Tag: christ

New Book Announcement! From Doubt to Disciples 

I am very excited to announce the publication of my second book! From Doubt to Disciples: Unlocking the Great Commission is now available on Kindle e-book and paperback from Amazon. 

A photograph of the book cover for From Doubt to Disciples: Unlocking the Great Commission by Andy Brown 

I began writing this little book a number of years ago, based on a series I had written on the blog about the Great commission. While the manuscript was mostly complete, it sat untouched for awhile… I like to think it was maturing! I was very pleased to complete the final edit and get it published this week!

With huge thanks to Andy B of the Berry Bunch and Pure 24/7 Radio, who kindly wrote the foreward for this book.

The book takes a deep dive into the words of the Great Commission which Jesus left us. the commission goes far beyond simply telling others about Jesus, although that is clearly a part of it.

To find out more, I guess you’ll have to read it…

From Doubt to Disciples on Amazon

Here is the blurb from the back cover:

Jesus’ final instructions weren’t just a suggestion – they were a commission. This book delves deep into the Great Commission as revealed in Matthew and Mark, culminating in the vital understanding from Acts: don’t go it alone. Explore the call to make disciples, baptise, and teach, and grasp the essential role of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling this monumental task. Discover how to move forward prayerfully and powerfully, playing your part in God’s enduring mission to the ends of the earth.

If you read and enjoy it, please do recommend to a friend or leave a review.

Finally, a massive thank you to everybody who follows this blog-sporadic as it is-and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ for all that he has done for us. 

Resurrection Sunday 

He is risen! Hallelujah!

This is just a brief post to wish you a very happy Easter, and praying God‘s blessings on you this resurrection Sunday.

I hope you get the opportunity to unite together with other believers or family to celebrate the risen Lord. Jesus‘s death and subsequent resurrection is the only true source of hope, and may you rejoice in that hope today in whatever you are doing.

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

John 20:1-2, NLT

In the confusion, they do not know what has happened and assume Jesus‘s body has been stolen. Yet later that same morning, Jesus-alive and well-appears to them. Death could not hold him! And if we place our trust in him, it cannot hold us either.

May the joy of this resurrection fill your heart.

And not to detract from the celebrations of this day, but I’m excited to be able to share some important news with you next week… All being well. Stay tuned for the blog for an upcoming announcement…

Have a blessed day! He is risen! 

From Secret Faith to Bold Devotion: John 19:38–42

Following Jesus’ crucifixion, John 19:38–42 describes the burial of His body, a moment of devotion amidst fear and uncertainty. This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two figures who step forward to honour Jesus in death. This study explores the significance of Jesus’ burial, Jewish customs, the garden tomb’s possible locations, and the disciples’ limbo, encouraging Christians to proclaim their faith boldly. The burial of Jesus reveals both human fear and profound devotion, pointing to the hope of resurrection.

An AI generated image of the garden tomb in black-and-white set against grey sky. The entrance to the tomb is partially open, with a large stone across the right hand side of it. 

Here’s the passage in full : John 19:38–42 (ESV)

“After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”

Secret Disciples: Joseph and Nicodemus

Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, is described as a “secret disciple” of Jesus, concealing his faith due to fear of the Jews. His position in Jewish society made public allegiance to Jesus risky, potentially threatening his status and safety. Yet, in a bold act, Joseph approaches Pilate to request Jesus’ body, an action that could have exposed him to scrutiny. Similarly, Nicodemus, who previously visited Jesus at night (John 3:1–2), likely out of fear, joins Joseph in this act of devotion. He brings approximately seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes, an extravagant amount of spices, signaling his commitment. Their actions challenge modern Christians to examine their own faith. Many face pressure to hide their beliefs in hostile or secular environments. Rather than concealing faith, believers are called to proclaim it sensitively but unashamedly, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others.” How can we move from secrecy to courageous witness in our daily lives?

Jewish Burial Customs in the Passage

In the first century, Jewish burial practices were rooted in respect for the deceased and adherence to purity laws. Deuteronomy 21:23 required prompt burial to avoid defilement, especially before the Sabbath. The body was typically washed, wrapped in linen cloths, and anointed with spices like myrrh and aloes to honor the deceased and mask the odour of decay. In John 19:38–42, Joseph and Nicodemus meticulously follow these customs. They wrap Jesus’ body in linen with the spices Nicodemus provides, a quantity far exceeding typical burials, reflecting deep reverence. Their care fulfills Isaiah 53:9, which prophesies the Messiah’s burial with the rich. This deliberate act underscores Jesus’ dignity, even in death.

