Many have called Tamar’s tale scandalous. But focusing on the dicey details obscures the reason she might be included in Matthew’s version of Jesus genealogy: God will use what God will to accomplish God’s will. Tamar illustrates God’s definition of righteousness, which is concerned for the vulnerable. We see this unexpected kind of righteousness so often in Jesus' ministry we should expect it by now; Jesus talked with and ate with many whom society considers scandalous and unworthy.

Jesus' righteousness is doubly inherited. First from his divine parent who cares for the least, the lost and the left out. And also from his grandmother Tamar, who shows us that God’s righteousness transcends our imperfect, human laws and systems. Righteousness is the trait passed through the bloodline of Jesus’ ancestry.