The Faith of Rahab | Part Three

Joshua 2

Her name was Rahab. But she is known primarily as Rahab the Harlot. That's how she's introduced in Joshua 2. That's how she's referred to in both Hebrews 11 and James 2. Rahab the Harlot.

Why is her occupation emphasized when others' occupations aren't mentioned at all?

Since her story provides a picture of saving faith; perhaps the repetitive references to her harlotry serve to emphasize God's grace toward defiled people.

So many tell me that they're good people when the subject of God comes up. No they're not. Neither am I. Neither are you. And we're not responsible for cleaning ourselves up to receive salvation. God does that through Jesus. The Doctor came for the sick, not the well.

Once Jesus was invited to a Pharisee's house (read: super religious guy's house). While He was there, a prostitute approached and began weeping in humble adoration at His feet. As she did, the Pharisee said, "If you knew what manner of woman this was you would have nothing to do with her."

Jesus knew what manner of woman she was, which brings us to the third reference of Rahab in the New Testament: Matthew 1. This is Jesus' genealogy, starting with Abraham. Then Isaac. Jacob. Judah. Perez, father of Zerah by Tamar. Hezron. Ram. Amminadab. Nahshon. Salmon, father of Boaz by Rahab...

The prostitute weeping at Jesus' feet was the same manner of woman as Rahab, humble and desperate for God's mercy. Such a woman as this was not only embraced by God; but was used to bring about His most precious promise: the birth of Jesus Christ.

God is glorified in saving sinners; not accepting the self-righteous.