Jared
Advent Day 6
Luke 3:37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan
Jared , a name within the genealogy of Genesis, is one of those figures we know very little about. However, his name carries profound meaning. Jared means "descent," which connects him directly to the purpose of this genealogy: to trace the descendants of Adam. This genealogy, while filled with names and long lifespans, serves a greater purpose—to show the lineage through which God's promise would be fulfilled.
In Genesis 5:15-20, Jared is recorded as the father of Enoch, but not much is said about his life or deeds. Yet, Jared’s name and his place in the genealogy point us to something far greater—the ongoing fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior. At the time, no one knew exactly when or how God would bring about the promise He made in Genesis 3:15, but they held fast to the belief that through their descendants, God's plan of redemption would unfold.
Interestingly, Jared’s name also appears in 1 Chronicles 4, though spelled "Jered" there. The variation in spelling doesn’t change the meaning, and it still speaks to the same deep truth. The descendants of Judah, and ultimately all of Israel, had a deep belief that a Savior would arise from their lineage—a belief that was passed down through generations. This anticipation of a coming Redeemer is woven into the fabric of Israel’s history.
As we approach the Christmas season, we can reflect on the significance of Jared’s name. In his lineage, and in all the generations that came before, there was a growing hope and expectation of the Savior who would come. Jesus, born to Mary, was God's fulfillment of that promise, the answer to the anticipation that had been building for thousands of years. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that God's plan was always in motion, from the very beginning, bringing hope and redemption to the world.