Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 15:1 (Spring 2024)
Article: Generational Dysfunction And Fulfillment In Christ (Matt 1:1)
Author: Kristin L. Kellen

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Generational Dysfunction And Fulfillment In Christ (Matt 1:1)

Kristin L. Kellen

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Abstract: Matthew 1:1, “Jesus, son of Abraham, son of David” reminds us not only of the lineage of Jesus, but also the influence of past generations. Abraham and David both faced difficulties that had a lasting impact on their children, grandchildren, and others to come. Generational sin and dysfunction are a reality even today, most clearly as generational trauma and struggles with addiction. Clear connections can be made between the lineage of Abraham and David to contemporary family struggles. But just as Jesus was the new Abraham and the new David, he also provides healing and new birth to families today. Through Christ, and only through Christ, generational sin and struggles can be resolved.

Key Words: addiction, generational sin, Jesus, Matthew 1:1, trauma

This article is situated around a single verse in Scripture, Matthew 1:1, and aims to do three things. First, the article will exegete the verse and highlight several assertions that connect the nation of Israel and the modern church, namely dysfunctional families within the church. Second, space will be given to understanding generational dysfunction, primarily as it presents in the home today. Finally, this article will argue that not only is Christ the culmination of the nation of Israel and the contemporary home, but he is also the only one through whom either one finds redemption. Put another way, without Christ, generational dysfunction would continue throughout the history of mankind. We are no exception to this reality. Proper counseling, then, particularly for generational dysfunction must point towards Christ for redemption.

The Bible And Generational Dysfunction

Jesus And Generational Dysfunction

Matthew 1:1 is a fairly simple verse. It reads, “An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (CSB). In the Greek, it is only eight words, and quite literally reads, “a book of the genesis of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.” Read in a literal

STR 15:1 (Spring 2024) p. 48

translation, the reader’s mind should automatically go back to Gen 1:1, “in the beginning.”1 Like John 1:1, Matthew is properly situating his reader and making substantial claims from the open...