A different perspective on genealogy can lead us into very profound territory.

There is a TV show which has the name ‘Who do you think you are?’ It is concerned with the modern interest in genealogy … searching for those of previous generations in our family line. This passage, however, is about a different version of the same question which occurred in response to Jesus’ activities.

Jesus upset the Jewish people, and especially the leaders, with what he said about his identity … that he has come to offer eternal life. How will this be done? In a totally unexpected way, through the cross. Our response to Jesus, the son, shows our attitude to God.

Jesus shocks the people again at the end of the passage. He tells them clearly of his equality with God. They responded to this claim by picking up rocks to stone him to death. The bigger question for us is ‘who do we think Jesus is?’ The answer either puts us with Jesus or against him.