Introducing someone special
Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:
What did I like about today’s passage?
Jesus gets quite the introduction at the start of this gospel account, aimed at Israelites who would get the many Jewish cultural references and share in Jesus’ family tree. While the whole nation descended from Abraham, God worked with different people in different ways. Jesus’ royal family line was one of the most famous in history, including kings from David to Jeconiah.
This list tells a three-part story of a kingdom: its promise, rule and fall. The way Matthew sets this up, two things are clear: it is time for the next chapter, and Jesus will have a role in turning things around.
Life was difficult for Israel. Romans had invaded, taxes were imposed, kings, governors and religious leaders jostled for power while ordinary people struggled to get by.
Imagine living there as traditions and new ideas vied for people’s attention. How would you know who to trust? Lots of people claimed authority, but who deserved it? Matthew is going to tell the story of how we can know that Jesus is the ultimate authority, the long-promised saviour of Israel, king of the Jews, and more – a leader for us too.
But for a new leader to take authority, old authorities must move aside. Matthew’s story shows from the beginning that they did not want to do this. Herod’s opposition was deadly, but he could not defeat death himself. Move over, it’s time for someone who can!
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
God’s plan to bring people from all over the world back to him had deep roots in history, and the significance of Jesus as “king of the Jews” was huge, even visible to wise people from other countries.
But while God advertised Jesus’ arrival in the sky, he chose to work down to earth with a family, young, vulnerable and relatable in every human way. He does not work as a remote authority, broadcasting instructions to us, but as a Father who loves us from the cradle to the grave and beyond…
What am I going to do differently as a result?
As I am awestruck by God’s massive power focused into family relationships here, I want to look afresh at how God wants to work through our family too.
Who am I going to share this with?
My family! Especially with our five-year-old son who is currently gripped by Bible stories, sometimes scared, occasionally confused but often amazed. Most of all, I want him to know through them how much he is loved and empowered by God to love so many others too.