The Garden Tomb: Location and Significance

John 19:41 describes the burial site as a new tomb in a garden, unused by anyone else. Joseph’s offering of his own tomb represents a personal sacrifice. Theologically, the tomb is a temporary resting place, foreshadowing the resurrection. Two possible locations in Jerusalem are associated with this site. The Garden Tomb, located north of the Damascus Gate, is favored by some Protestants for its serene, garden-like setting and rock-hewn tomb, fitting John’s description. Alternatively, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, supported by early Christian tradition and archaeological evidence of first-century tombs, is widely accepted by Catholic and Orthodox traditions. If you would like my opinion, I favour the Garden Tomb location over the Holy Sepulchre .But I am no biblical archaeologist! 

Regardless of the exact site, the garden tomb invites believers to trust God’s redemptive plan, even in moments of apparent defeat.

The Disciples’ Limbo and Our Hope

For the disciples, Jesus’ death was a devastating blow. They believed Him to be the Messiah, yet witnessed His execution, leaving them in fear and confusion. Unaware of the resurrection to come, they faced a limbo of shattered hopes. Their vulnerability reflects the human struggle with uncertainty. In contrast, modern believers have the benefit of hindsight, knowing that Resurrection Sunday follows Good Friday. This perspective transforms despair into hope, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20, describing Christ as “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” The disciples’ experience encourages Christians to hold fast to faith during trials, trusting that God’s plan unfolds according to his will. 

So what do we do? 

Joseph and Nicodemus, once secretive, acted with courage to honour Jesus in His burial. Their example challenges us to proclaim our faith boldly, even in difficult circumstances. We are called to trust in the resurrection hope, knowing that God’s victory overcomes life’s darkest moments.

The darkness of Friday has been and gone, and we find ourselves in the limbo of its aftermath. Fear not though, Sunday is coming…

The Cross and the Crown: Reflecting on John 19:17–24 This Good Friday

As Christians gather on this Good Friday, we pause to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the pivotal moment of our faith. John 19:17–24 captures the raw reality of the crucifixion, where Jesus is declared “King of the Jews” and His clothes are divided by soldiers. This passage reveals Jesus as the sovereign King of all, fulfilling ancient prophecies and completing His mission as the Savior of humanity. On this sacred day, we are called to marvel at His love and respond with heartfelt worship.

A wooden sign is planted in the ground, surrounded by small pebbles and dirt. The sign has the text “KING of JEWS” prominently displayed in large, bold letters. Below this, there is a line of text in a different script that reads ” πλοκίης αἰς οἱ ςρεοοης” which are random Greek letters for illustration . The background is a plain, slightly textured surface with a gradient of light and shadow.

Jesus: King of the Jews and King of All

John 19:17–19 recounts Jesus’ journey to the cross: “Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull… There they nailed him to the cross… Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews’” (NLT). The title “King of the Jews,” though meant as mockery by Pilate, proclaimed a profound truth. Despite opposition, Pilate refused to change the inscription (John 19:22), unwittingly affirming Jesus’ identity.

Jesus’ kingship transcends earthly boundaries. He is not only the King of the Jews but the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16, NLT). On the cross, His reign was established through sacrifice, challenging the powers of this world and offering hope to all who believe. Good Friday reminds us that Jesus’ kingship demands our allegiance. As Christians, we are called to live under His loving authority, trusting His sovereign plan even in the face of suffering.

The Soldiers and the Fulfillment of Prophecy

The scene at the cross continues in John 19:23–24: “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless… So they said, ‘Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.’ This fulfilled the Scripture that says, ‘They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing’” (NLT). This moment directly fulfills Psalm 22:18, written centuries earlier, proving Jesus as the promised Messiah.

This single fulfilled prophecy points to a greater truth: Jesus’ entire life and death align with God’s redemptive plan. From His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) to His suffering (Isaiah 53), Jesus fulfilled every Messianic prophecy, culminating in His sacrificial death. Good Friday marks the climax of His mission to save humanity, as He bore the weight of our sins on the cross. Even the soldiers’ callous actions, dividing His clothes, served God’s purpose, demonstrating His sovereignty over every detail. As we reflect on this, we stand in awe of Jesus’ obedience and God’s faithfulness.

