There’s a principle showing the Gospels are reliable because they include details that no author would invent—embarrassing failures of the disciples, scandals, and brokenness. Matthew goes out of his way to highlight the flawed people in Jesus’ family tree. One of those is Rahab, remembered in Scripture as “Rahab the prostitute.” From this, we see that God’s holiness is not at odds with His mercy – He redeems people with labels, and their stories become part of His story. 

 

Put It into Practice: Ask God to help you read Scripture this week as a conversation with Him, not an obligation. Identify one area of your story where you long for His redemptive thread to be visible.

 

Day 1 Matthew 1:1–5; Joshua 2:1–21 

Reflect: Why do you think Matthew made sure to highlight Rahab by name in Jesus’ family line? How does Rahab’s decision to protect the spies show both courage and faith?

Apply: What does Rahab’s inclusion reveal to you about God’s heart toward outsiders or those with a past? How can you act in faith now— not just believing in God, but believing God enough to obey?

Pray: God, I stand amazed by the unexpected people in Jesus’ lineage, and I pray that I may recognize Your power to work through all people – me included – to accomplish Your plan.

 

Day 2 Joshua 6:15-25; Hebrews 11:31 

Reflect: What does Rahab’s rescue tell you about God’s character and His view of repentance and faith? How does Hebrews 11:31 redefine what “faith” looks like? Who is a “Rahab” in your life now?

Apply: Think of an area in your life that feels beyond redemption. What “label” would it be? What would it look like to hang your own “scarlet cord,” to place your trust visibly in God’s mercy? 

Pray: Lord, I pray for the courage to welcome and assist all who come to me in the name of the Lord, and help me trust that You will provide Your wisdom and Your words and protect me every step of the way.

 

Day 3 Matthew 21:28-32

Reflect: How does Jesus’ parable connect to Rahab’s example? What’s the difference between agreeing with God’s Word and acting on it? What does this say about what pleases God?     

Apply: What do you think about what Jesus said in verse 31? What are “labels” in your family that would fit in that verse? When have you said “yes” to God with your lips but “no” with your life? 

Pray: Father God, grant me humility and help me to be more like the tax collectors and prostitutes who repented, and less like the outwardly religious who refused to believe.

 

Day 4 John 4:1-30

Reflect: What similarities do you see between her story and Rahab’s? How does Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman show compassion for those society rejects? 

Apply: What does this mean: “God’s holiness is not at odds with His mercy”? How could you reach out to someone who feels far from God with dignity and grace? What testimony could you give?

Pray: Open my eyes, Lord, to see that Your love and mercy are for everyone, regardless of background or status. Help me to be open to everyone, even those others may exclude.

 

Day 5 Luke 4:24-30

Reflect: Why did Jesus’ audience react so strongly when He reminded them of Rahab and others outside Israel? What does their reaction reveal about the limits people try to place on God’s grace?

Apply: Where do you see yourself tempted to limit who God can use or forgive? Is there anyone you may silently think does not deserve a place at Jesus’ table? Be real. Ask for a new perspective.

Pray: Heavenly Father, help me to be a channel for Your love, that my life may stream out to others and help them to know You. Help me to see the ripe harvest around me, even those I might otherwise overlook. Grant me the joy of doing Your will, even when tired and uncomfortable.