Matthew: Jesus Fulfills
Pastor Joanie The journey has begun. Admittedly a few days late, but I have made it through the first three chapters of Matthew. This year certainly hasn’t started off as I had hoped, but that’s why I have you all on the journey with me…holding me accountable.
During the first three chapters, Matthew spends a lot of time building Jesus’ credibility. Matthew almost seems like
a lawyer setting up all the reasons we should believe him. He spends the first 17 verses of his Gospel detailing Jesus’ lineage so we will be reminded of what an important role his ancestors have played in the work of God.
Then, throughout the next 3 chapters, as Matthew describes the birth narrative and the world that Jesus was born into, he refers to the fulfillment of prophecies 7 times. Matthew wants to prove truth in this unbelievable narrative. By pleading the words of the prophets, Matthew’s story is supported and likely more believable. And if Jesus is the one that fulfills those prophesies, then Matthew is also making Jesus seem more believable.
I had not thought about why Matthew spent so much time setting up the story of Jesus and referring to the proclamations of the prophets. Matthew wants his readers to believe his story. He wants to provide as much truth as he can. He refers to scriptures that are already familiar to the communities he is writing to so they can relate to his story better. For the first time, I can say the Matthew loves Jesus and really wants his readers to love Jesus, too.
If You Missed Sunday’s Sermon…
Read or listen to Baptism: Turning Towards Ministry – Mark 1:4-11
God’s Words for This Week
1 Samuel 3:1-20 – Then the Lord came and stood there, calling just as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel said, “Speak. Your servant is listening.” (CEB, v.10)
Psalm 139:1-6,13-18 -O Lord, you have searched me and known me. … Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. (NRSV, v.1 & 6)
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. (NIV, v.12a)
John 1:43-51 – Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (NRSV, v.46)
This Week at Hood
Wednesday, January 10, 6:45 pm – Choir Practice
Wednesday, January 10, 6:00 pm – Young-ish Adult Small Group
Thursday, January 11, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at The Cellar for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation (108 N Wilson St)
Sunday, January 14, 9:15 am – Men’s Group Breakfast at Cracker Barrell
Sunday, January 14, 11:00 am – Worship
Sunday, January 14, 12:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Elder & Deacon Training
Sunday, January 14, 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Church Board Meeting