Good Friday: The Weight and Wonder of the Cross

Good Friday is a day of somber reflection and profound gratitude.

Jesus’ death was the ultimate act of love, as He “gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:6, NLT). John 19:17–24 anchors us in the reality of the cross—Jesus endured unimaginable pain to atone for our sins, fulfilling the Law and the prophets. His kingship, declared in the inscription, and His fulfillment of prophecy, seen in the soldiers’ actions, assure us of His victory over sin and death.

On this day, we are invited to pause and contemplate the cost of our salvation. The cross reveals both the depth of human sin and the boundless love of God. As we consider Jesus’ sacrifice, we find hope in His reign as King, knowing that His death was not the end but the beginning of eternal life for all who believe. Good Friday calls us to lift our eyes to the cross, where our Savior triumphed.

A Call to Worship

In response to Jesus’ kingship and sacrifice, our hearts turn to worship. Good Friday is a time to gather in worship services, pray, or meditate on Scripture, giving thanks for all Jesus has done. Reflect on His love, which led Him to the cross, and commit to living under His reign daily. Let this day inspire a life of worship, where every action honors Jesus as King and Savior. As Psalm 95:6 urges, “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker” (NLT).

Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper

On Maundy Thursday, we pause during Holy Week to reflect on the Last Supper, a sacred moment when Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples, instituted Holy Communion, and revealed Judas’ betrayal. This day, named from the Latin mandatum meaning “commandment,” centers on Jesus’ call to love one another (John 13:34). As we explore the events leading to this meal, the exposure of Judas’ intentions, and the origin of Communion, we deepen our understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and our calling as His followers. Grounded in Scripture, this reflection reminds us of the love and service at the heart of our faith.

A close-up of a loaf of bread and a silver chalice depicting holy communion 

The Road to the Last Supper

Holy Week unfolds with events that prepare us for the Last Supper. On Palm Sunday, we recall Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, greeted by crowds waving palm branches (Matthew 21:1-11). In the days following, He cleanses the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) and teaches parables, confronting religious leaders (Mark 11:27-12:44). These actions intensify opposition, as the chief priests and scribes plot to kill Him (Mark 14:1-2). Amid this tension, Jesus prepares for the Passover, the Jewish feast commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 12:1-14).

Jesus instructs His disciples to arrange the meal in an upper room in Jerusalem (Luke 22:7-13). This setting, intimate and solemn, underscores the weight of the moment. Jesus knows His hour is near (John 13:1), and we should sense the gravity as He gathers with those He loves. The Passover meal becomes the backdrop for a new act of redemption, one that we commemorate to this day.

The Last Supper and Judas’ Betrayal

During the Last Supper, Jesus reveals a painful truth: one of His disciples will betray Him. John 13:21-30 captures this moment vividly:

“After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.’ … When he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’ … As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.” (John 13:21, 26-27, 30, NIV)

Matthew’s account adds further clarity:

“And while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ … Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?’ Jesus answered, ‘You have said so.’” (Matthew 26:21, 25, NIV)

Jesus’ identification of Judas fulfills Old Testament prophecy, such as Psalm 41:9, which speaks of a trusted friend lifting his heel against another. By sharing bread with Judas, a gesture of fellowship, Jesus underscores the depth of the betrayal.

Judas does not leave of his own accord, but is called out in front of them all. It shows that the timing of these events were God ordained, and not planned by sinful humanity. Jesus was in full control. 

The Institution of Holy Communion

At the same meal, Jesus establishes Holy Communion, transforming the Passover elements into symbols of His sacrifice. Luke 22:19-20 records His words:

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” (Luke 22:19-20, NIV)

Paul later affirms this practice, writing in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25:

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”

Here, Jesus reinterprets the bread and wine. The bread represents His body, broken for our salvation; the wine signifies His blood, sealing the new covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This act institutes Communion as a sacred rite, one we should observe to remember Christ’s sacrifice, experience His presence, and unite as His body. From the early church (Acts 2:42) to today, Communion remains central to our worship, a tangible reminder of God’s grace.

