Matthew 1-2
My wife and I watched the new movie The Best Christian Pageant Ever. The humor, suspense, and resolution reminded me of the reason for the season—Jesus’ birth is for everyone, even the marginalized. The movie showed me the danger of self-righteousness and haughtiness in churches. I recommend the movie because it illustrates the true meaning of the Christmas.
There’s another way to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. I started reading the Gospel of Matthew last week in my morning appointments with God. I’m glad I did. I want to share three observations based on chapters one and two. These chapters contain a genealogy of Jesus; Joseph’s decision to keep Mary as his wife; the visit of the wisemen; Herod’s decree to kill the boy babies in the Bethlehem area; the holy family’s flight to Egypt; and finally, the family’s return to Galilee. These events are some of the original details of Jesus’ birth.
The first observation is Matthew’s intentional declaration that Jesus is the Messiah: “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (NIV 1995) He believed Jesus was the promised Jewish Messiah. This opinion is reiterated in verses 16 and 17. We must ask ourselves if it is proper for an author to hold an opinion about the identity of the subject they write about. In my opinion, it is good and proper to do so.
I have written two biographies. I have opinions about the subjects of these biographies. The first biography is about my dad. I have an opinion of him as a man and doctor. The great-great uncle I wrote about was called a martyr by many of his contemporaries. My understanding of the meaning of ‘martyr,’ led me to concluded that George was not a martyr. Instead, I call him a modest and crucial hero. Yes, a responsible writer has an opinion of their subject. Matthew stated his of Jesus.
The beauty of Matthew’s Gospel is that he made it clear people held different opinions of Jesus. Some of the opinions clashed beginning, for instance, in chapter two. King Herod ordered the execution of the very young boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. The king didn’t tolerate the threat to his reign from the newborn king.
The differing opinions of Jesus’ identity ultimately led to his crucifixion by the Romans. Matthew’s honest writing is found in the last chapter. Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to many of his followers. Yet Matthew’s conclusion includes this surprising report: “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted” (28:17). Having an opinion and being honest is possible.
Matthew stated his case for Jesus being the Messiah, but he didn’t water down the uncertainty in people. I encourage you to get to know Jesus better this holiday season like the Herdman siblings did in the movie. In doing so, you might make it the best holiday ever for you and your family.
The second observation from the first chapter pertains to the role Jesus would fulfill. The angel told Joseph to name the newborn son Jesus “because he will save his people from their sins.” (1:21). This description reveals the most significant matter troubling our relationship with God. God is holy and we are marred by sin. The Herdmans and the church people reveal their imperfect relationships with God.
Jesus’ role reminded me of the extensive instructions in the law of Moses about the sacrificial requirements in Judaism. The penalty for sin was death but people didn’t want to die for their sins. Fortunately, God didn’t want them to either. The offering of healthy animals was the means by which death was administered for the people’s sins. The healthy animals represented the holiness God required of his people. God accepted the death of the animals in place of the people. This sacrificial system pointed to Jesus’ death for the sin of the world.
Jesus spoke of his authority to forgive sins. He told a paralytic man his sins were forgiven, but the religious leaders took issue with this claim. They thought Jesus blasphemed by taking upon himself a prerogative belonging only to God. To prove his claim, Jesus healed the man (see Matthew 9:1-8).
Jesus gave a new meaning to two elements of the Jewish Passover meal. The breaking of the bread represented the suffering in his body on the cross. The wine represented his death and the shedding of blood to inaugurate the new covenant for the forgiveness of sins: “For this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (26:28)
If we believe Jesus died for our sins, we can use this holiday season to be reconciled to God. We will see ourselves and others as God sees us. All people have the same spiritual need for reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Receive God’s forgiveness today. Doing so can make this Christmas the best one ever.
The third observation highlights the different titles given to Jesus. The title ‘Christ’ means ‘Anointed One.’ It is the Greek word for the Hebrew word ‘Messiah.’ The title Christ referred to the promised royal descendant of David. The Magi arrived in Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (2:2) Herod then asked the religious leaders where the Messiah would be born. They quoted the prophet Micah’s prophecy: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for from you will come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” (2:6) Kings were considered their people’s shepherds caring for, protecting, and guiding them. Jesus saw the people of his day as ones without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). He called people to himself because he is the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14).
Are you wandering in life like a lost sheep who doesn’t know who or where their shepherd and flock are? The Good Shepherd looks for you today. Welcome him into your heart this holiday season. Make time today to read Matthew chapters one and two. Then read the Gospel a chapter a day for the next twenty-six days to make your holiday the best it can be.