Tracy Sybesma

Genealogies often look like a grocery list of names. But if you

take the time to “listen,” a genealogy reveals a story—a thread

woven into the history of a family that connects one generation

to the next.

The genealogy in Matthew 1 tells the story of Christ’s human

ancestors; evidence that God became flesh and dwelt with us. Jesus

was born into a family whose history, like ours, is filled with stories

of heroes and stories that people might prefer to leave hidden.

Our worship planning team wanted to create a Maundy Thursday worship service that would provide historical and cultural context to Christ’s final hours before his crucifixion and offer an opportunity for the congregation to experience the symbols in a fresh way. I was challenged by our team to develop a vigil with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper as the centerpiece. In preparation, I immersed myself in the Passion narratives, commentaries, and historical accounts.