The Bloodline of Grace — Episode 3: Rahab
Season 1, Episode 16 of The Scruffy Nazarene Podcast • Episode 3 of The Bloodline of Grace series
Rahab: Grace for the Outsider (Matthew 1:5; Joshua 2; Joshua 6, CSB)
Why Rahab?
Rahab lived in Jericho, far from Israel’s covenant life. Yet Matthew names her in Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:5). Her story reveals that grace finds the outsider, responds to faith, and redefines legacy.
Main Scripture (CSB)
Matthew 1:5
Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse.
Joshua 2:9–11
9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you.
10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan.
11 When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.”
Joshua 6:25
However, Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, her father’s family, and all who belonged to her, because she hid the messengers Joshua had sent to spy on Jericho, and she still lives in Israel today.
Big Idea 1 — Grace Finds the Outsider
Takeaway: No one is beyond God’s reach; grace crosses walls and borders.
Ephesians 2:12–13 (CSB)
“…you were without Christ… strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Apply as a New Testament frame for Rahab’s inclusion.
Big Idea 2 — Grace Responds to Faith
Takeaway: Genuine faith moves; Rahab acts at great risk.
Hebrews 11:31 (CSB)
“By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.”
Use to highlight faith before full understanding.
James 2:25 (CSB)
“In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route?”
Pair with Hebrews 11:31 to unite faith and works.
Big Idea 3 — Grace Redefines Legacy
Takeaway: From Jericho’s margins to Jesus’ family tree.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
Invite listeners to receive a redefined story in Christ.
Reflection / Group Questions
- What part of Rahab’s confession (Josh 2:11) most challenges or encourages you?
- Where might God be asking you to act in faith before you have every answer?
- Who are the “Rahabs” around you—outsiders God is calling you to welcome?
Closing Prayer (read aloud)
Father, thank You for Rahab’s story. Thank You that Your grace seeks the outsider, answers faith, and rewrites our legacy in Christ. Give us courage to trust You as Rahab did, and love for those the world overlooks. May our lives point to Jesus, the Redeemer who welcomes us in. In His name we pray. Amen.
© The Scruffy Nazarene. All rights reserved.
Hashtag: #ScruffyNaz
The Scruffy Nazarene 