Genesis Background: The Unlikely Birth • Genesis 38 records Judah’s sons Er and Onan dying childless. • Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, sought the promised levirate offspring; Judah withheld his son Shelah. • Tamar disguised herself; Judah unknowingly fathered twins through her. • During delivery, “as she was giving birth, one put out a hand… but he drew back his hand, and his brother came out. So she said, ‘How you have made a breach for yourself!’ So his name was Perez.” (Genesis 38:28-29) • Perez means “breach” or “breakthrough,” signaling God’s unexpected intervention. Why Perez Appears in Jesus’ Genealogy • Legal Lineage: Matthew traces the royal‐legal line from Abraham to Messiah. Perez anchors the Judah segment, showing the promise moves through him rather than the firstborn Zerah (cf. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2). • Prophetic Continuity: Jacob’s blessing foretold, “The scepter will not depart from Judah.” (Genesis 49:10). Perez begins Judah’s ruling clan (Ruth 4:18-22), leading to David and ultimately Jesus. • Grace on Display: The scandalous context underscores that Messiah’s line includes sinners redeemed by grace (cf. Romans 5:20). • Sovereign Choice: God bypasses cultural expectations (firstborn Zerah) to choose Perez, illustrating divine prerogative (cf. Romans 9:11-12). • Messianic Foreshadowing: Perez’s “breach” anticipates the greater breakthrough—Christ breaking sin’s barrier (cf. Hebrews 10:19-20). Key Takeaways for Today • God keeps His promises even through messy circumstances. • Lineage alone cannot boast; grace, not pedigree, secures salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). • The inclusion of Perez assures believers that past failures cannot thwart God’s redemptive plan. |
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