The Mothers of Jesus

Matthew 1:1-17 is the start of the New Testament, the genealogy of Jesus. Historically a genealogy is like a resume – it gives a person credibility, it’s how you proved who you are. So naturally if you have some shady characters in your past, you’ll want to avoid the perception of being associated with them. Not so with the resume of Jesus – on it are several women, including women of questionable character. 

The Fathers of Jesus

Matthew 1:18-25
This message is about the perspectives of God the Father, and Joseph the father. We pause in this season to remember that Jesus is not a mere teacher come to show anyone how to achieve salvation, but the God and Savior who’s come to achieve salvation FOR US – He doesn’t teach anyone how to save themselves, but that He’s come to save – by grace.

The Magi and Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12

The Magi (Wise men) in the Christmas story are often misrepresented in our descriptions, nativity sets, and our kids’ pageants. Some of the other descriptions of Magi in the Biblical record are mostly negative. However, Matthew describes this group in positive terms. What Matthew may be showing us in the text is that the wisest people in the community have bowed down and worshipped…the elite of the community are acknowledging that true wisdom is found in Jesus Christ.

The World and Jesus