Moreover, the Last Supper foreshadows the cross. The bread and wine point to Good Friday, when Jesus’ body is broken and His blood is shed. As we participate in Communion, we proclaim His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). Maundy Thursday thus bridges the joy of Palm Sunday and the sorrow of Good Friday, preparing us for the glory of Easter.

A Time for Reflection

As we observe Maundy Thursday, we are called to reflect on Christ’s love, the cost of our redemption, and the pain of betrayal. The Last Supper invites us to the table, where we encounter Jesus’ sacrifice and receive His grace through Communion. We ought to examine our hearts, asking how we can love and serve as He did. Whether through attending a Maundy Thursday service or quietly meditating on these Scriptures, let us draw near to Jesus, who gave everything for us.

This day reminds us that even in the face of betrayal, Jesus chose love. May we, too, choose love, honoring Him in our worship and our lives.

Hope Beyond Judgement (Micah 4:1-8)

Introduction

Ever relied on a GPS, only to end up completely lost? My father-in-law did—he entered the wrong address in his sat nav and ended up driving around a residential estate looking for a major Metropolitan Hospital! I don’t know what he thought was going to happen – that he’d round the corner and suddenly find this huge hospital right there among the houses! Well, in Micah chapter 4, we round a metaphorical corner from chapters 1, 2, and 3. The stark warnings of sin and judgement vanish, and we find ourselves faced with this passage of hope.

I hesitated to tackle this Old Testament text—it’s challenging, and we often avoid these scriptures, instead favouring a New Testament epistle or a historical narrative or Psalm. In the book of Acts however, the apostles masterfully preached Christ using only the Old Testament, as it was the only Bible they had. This is a skill I fear we’ve largely forgotten.

Let’s explore Micah’s context, unpack this vision of hope, examine its interpretations, and consider what it means for us—sinners redeemed by grace. Here’s the passage:

Micah 4:1–8 (NIV):
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. ‘In that day,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will gather the lame; I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief. I will make the lame my remnant, those driven away a strong nation. The Lord will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever. As for you, watchtower of the flock, stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem.’”

The Dark Before the Dawn: Micah 1–3 and Historical Context

Picture Judah 2,700 years ago, dwarfed by the menacing Assyrian Empire, ready to strike. Micah, a prophet from rural Moresheth, spoke into this tension. His real alarm, though, was sin. Chapter 1 blasts the people for chasing idols over God—“Their rebellion is their ruin” (Micah 1:5–7). Sin estranges us too—dishonesty, selfishness, neglect. Chapter 2 exposes the wealthy exploiting the poor (2:1–2), while false prophets dismiss guilt (2:11). Chapter 3 condemns corrupt leaders, priests, and prophets, predicting Zion’s ruin (3:12). Sin pervades everything—we’re no exception, deserving judgment. Yet God pivots in chapter 4, offering hope through a Savior.

A Vision of Hope: Summary of Micah 4:1–8

Micah 4:1–8 bursts with promise. Verse 1 begins with “the last days”. To Micah, this is a time in the future and the debate about the “last days” goes on – are we in the last “last days” now? The temple’s mountain rises supreme—an idiom for God’s kingdom or sovereign rule—drawing a parallel to Daniel 2, and the Stone not cut with human hands, which grows to become a great mountain – God’s kingdom and rule.

In verse 2, Gentiles seek God’s ways, and His law flows out from Jerusalem. In verse 3, God resolves conflicts, and the famous picture of turning swords into plowshares is used—this passage a mirror of Isaiah 2:4 and scholars debate which came first. Each person rests “under their own vine and fig tree,” (v4) symbols of peace, secure and unafraid. Verse 5 tells us God’s people stay faithful despite others’ idols. Verses 6–7 depict God gathering the broken—lame, exiles—forming a strong nation under His eternal reign. The section closes with Jerusalem’s dominion returning, a watchtower looking over a flock. This hope, unearned by sinners, comes through a Messiah.

Interpreting the Promise: Major Viewpoints

What does this all mean? Let’s explore the major interpretations.

Jewish View
Jews see this as the Messianic Age—a future when a Davidic king restores Jerusalem’s glory (v. 7). Nations embrace God’s law (v. 2), war ceases (v. 3), and exiled Israel returns (vv. 6–8)—God’s peace through His rule, still awaited.

