The Bible is not a sanitized book of morals but a raw, often gritty history of God stepping into human mess. The central storyline of Scripture is simple: humanity broke everything, and God waded in to fix it. When the time was right, God entered the world as Jesus—born into the mess rather than avoiding it. Matthew’s genealogy reminds us that Jesus’ lineage is full of broken, messy people. This is intentional—because it underlines the message that Jesus came for sinners, not the spotless. 

 

Put It into Practice: Write down one painful or shameful part of your story that you’ve tried to hide. Pray: “God, use even this for Your redemptive story.” With whom does He want you to share it?

 

Day 1 Matthew 1:1–3; Genesis 38:6-25

Reflect: Why do you think Matthew included such imperfect people in Jesus’ family tree? What do the deceit and sinful behaviors in this Genesis story reveal? Who do you relate to most? Why?

Apply: What is one painful or shameful part of your story that you’ve tried to hide? When you consider your family tree, who stands out and why? Who still needs Jesus to invite them in?   

Pray: Thank You, God, that Jesus’ lineage is a sign of Your unfolding plan and Your unwavering love. Help me to see each person – flaws and all – as part of the larger redemption story.

 

Day 2 Matthew 9:9-13

Reflect: What emotions rise when you picture Jesus saying, “Follow Me” to Matthew? Why does Jesus call sinners first, not the self-righteous? Describe the attitude of a self-righteous person.

Apply: If this were set in today’s world, what kind of people would you see at the table with Jesus? Do you see yourself? Thank Jesus for seeing you fully and still inviting you to dine with Him.

Pray: Father God, I pray for a merciful heart to see others through the eyes of Jesus. I ask that You remind me that the purpose of Your mission was to call sinners to repentance and to show mercy, not to condemn the righteous.

 

Day 3 Luke 2:8-14 

Reflect: Describe why the good news of Jesus’ birth ought to bring great joy. Why did God send the angel to this audience?  What does verse 14 mean to you? To whom is peace available and why?     

Apply: Did the Christianity you were raised with strike you as “good news”? Why or why not? When you think of God’s response to your sin, do you imagine condemnation or compassion?

Pray: Lord, fill my heart with Your peace and help me to live in a way that reflects Your glory, so that I may be part of bringing Your hope and peace to earth. 

 

Day 4 Romans 5:6-8

Reflect:  What does the comparison in verses 5:7-8 reveal about the nature of God’s love? How does this passage challenge the idea that people must “earn their way” into the Kingdom of God?   

Apply: Re-write your “bad news” (sin, shame, regret, guilt) under the headline “Good News: Jesus Died for Me.” What is He saying now? What does He want you to share and with whom? 

Pray:  Abba Father, thank You for the peace and reconciliation we have with You through the blood of Jesus. Help me not to take this gift for granted and compel me by Your grace to live for something greater than myself and reflect Your sacrificial love to others.

 

Day 5 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Reflect: Paul called himself “the worst of sinners,” yet said God’s mercy in him was to display Christ’s perfect patience. What does that reveal about how God uses our stories?

Apply: How does Paul’s testimony help you see your failures differently? How does his story prove to you that no one is beyond grace? When have you experienced God’s patience? His forgiveness?

Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank You for loving me enough to die for me on the Cross so that I may live with the Lord for eternity. Enable me to be a worthy witness of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice for the whole world.