The answer is: King David

Matt 1:1 - It was important to trace the genealogy of Jesus back to David as the promise had been made that the Messiah would be part of his family (Jer 23:5)

Digging into the genealogy of Jesus can feel like diving into a deep well of history, fame, and a sprinkle of scandal! In the opening line of the Gospel of Matthew, we see a calculated move—a stunning way to set the stage for Jesus' miraculous entrance into the world. Jesus being traced back to King David underscores the depth of biblical prophecy. The prophets, like Jeremiah, affirmed that a ruler to save the folks was supposed to come from David's lineage, so this connection isn't just a casual reference; it's a divine stamp of approval.

Now, here’s a fascinating twist: David, the “man after God’s own heart,” wasn’t a saintly figure on every account. His story involves some serious ups and downs, flashy victories, and regretful blunders. There are ethical gray areas like his relationship with Bathsheba that are often pondered over by scholars and fans alike.

Did you know the genealogy includes some unexpected characters? Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba all pop up in this royal lineage. Their inclusion highlights that Jesus’ family tree came with its own share of challenges, triumphs, and extraordinary women who played critical roles in Israel’s story. This tapestry of victories and trials makes Jesus' ties to human experience super relatable, don't you think? It just goes to show, the way forward is layered and paved with all sorts of characters!