Christian View 1: Fulfilled in Christ
Some Christians argue Jesus fulfilled this. His cross conquered sin (Romans 3:23–24), making the church the exalted mountain (Acts 15:14–17). Peace begins now (Ephesians 2:14), welcoming the broken (Luke 4:18), with His kingdom launched at the resurrection (v. 8).

Christian View 2: Now and Not Yet
Others see a two-part story. The cross starts it—forgiveness today (1 John 1:8–9)—but Christ’s return completes it, ending war (Revelation 21:4). The church grows (v. 2), His reign maturing from hearts to all (v. 8).

Christian View 3: Millennial Kingdom
A third view expects Jesus to reign 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–6). Jerusalem rises (v. 1), nations come (v. 2), peace reigns (v. 3), and the broken are restored (vv. 6–7) under His throne (v. 8).

Jews await a Messiah; Christians see Jesus—past, present, or future. Every Christian lens points to Him, our hope against sin through His cross or return.

Living the Vision Today: Practical Application

How do we respond? First, admit our sin. Like Judah—idolatry, greed, lust or whatever—we falter (Romans 3:10). Yet Christ’s cross redeems us (John 3:16). Only our God can transform the wickedness of sin (Micah 1-3) into the saving hope of Christ’s kingdom (Micah 4). We respond by trusting Him. We can’t save ourselves—it’s His gift (Ephesians 2:8–9). Rest in that cross—Jesus paid it all.

This is no mere nod to God – and it should turn our lives upside down. Many people say they believe in God or call themselves Christian, but are their lives surrendered fully to Jesus? The devil believes in God too right?

Conclusion

I have deliberately not pointed to one particular interpretation here, claiming it to be true. I will leave you to study that out for yourselves. However you interpret this prophecy though, I hope we can all agree it points to our hope in Christ. Let’s live like people who believe He will return one day, and perhaps soon.

Come Lord Jesus, come!

The star, the journey and the Word 

As ever, it was a real privilege to share the message at my church this morning. Please see below a recording which I hope you enjoy. God bless you this Christmas time 

Glorify the Lord – Andy Brown

Bringing glory to God is, in essence, why we are here on this Earth. I suppose there are many ways in which we can glorify the Lord. In fact, I would be keen to hear your thoughts on that, so do comment below. What does it mean to you to “glorify the Lord?” How do…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2022/09/27/glorify-the-lord/

When a rich man met Jesus..Encounters with Jesus

It was a great honour to be asked to contribute to this wonderful series of encounters with Jesus on the blog Eaglesight. I encourage you to check out and subscribe to Nicola’s wonderful writing!

Today’s encounter is written by Andy Brown who blogs at http://andy-brown.org. Please check out Andy’s blog which I have found a great encouragement …

When a rich man met Jesus..Encounters with Jesus

Encounters with Jesus.. RB()

I am very much looking forward to this series by Nicola and friends. Do follow her blog if you do not already, and it is a great personal privilege for me to be able to contribute a guest post which I will share here when it is published. Have a blessed day!

I am excited to share some upcoming posts in this season of Lent about encounters people had with Jesus and how those encounters impacted them. The …

Encounters with Jesus..

Joseph’s Courage (Matthew 1:18-25)

Today we continue with our study of Matthew, and conclude chapter one. Previous posts in this series were – Son of David, Son of Abraham, and also The Cast List.

Let’s read the final verses of chapter one:

A Bible open to the page of Matthew chapter 1

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)

This is part of the Christmas story which we think about each year. Matthew gives us a fairly brief account of how Jesus was born, although goes into further detail in the next chapter.

We learn that Joseph is pledged to be married to a young girl named Mary. “Pledged to be married” in this context means betrothed, and perhaps what we might think of as “engaged.” However, in the culture of the day, our understanding of “engaged” does not go nearly far enough. Couples today can break an engagement by simply deciding to do so. In the culture Matthew is describing, you would need a divorce to break such a betrothal. It was a commitment, and could not be broken.

Before the couple are formally married, and so before they consummate their marriage, Mary is found to be pregnant. This is no small scandal. Either Mary has been unfaithful to Joseph, or else Mary and Joseph have jumped the gun as it were. Neither of these scenarios are true of course, but no one in their community would understand that.

