Expert: Charlie B - 9/13/2011

Question
Hello and thanks for your help. I had a question about Luke chapter 3 where it discusses Jesus's ancestors. He is supposed to have descended from David right? Well Luke only goes over Joseph's side...and since Joseph wasn't Jesus's real father then why would it matter who Joseph was descendant from?
-Jess

Answer
Jessica,
Thanks you for your question.  By the way, our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go to all those suffering from drought of the century along with the devastating fires in Texas.   

You ask a great question that I can only give you my opinion about, and need to research to give you more of a theological and biblical response.

First, I have to coach you a bit on your statement (and perception?) that Joseph wasn't Jesus real father.  You're right of course -- God was, yet the role of 'father' is taken just as seriously as to Jesus development until he reached 11-12 years old as a step-father ...perhaps more so.   Do not discount the effect of Joseph on Jesus early childhood, as Joseph was more than just a protector who risked leaving 'home' to escape with Jesus and Mary to those who would kill him. That took great courage!

I'll first tell you that my mother-in-law who now lives in Nebraska prays to St. Joseph along with myself -- everyday.  St. Joseph, his intercession and special place alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary, make him a very likely source of rich heritage and ancestry (and likely holds some of Jesus' ear in Heaven  :-)  The challenge is that Joseph's geneology not well documented in the Bible, beyond these chapters:  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08504a.htm

My suggestion is to read the early Church fathers -- and see what they say was likely Joseph's ancestry.  Intuitively, I know in my heart that Joseph, husband to Mary, was 'selected' by God because of his holiness, character, strength, and humble servant to God... and yes, very likely of deep Old Testament lineage back to Jewish prophets.   Let me research it some more for you; I'm a convert 14 years ago from United Methodist (not a big jump at all to Catholicism), and here's one source to begin your search:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08504a.htm

Early Church Fathers reference:
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/

God bless,
Charlie

PS -- follow up questions as well as evaluations are welcomed.  Stay cool