Rahab

Rahab – Outsiders: A Christmas Story, pt. 2

Nestled within the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 is a name that disrupts our expectations: Rahab. A Canaanite woman and a prostitute by trade, she hardly fits the profile of a hero in Israel’s grand story. Yet, it is through this unlikely character that we see the astonishing reach of God’s grace and the unrelenting nature of His purposes. When the Israelite spies entered Jericho, Rahab’s house became a refuge. She risked her life to protect them, proclaiming her faith in the God of Israel: “For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:11). In that declaration, we catch a glimpse of a faith born not from heritage or ritual but from hearing and believing in the works of the living God. Rahab’s actions weren’t just brave—they were transformative. Her faith didn’t merely rescue her from Jericho’s destruction; it wove her into the very fabric of God’s redemptive story. Rahab, the outsider, became part of Israel, an ancestor of King David, and ultimately, of Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 1:5). This is the upside-down, inside-out kingdom of God. Rahab reminds us that no one is too far gone, too unworthy, or too foreign for His grace. It is a story of hope for all who feel like outsiders—proof that God delights in using the overlooked and underestimated. It is a story that reveals that God does not wait for us to be perfect but redeems and works through all who place their faith in Him. Rahab’s scarlet cord in the window speaks of rescue and redemption, foreshadowing the blood of Christ that welcomes all who trust Him. Through Rahab, God invites us to see His heart: a heart that gathers the outsiders and calls them to be His own.

Dinner Table Conversations:

Adult & Teen Table Talk:

• The text mentions that Rahab had heard stories about God’s power and chose to believe, while the Israelites who witnessed these miracles often doubted. Why do you think this difference existed, and what does this tell us about the nature of faith?
• Despite being both a cultural and social outsider, Rahab was fully accepted into God’s people. What barriers might prevent people from feeling welcome in our faith communities today, and how can we address them?
• Rahab is remembered not for her past but for her faith and actions. How does this challenge our assumptions about who God can use in His plans? Have you ever felt disqualified from serving God because of your past?

Little Learners’ Table Talk:

• The spies promised to protect Rahab and her family if she hung a red rope from her window. How do you show people that you’ll keep your promises?
• Rahab became part of God’s family even though she was different from the Israelites. How can we make new friends feel welcome in our church family?

Caleb McCaughan – Pulpit Minister | Manchester Church of Christ