Joseph, of course, knows he has not slept with Mary, and so finding her pregnant leads to only one conclusion. Verse 19 tells us that he is faithful to the law, and therefore he must act. In such cases of adultery, he would not be wrong to insist on the justice of law and condemn Mary to death by stoning. Yet, he does not do this. Instead, he has in mind to divorce her quietly.

Why would he make such a choice? The law allows for him to condemn her, yet he chooses instead to dismiss her as quietly as possible so as to not expose her to public shame. He must care about her, and although must do what is right and just, he does not wish to seek revenge or punishment. An unmarried pregnant girl and then mother in that culture would be punishment enough.

Things do not work out as planned…

Verse 20 tells us that an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, and tells him that Mary will have a son. This Son will not be any old child, but the Messiah and conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel instructs him to take her home, and to name the child Jesus when He is born.

Verse 24 tells us that when he awoke, Joseph did exactly what the Lord had commanded him. He took Mary home as his wife. We must not underestimate this. How many of us can claim that we have done precisely what God told us? Not many, I’d wager. This obedience is costly too, as it means (in the world’s eyes at least) admitting he and Mary were unfaithful before they were married. You and I know this to be untrue, yet his community would not have. This took tremendous courage for him.

There are a couple of points in this passage worth noting. Firstly, verses 22 and 23 quote the prophet about a virgin conceiving and having a child. It is often Matthew’s habit to quote the prophets and point to Jesus as fulfilling them. There is some debate about the word for “virgin” here, and some say that the original text of the Old Testament uses a word for “maiden” rather than specifically “virgin.” This is typically to argue that the Virgin Birth was not credible.

However, there are two things to point out about this. First off, a maiden aka a girl having a child is not a sign. Women have children all the time all over the world, and it was no different two thousand years ago. It’s hardly a sign! A virgin, however, having a child is something else entirely!

Secondly, the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament used a very clear term for “virgin.” I think there is little room for doubt here. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin – amazing at it sounds – and so we choose whether to believe it or dismiss the text as untrue. i choose the former.

Another thing to note from this passage is found in verse 25. It says clearly that Joseph did not consummate his marriage with Mary “until after” Jesus had been born. There will be people who tell you Mary remained a virgin for her entire life, yet the biblical text disputes this. The verse says “until” implying she was a virgin for a time, and then not after. Likewise, we know from other texts that Jesus had siblings (half-siblings at least) again showing us that Mary had other children in a more traditional way.

Finally, Joseph names Jesus as he was told to. To give a name is to be someone in authority. I name my children because I am the parent. Joseph here does name Jesus, but only as instructed. This indicates that the authority over Jesus was not in Joseph, but in another… namely the Father.

Matthew chapter one communicates the heritage of Christ. It shows us that He was the descendent of both David and Abraham, and that He entered the world in an extraordinary fashion. Matthew has established that this Jesus was no ordinary man, nor just another Rabbi or teacher. Matthew claims Him to be the long-awaited Messiah.

We often reflect on Mary’s holiness and the miracle of the Virgin Birth. We think of other well known Christmas things, such as Shepherds or Magi or the angelic host. We rarely think of Joseph’s courage. Becoming a father is tough enough in any circumstances, yet for him, he was taking on responsibility for God’s Son. And, as discussed above, he would not have the support of his community to do so. Joseph was something of a hero in my eyes.

Are you willing to obey the Lord, no matter the cost to you or your reputation? I wish I could say a definite yes, but I also know my weaknesses and limitations. I thank God for His patience with me, and for the Son He gave us to fulfil all aspects of the Law on our behalf. Thank God that Jesus came and completed His sacrificial work that you and I might not be trapped forever in our sin.

I pray I may have even half of Joseph’s courage to follow the Lord’s direction whatever it may be.

The Cast List (Matthew 1:2-17)

In my last post – Son of David, Son of Abraham, we began to look at the Gospel according to Matthew. We only covered one verse last time, and so I hope to cover a little more ground this time. In that post, I also encouraged you to take a glance at the list of names found in today’s passage. You will see it reads like a “cast list” and something you might find at the start or end of a movie. The text scrolls and we skim over it, wanting to rush ahead to the action. If we do that though, we miss out on some hidden treasures.

I won’t share all the verses from this passage here, but refer to specific ones as we go. A list of names like this is called a “genealogy” and you can find many examples throughout the Bible. They are important for a variety of reasons. In the Jewish culture of the time, your family heritage was incredibly important, and none more so than if you were claiming to be the long-awaited Messiah!

