Good morning! Busy day yesterday, as per usual! I hope to catch up on comments today (yah, sure!)
Today we begin Matthew. Many of the stories will be familiar to us- but let's look for the unfamiliar- what is different from the other Gospels. What does Matthew say the Luke or Mark didn't say- what did they say that Matthew doesn't.
The author immediately starts with the theme of these writings: "Jesus- from the family of David; David from the family of Abraham"-- Jesus is connected to probably the two strongest and most revered men of the Hebrew scriptures. No introduction is needed other than that. The genealogy that Matthew proposes gives us the legal lineage of Jesus through Jesus' "adoptive" father Joseph; in contrast, Luke gives us a blood lineage through Mary. Jewish heritage and ancestry is extremely important in the life of Jews- who and where you came from where a huge part of who you were. Most of the names included in this genealogy are unfamiliar to us (and to many people). It is interesting to note the presence of at least four women in the list (not including Mary):
- Tamar (v 3)- sold herself as a prostitute to her father-in-law in Genesis 38
- Rahab (v 5)- a Gentile prostitute in Joshua 2
- Ruth (v 5)- a Gentile Moabite who eventually converted (I love the story if Ruth!)
- Bathsheba (v 6, Uriah's wife)- infamous for her sexual sins with David
The inclusion of these four women show the world that Jesus came from humble lineage- it wasn't all royalty and fame. Jesus identifies with the sinner through his ancestry. The inclusion of these women also elevate their status, especially with regard to the new covenant. In both the pagan and Jewish world, women were not very highly regarded. The fact that the author includes them elevate them to be include in God's kingdom.
Another point to draw out of this genealogy are the words "Joseph was the husband of Mary, Mary was the mother of Jesus" (v 16). It is clear that Matthew does not regard Joseph as Jesus' biological/ physical father.
In the conclusion of the genealogy. Matthew states there are "14 generations..." (v 17), but he did leave out some generations- which was quite common in Jewish heritage! For example, in v 9, "Jehoram was the ancestor of Uzziah" there were actually three kings [Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah],in between Jehoram was not his father, King Amaziah was!)
On to the birth narrative in Matthew (v 18). We see Jesus' birth through the eyes of Joseph. Matthew just states that Mary was pregnant through the Holy Spirit- no visit from Gabriel, no conversation with Elizabeth, no Song of Mary. This is the abbreviated version of Jesus' birth. One important thing we learn is that Joseph was a faithful and just man (v 19).
We do have an angel visit to Joseph (v 20+). We are unsure of the name, but many theologians believe it was Gabriel- the same one to visit Mary. It would make sense that the same angel visited both Mary and Joseph. When the angel addresses Joseph as "ancestor of David" (v 20), Joseph should have known something was up!
The angel requests that the son be named "Jesus" (v 21). Jesus was a very common name and is translated as "The Salvation of Yahweh" and in one statement gives us the "reason" for Jesus- "to save people from their sins" (v 21).
Matthew looks at the first prophecy that Jesus fulfilled- " a virgin shall conceive" (Isaiah 7:14). The Hebrew word used was "almahcan" which is translated as "young woman" and assumed to mean virgin. As an aside, many world religions have virgin births (usually of their "messiah"). The angel continues to give Jesus a "title" of Emmanuel- God with us. The name Emmanuel truly shows Jesus' dual nature "God" (divine) "with us" (human). I love the image of God with us. Go reaching down, bending down, to pick us up and help us. It is reported that John Wesley, just prior to his death, said, "The best of all- God is with us."
The dream is over, Joseph wakes up, no questions asked- and marries Mary and continues life "as normal." Talk about faith and trust! Even Mary had a few questions of Gabriel! Matthew states that "Joseph did not know Mary until she brought forth her son" emphasizes the virgin quality of Mary. The Roman Catholic church proposes "perpetual virginity" for Mary, but these words from Matthew (and the fact that there are some siblings) refutes that claim. Does perpetual virginity matter though?!
In the closing verse, Mary and Joseph name the child Jesus. They followed God's instructions; our savior was given a commonly used name. His humbleness began at his birth.
I am not a huge fan of the Matthew birth narrative- it doesn't give us the Christmas feeling and knowledge that we all want in the birth narrative! Where did the birth happen? What about the census? What about the full inn? What about the shepherds? What about... the list could continue! But, we do have magi- in tomorrow's chapter!
Have a good day.
Shaloom+
Pastor Paul
Oh my goodness I so am relating to your comment about not getting the Christmas feeling from this version of Jesus birth. I remember when I was in grade school once a week I would get out of school early to go to religious instruction I think they called it. The teacher told bible story's and would play the story out on a board that she put felt figures on. I loved it but especially the story of Jesus birth. I don't know if you have had the good fortune to see the Christmas Show at Radio City. At the end they have a living nativity that is breath taking. I have to admit this is they way I like to imagine Jesus birth.
ReplyDeleteI tried to pay attention to Jesus family tree. I read it several times. I don't recall knowing that Jesus was a common name. I have often wondered about Joseph and the kind of man he must of been. If we stop and think there are many people today who are raising children that are not their biological children but love them as their own.
I'm looking forward to reading Mathew.
Matthew is just the bare bones story isn't it! We did see the Radio City Christmas Show once many years ago and lived the closing scene with the nativity. It is interesting the memories we have and how the Christmas story is formed in our minds.
DeleteGenealogies are tough to read- especially when we don't have all the Hebrew history!
