Matthew 1:18-25

 Matthew 1.18-25

Matthew begins laying out a very careful argument that Jesus is the Messiah. First he does so with the genealogy that began this chapter now he turns to the connection of Joseph, Mary and the conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Matthew moves from the natural, Joseph’s reaction to Mary’s pregnancy, to the supernatural, the revelation of what happened and who Jesus was to be.

There are two characteristics of Jesus that would be desirable in anyone’s life. First, he was a “righteous man”, a man who kept the law, who loved the law, a law-abiding man. The high priority in Jewish life for the Law was expressed in faithful conformity to the law, not just knowledge of it. Second, he was a kind man. He could have divorced Mary in public humiliation. In a small town that would have been very harsh and difficult for Mary. By all natural expectations that would be the very best that Mary might expect. Joseph’s willingness to radically adjust his life and expectation at the call of God was formed by his love for the Word of God and his kind heart.

It is worth noticing the “fear not” context in this passage. Typically, when an angel commands, “Fear not,” it is understood as, “Don’t be afraid of me,” but in this case the message is. “Don’t be afraid of the circumstances”. The angel says, “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” This would not protect them from the social stigma. Joseph’s reputation as a “righteous man” would certainly take a hit. The external circumstances would not be made easier. It would, however, quiet the inner storm and when we are at peace with God and at peace within we are more able to deal with the conflicts of life.

"Lord, help me to Love the Word, Be Kind, and fear no circumstance. AMEN"

Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew begins with a “book of the beginnings”. Jesus will be presented by Matthew as the new beginning or the new creation. The language in this passage is reflective of other ‘beginnings’ specifically Genesis 2:4 and 5:1. Matthew moves from Abraham to Jesus but notes critical mile markers or turning points. First is Abraham the true embodiment of what it means to be Jewish. Second is David the Great whose descendant would be called the “son of David”. This title will be a major Messianic title in the book of Mathew. Third the exile from which Israel would need a rescue. This picture of exile and rescue would find their ultimate fulfillment in the Christ. In these three cycles Matthew is more interested in communicating the great truth of who Jesus was and what He would do than providing a genealogical record.

The cycles have run their course and the time has come for the new beginning. The promise made to Abraham is finally being fulfilled, but in a most unexpected way. In the exile Israel came close to extinction. Israel that reached its zenith during the time of David and Solomon could not, during the age of the exile, be described as the sands of the seashore. And since the return from the exile Israel was little more than a backwater vassal state for empires. It was time for a turning, for a radical new direction. The promise to Abraham was being encapsulated in the Messiah. From the outside there may have been no indication that the time had come. The generations converge on Jesus, the years converge on Jesus and from the outside they appeared to be noteworthy only because they were so unremarkable.

The work-a-day could not know it was coming.

The political structure was unaware of what God was doing or what part it would play.

The people, with few exceptions, didn’t perceive that anything exceptional was happening.

We never know when God is about to do something remarkable. The great things of God are at work even if we do not see them at work. But we can live in such a way that when the movement of God is manifest we are ready to join in His great work.