Like me, when you read these names you might recognise a few of them – particularly at the top. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for instance, are well known to us as key figures from the Old Testament. Similarly, King David, and his son, King Solomon stand out too. Each name however, represents the life of a person, and while we may gloss over them, God does not. He knows each person deeply.

The first thing to note is that Matthew’s genealogy is a list of the ancestors of Jesus through Joseph – his adopted father. The Bible is very careful to never call Joseph Jesus’ father, as Jesus’ true Father is God Himself.

16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

Matthew 1:16 (NIV)

We see this here in verse 16, where Joseph is described as the husband of Mary, and Mary the mother of Christ. Later on in Matthew 2, when the family flees to Egypt, likewise we will see the angel telling Joseph to take the Child and His mother Mary and not “your” Child (Matthew 2:13).

This is not because Joseph is unimportant – far from it! In fact, he legally adopts Christ in essence and that means that Jesus is a descendent of David in the legal sense.

Luke’s Gospel also presents a genealogy, and yet it is different. Firstly, it is arranged in reverse order and is an ascending genealogy. Secondly, there are a number of different names and it traces a different path up through the family lines. Does that matter? Absolutely it does! Luke’s genealogy is in fact traced through Mary, and is the bloodline of Christ. Matthew’s is the legal line of Christ.

and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

Matthew 1:11 (NIV)

When I asked you to look over the list of names, I wonder if this one stood out to you? Jeconiah. This particular king in David’s line is important, and holds the secret to why there should be a Virgin Birth.

Jeremiah 22 says:

This is what the Lord says:
“Record this man as if childless,
a man who will not prosper in his lifetime,
for none of his offspring will prosper,
none will sit on the throne of David
or rule anymore in Judah.”

Jeremiah 22:30 (NIV)

So awful is this king of Judah, that God curses his bloodline and says that none of his descendants shall ever sit on David’s throne! Did God not just shoot Himself in the foot? If He curses the kingly line, how can the Messiah ever be brought forth? The answer – a virgin shall conceive.

Had Joseph’s blood contributed to Jesus’ lineage, then God’s curse on the bloodline would have applied to Him. What the comparison to Luke’s genealogy shows us is that instead of tracing Mary’s line through David and Solomon, it instead goes via David and another of his son’s – Nathan. This means Jesus carries the blood of the king, and yet avoids the curse. Jesus is both a legal and blood relative of King David, and does so without failing foul of the curse.

Another interesting feature of the genealogy as presented by Matthew is the presence of the following women.

  • Tamar in verse 3
  • Rahab in voice 5
  • Ruth in verse 5
  • Uziah’s Wife – that is, Bathsheba – in verse 6

If you are not too familiar with the Old Testament, then these names might not mean a great deal to you. Tamar’s story is more complex than meets the eye, and having been let down by her father-in-law Judah, she essentially tricks him into sleeping with her and becomes pregnant. Rahab, although served the people of Israel, was a prostitute. Ruth was from a place called Moab, an enemy of Israel. Bathsheba, although likely had little choice in the matter, was an adulteress. All of their stories are complex, and often they were mistreated at the hands of more powerful men. Yet, whichever way you cut it, you find Christ’s heritage is made up of one sinner after another.

The passage concludes with the following:

Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah

Matthew 1:17 (NIV)

We see that Matthew’s genealogy is divided into three sections, each with 14 names. It is not the only 7 or multiple of 7 we see in this passage, and in fact, the number 7 crops up time and time again. This is not to say that there is some secret code hidden in the biblical text, but instead infers that there is some kind of design weaved into the generations. For example, I am told that the number of vowels are a multiple of seven. This, alone, may be coincidental, but there are those who believe there are many such things in this genealogy and while any one of them could be a coincidence on its own, taking them together makes the odds astronomically small that this happened by accident. I’ll leave you to study that out for yourself and decide if there’s anything in it.

For us, the key thing is the text itself, not anything subtly underneath. Matthew’s aim here is to demonstrate the heritage of Christ. These records are evidence of who Jesus is, and that He descends from both Abraham and David – as we discussed last time. For the Jewish people today still awaiting their Messiah, no one could demonstrate their ancestral line to any degree as clearly as this.

So, with that in mind, let us press on and find out what else we can learn about Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel.