Luke 3:28 – the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse continues the genealogy of Jesus, listing more of His ancestors. These names—Melki, Addi, Cosam, Elmadam, and Er—are not found elsewhere in the Bible and are largely unknown to us today. However, their inclusion in Jesus’ lineage shows that each person played a role in God’s unfolding plan to bring the Messiah into the world. The fact that these names appear here emphasizes that God’s plan includes both well-known figures and those who may seem ordinary or forgotten.

Luke is making it clear that Jesus’ genealogy is significant not because of the fame or accomplishments of His ancestors, but because God’s faithfulness spans generations. The names listed in this verse remind us that God works through everyday people in His mission to bring salvation to humanity.

Historical Context

Genealogies were highly valued in Jewish culture because they established family identity, inheritance rights, and one’s place in the covenant promises of God. For the Jewish people, knowing one’s lineage was essential, especially when it came to leadership roles or priestly duties. By tracing Jesus’ ancestry, Luke is demonstrating that Jesus is a legitimate part of Israel’s history and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and David.

During the time Luke wrote his Gospel, early Christians were spreading the message of Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles. Luke’s emphasis on Jesus’ humanity and connection to both famous and unknown figures would have reassured readers that Jesus was truly the Messiah and that God’s plan of salvation extended to all people.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths about God and His plan:

1. God’s Sovereignty in History: Every person in Jesus’ genealogy was part of God’s plan, even if they were not well-known or recognized for great deeds. This shows that God is in control of history and works through all kinds of people to accomplish His purposes.
2. God’s Faithfulness: The genealogy demonstrates that God remained faithful to His covenant promises across many generations. Despite periods of hardship, exile, and apparent silence, God never abandoned His plan to send a Savior.
3. The Value of Every Person: Even though many of the names listed in this verse are unfamiliar, their inclusion in Jesus’ lineage highlights that God values each person. His work is not limited to those with status or influence—He uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

Literary Analysis

Luke structures his genealogy to emphasize both the humanity and divine mission of Jesus. The repetition of “the son of” reinforces the continuity of God’s plan across generations. By listing both well-known and unknown figures, Luke underscores the idea that God’s work is not dependent on human fame or accomplishments.

The genealogy also serves a theological purpose by linking Jesus to key figures like David, Abraham, and ultimately Adam (Luke 3:38). This connection highlights Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of God’s promises and His mission to bring salvation to all humanity.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 12:1-3 – God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his descendants.
• 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – God’s covenant with David, promising that one of his descendants would establish an eternal kingdom.
• Isaiah 11:1 – A prophecy about a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse (David’s father), pointing to the Messiah.
• Romans 8:28 – A reminder that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
• Galatians 4:4-5 – Paul speaks of how Jesus was sent at the right time to redeem those under the law.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God’s plan includes people from all walks of life. You don’t have to be famous or influential to be part of God’s mission. Just as many of the people in Jesus’ genealogy were ordinary and unknown, God can use you in ways you may not even realize. Your faithfulness in the small things matters to Him.

This verse also challenges us to trust that God’s timing and plan are perfect. The generations leading to Jesus spanned hundreds of years, yet God was faithfully working through each one. In our own lives, we may not always see how God is working, but we can trust that He is moving His plan forward.

Finally, this verse encourages us to find hope in God’s faithfulness. Just as He kept His promise to send a Savior, He will keep His promises to us. Even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, God’s plan is still in motion.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in His involvement in every generation leading to Jesus. His plan to save humanity wasn’t rushed or reactive—it was carefully and patiently carried out over centuries. This reflects God’s long-suffering love and His desire to bring people into a restored relationship with Him.

God’s love is also shown in His care for each person listed in this genealogy. Even though many of them are unknown to us, they were not unknown to God. This reminds us that His love is personal—He knows and values each of us, regardless of our status or accomplishments.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is part of the larger genealogy that establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. By tracing His lineage back to key figures in Israel’s history, Luke shows that Jesus is the promised Messiah who came to bring salvation. His connection to both prominent and obscure ancestors highlights that His mission is for all people.

The genealogy also connects Jesus to Adam, emphasizing His role as the second Adam. While the first Adam brought sin and death into the world, Jesus came to bring forgiveness and new life. Through His humanity, Jesus fully identifies with us, making Him the perfect mediator and Savior.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that God used ordinary people in Jesus’ genealogy encourage you in your walk with Him?
2. What can you learn from the fact that God’s plan unfolded over many generations?
3. How does Jesus’ connection to both well-known and unknown figures in His ancestry affect the way you view His mission to save the world?
4. In what ways can you trust God’s plan and timing, even when the results aren’t immediately visible?
5. How does the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus strengthen your faith in His promises to you?