LUKE 3:23–38
THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS
Text – Luke 3:23–38
23 When Jesus began his ministry, he was about thirty years of age. He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
… (continues through a long list of ancestors)
38 …the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Historical and Jewish Context
Genealogies were vital in Jewish tradition to establish identity, inheritance, and covenantal connection, especially for priestly and royal lines. Luke’s genealogy traces Jesus’ lineage not through Solomon as in Matthew, but through Nathan, another son of David, emphasizing a broader, perhaps priestly or prophetic heritage. Unlike Matthew, who starts with Abraham and moves forward, Luke begins with Jesus and traces back to Adam—highlighting Jesus’ universal mission. This genealogy ends with Adam and “son of God,” underlining Jesus as the New Adam, restoring humanity.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Luke presents Jesus as the Savior of all humanity, not only the Jews. By connecting Him to Adam and calling Adam “son of God,” Luke sets up a theological parallel: where Adam failed, Christ succeeded (CCC 359). Jesus, as the Son of God by nature, restores the broken relationship caused by sin. This genealogy affirms the Incarnation—God entering history through a real human lineage (CCC 437, 489). It also emphasizes Jesus’ solidarity with all humanity, inviting every person to share in the divine life He restores.
Parallels in Scripture
Genesis 5 – The genealogy from Adam
Matthew 1:1–17 – Jesus’ genealogy through David and Abraham
Romans 5:12–19 – Christ as the New Adam
1 Corinthians 15:21–22, 45–49 – Comparison between Adam and Christ
Philippians 2:6–11 – Christ’s humility in taking on human form
Key Terms
Genealogy – A record of lineage used to establish heritage and identity
Son of Adam – Connecting Jesus to the first man, indicating shared humanity
Son of God – Jesus’ divine identity; also a title for Adam in creation
New Adam – Title for Christ who undoes the disobedience of the first Adam
Universal Salvation – The truth that Jesus came to save all people, not just Israel
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Though rarely read in full liturgical celebration, this genealogy appears in certain weekday readings and in theological reflection, especially during Advent and Christmas. It affirms the fullness of Christ’s humanity and divine plan through history. The Church honors Jesus’ human ancestry, recognizing God’s providential hand across generations to fulfill His promises.
Conclusion
Luke’s genealogy reminds us that salvation history is rooted in real human history. Jesus, fully God and fully man, enters the human family to redeem it from within. By tracing His lineage to Adam, Luke emphasizes that Jesus is the Savior for all people and the restorer of creation. His coming fulfills not just Jewish expectation but the deepest longing of humanity.
Reflection
Do I see my own life as part of God’s unfolding plan of salvation?
How can I live more consciously in union with Christ, the New Adam?
Do I appreciate the mystery of the Incarnation in my daily life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You entered the human family to redeem all of us. Thank You for embracing our history and lifting it up into God’s plan. Help me to live in a way that honors Your love and my dignity as a child of God. Through You, may all generations know the joy of salvation. Amen.