Good point about Matthew raising "someone else's" child. Thanks for the comments Cindy
The reading of the lineage of Joseph was very interesting. My translation also says there are missing generations from Rahab and David (other then those that are listed) Josin and Jechonias and Salathiel and Zorobabel. ???? Joseph was definitely a good man. It seems here that Joseph knew about the pregnancy before the appearance of the angel and still was going to marry Mary and divorce her later, privately - to protect her. The Christmas story here is definitely a reader's digest version but I enjoyed it because you always hear the "other" side. I also like the very clear link between this and the prophesies of the OT and I am interested in hearing the others. The name Jesus was popular - which is why Our Savior is referred to as Jesus Christ - right? Especially by Paul. You are right, Cindy. In my first marriage I had two step daughters that I, to this day, love, even though their father and I have long been divorced. They still call me Mama Donna and invite me to many family functions. And it's not just me, but my entire family - from my Mom down. Once you are in my family, no matter how you became a "member", you are always one of us!
ReplyDeleteI have read a little bit about siblings of Jesus - some (even Roman Catholics) believe he did others don't because of the Greek words and Jesus' sayings at the cross. And some Roman Catholics think he did. It seems if it was as clear as it SEEMS to be, why is that fact so confusing?
Looking forward to the next reading!!!
There are several generations missing. One commentary I remember reading said that there were two sets of fourteen generations (after the left out ones) 14 is 2x7 (7 being a "perfect" number in Hebrew culture).
DeleteThe term "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos" meaning anointed one- so that is why we refer to Jesus Christ- distinguishes him from the other Jesus named people.
The issue with Jesus having siblings- from the theology view- is the perpetual virginity and purity of Mary. People want to keep Mary a virgin so that her purity is always there. I do believe Jesus had siblings. Why not? The interesting outcome is what happened to them? Where did they go? Another "issue" we run in to is the ancestry and line of Christ, think DaVinci Code!
Good comments!
Jesus lineage was mostly for the Jews i would assume to prove that he was the one sent to as the Messiah? Actually i got a little lost in all the names and some of course we good eople and others sinners and "bad people I guess maninly to show that jesus was born from good and bad ands that he was truly human even tho he was the Spn of God. My bible(NLT) says that Joseph was planning to divorce Mary since he knew the child was not his and he was very upset to face Mary having a child that was not his.. However after the angel appeared he married Mary and decided that was what God wanted. This version also says Matthew was written by the disciple Matthew the tax collector.
ReplyDeleteThis first chapter it a little different than the story of old and seems to not be as spellbinding (for lack of right word) as the story of old Anyhow that what is seems to me///
The heritage component of this story is hard- especially since we don't know the Hebrew names of how they are linked together! The idea that Jess had both good and bad in his lineage does show his humanity aspect.
DeleteMary's pregnancy was just as "humiliating" for Joseph as it was for Mary- but he was a good man and decided (after Gabriel's intervention) to stay with Mary.
There are some indications that Matthew the tax collector wrote some of this Gospel.
Thanks Clara for the comments!
I felt like I was reading the cliff-notes version of the birth of Jesus. Just the facts. This book does tell a little about Joseph. An angel appeared to him in a dream. I don't think I had ever heard this before. vs 24 "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."
ReplyDeleteAs you said in the sermon Sunday, Pastor, this first miracle was explained to Mary and now we read too, to Joseph by angels. Mary and Joseph seemed to be most compliant with what was happening to them. They probably somehow knew that they should be. (I think if I received that news, I would have had a fit!)
I was thinking about this after the sermon on Sunday. Do angels come to us when miracles are happening for us? Since an angel is a messenger from God, could an angel be human? Do we sometimes get opportunities for miracles to happen but we don't recognize what's happening? I'm thinking about praying for the wisdom to recognize miracles happening in my life.
Lots of interesting things to think about in this book.
I do like that we learn some things about Joseph in this story. We usually focus on Mary and Obviously Jesus, but Joseph had an important role in the Christmas story too!
DeleteAhh...someone did listen to me on Sunday! I thought I lost everyone when Lauren and Chris came in with Joseph!!
The miracle of Jesus is truly an amazing and miraculous thing!
Could you imagine having an angle come to you and say you were pregnant with God's child. Or think of Sarah (from the Hebrew scriptures)- barren her entire life and then hearing from an angel she was pregnant at age 90?!
I don't know about "angels" but I do believe we have people in our life that are put there by God.Maybe they are angels!
It is good to be looking for miracles in our life- I think we are too wrapped up in other stuff to notice them!
Good thoughts Cathy!
This is definitely not the Christmas story as per Luke. It was a little mind boggling reading all the names in Chapter 1 of Jesus's heritage. I was not aware that Jesus was a common name. What about the name "Christ"? Where does this name come from? It is very possible that I overlooked something.
ReplyDeleteIt is apparent from Pastor's verbiage that Jesus was born to humble surroundings. Jesus's entire ministry was conducted among people of humble means. For the entire story of Christ's journey, he spurned people of means and surrounded himself with beggars, lepers, and what we would consider the dregs of society.
In my translation, it also states that Joseph had plans to divorce Mary until his dream with the angel. It also states that he left Mary be until after the Christ child was born, a truly remarkable task. This is a sign of Joseph's faith - that the conception was immaculate and he had no intentions of soiling it.
Christ comes from the Greek "Christos" which means anointed one. So that is why we refer to Jesus as "the Christ" the anointed one.
ReplyDeleteGood point to draw out that Jesus associated with the lower classes of people- do we have something to learn from that?
Good thoughts about Joseph. He was a good person- and I wish we knew more about him!
Thanks for the comments Jack!