Mothers in Jesus’ Lineage: Part 1

Written by Dianna Wiebe on May 01, 2025.

INSIDE: Meet the mothers in Jesus’ family tree—Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth.

What They Teach Us Today

Who are the mothers in Jesus’ genealogy? What do we know about these women—and what can they teach us about motherhood today?

Maybe you’ve married into a family of believers, but life feels far from perfect. Maybe you’re praying for your unbelieving spouse or wondering if your children will follow God after they leave home. Or perhaps you’re the first in your family to believe—and God might use your faith to draw others in.

Take heart: you’re not alone.

There are five women listed in Jesus’ family tree in Matthew 1. None of them had easy lives. They weren’t perfect. But they were chosen and God worked through them in powerful ways.

Let’s take a closer look at three of these mothers. You may find that their stories feel a lot like yours.

Tamar = Patience

📖 Read Tamar’s story in Genesis 38.

She married into a godly family.
She lost two husbands.
Her life was put on hold because of others’ fear.
God blessed her with twin sons—Perez and Zerah.

Tamar’s story is complicated. She waited a long time for Judah to fulfill his promise. When he didn’t, she took matters into her own hands. Interestingly, the Bible never condemns her for her actions. In fact, the Law later affirms that Judah did the right thing in caring for her and her sons. Tamar is remembered not for her method, but for her perseverance.

👉 Lesson from Tamar: Stay faithful to God while you wait.

Rahab = Faith

📖 Read Rahab’s story in Joshua 2 and 6:22–25.

She came from a non-believing home.
She lived a sinful lifestyle before she heard about God.
She believed in the one true God.
She saved her family through faith and obedience.

Rahab had a past. But when she heard what God had done, she believed. That spark of faith moved her to hide the Hebrew spies and trust in God’s promises. Her simple act of tying a red cord in her window showed deep trust—and led to salvation for her entire household.

👉 Lesson from Rahab: Believe—and act on that belief.

Ruth = Kindness

📖 Read Ruth’s story in the book of Ruth.

She married into a loving family.
She faced barrenness and deep loss.
She left her homeland and family to stay with Naomi.
She showed kindness—and found a new life.

Ruth knew grief and hardship, but her loyalty and love shined. She worked hard to provide for Naomi and showed consistent, heartfelt kindness. She understood being judged by others for her family background. Boaz noticed her character—and God blessed her with a new family. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David.

👉 Lesson from Ruth: Be known for your kindness.

Tamar ~ Rahab ~ Ruth

These three women remind us that God sees, loves, and uses ordinary people—even when our stories are messy. You may feel like Tamar, waiting and wondering. Like Rahab, burdened by past choices. Like Ruth, trying to show up and do the next right thing.

But just like them, your story is not over.

God used these women for eternal purposes—and they never saw the full picture while they were alive. Yet He gave each of them hope and purpose in their own lifetime.

In the next post, we’ll look at the final two women in Jesus’ lineage—Bathsheba and Mary.

But for today

Take a moment to reflect:

Which of these women do you relate to most?
Where do you see God’s hand in your own story?

Before Jesus, our lives were in the dark. But once His light shines in, everything changes. None of these women were perfect—but each chose to respond to God’s call. Once they responded, they continued to lead faithful lives to the Lord.

Have you?

Have you chosen to trust God, repent of your sins, and walk in obedience?

You may not feel worthy—but like these women, you are deeply loved, chosen, and part of His redemptive story.