Jesse was a wealthy Bethlehem farmer. He was the grandson of Boaz and Ruth and the father of 8 sons and 2 daughters. His youngest son was David, the second king of Israel. We know little about his life except that he sometimes sent David to watch the sheep, or to take supplies to his older brothers who were fighting the Philistines, or to play his harp for the tormented King Saul. When Samuel came to anoint one of his sons king of Israel, Jesse was surprised that not one of his 7 eldest sons were chosen. In fact, David was still out tending the sheep. In his later years, Jesse and his wife were given shelter among the Moabites lest Saul strike out at them in his anger at David.
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come from the family of Jesse and usher in a kingdom of peace, justice, and rest. He also foretold that the Gentiles would be included in this kingdom. He wrote, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots....And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious" (Is 11:1, 10). Because of these prophecies a symbol known as the Jesse Tree became popular among Christians. In pictures and statues Jesse is shown at the base of a tree or bush. At the top of the tree is Jesus and Mary. In between are pictures of various ancestors of Jesus or important events in the Bible. Jesse Trees are often put up at Christmas time. Ornaments which depict important Biblical events or characters may be hung on a regular Christmas tree to remind us of God's faithfulness.
Ruth 4:17, 22; I Sam 16:1-13; 17:12-19; Is 11:1,10; Rom 15:12; Mt 1:5; Lk 3:32
All scripture quotes are from the KJV Bible unless otherwise indicated.
Comments© 1998 by Suzetta Tucker
To cite this page:
Tucker, Suzetta. "Jesse Tree Advent Calendar - December 14
- Jesse." ChristStory Christian Bestiary. 1998. http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/legend01/14jesse.htm
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