God inspired Matthew to include five mothers in Jesus’ genealogy, 1:1-17.

#1 Tamar - She was the mother of Perez, whom she had with Judah after she disguised herself and deceived him, pretending to be a prostitute (Genesis 38:1-30). Tamar, her immorality notwithstanding, courageously stood up for herself, having been cheated by Judah. Judah would confess when finally confronted with his sin, “She is more righteous than I”, Genesis 38:26.

#2 Rahab - the mother of Boaz. Rahab wasn’t even an Israelite, but a Canaanite. Unlike Tamar, Rahab actually was a prostitute (Joshua 2:1-21). Rahab set one of the best examples of faith in history, however, having heard of the power of God working among his people. She put her faith in him and sought for the good of her family suing for peace between God and them, Joshua 2:1-13.

#3 Ruth is next in the record, and she also was non-Israelite, coming from the tribe of Moab (Ruth 1-4). The Moabites were initially the result of the incestuous relationship Lot’s two daughters conspired to have with their father (Genesis 19:30-38). Ruth, however, also sets a standard for faithfulness, choosing to stay with her nearly destitute mother-in-law rather than seek her own welfare. She is a model to all of us, of putting the needs of a loved one ahead of our own, Ruth 1:1-18.

#4 …then there was Bathsheba, who is not actually mentioned by name, but referenced as “she who was of Uriah”. A seamy and scandalous affair it was between her and David to be sure (2nd Samuel 11-12). Bathsheba was guilty of sin, but later made the best of a “messed-up” marital situation. She lost one son for her indiscretion but was given another who would sit upon the throne of his father, David, and bring Israel into its zenith of prosperity and power. You can read what the queen of Sheba had to say about Solomon in 1st Kings 10.

#5 Is of course, Mary. She was a paragon of virtue and humility, highly favored of God and totally submissive to his will. She took to her divine charge with selfless faith and courage. Although she found herself in the most unique position in history, Mary had no worldly ambitions as others around her were want to have (Matthew 20:20-21). Her Godly spirit is evident in Luke 1:46-55.

What Godly traits do you see in your own mother? Love and appreciate her for those, just as God seems to have done with these opening words of Matthew’s gospel.