UA-NT-10 Essay on Matthew 1-3

Jesus comes into the world through the heart of the Jewish people. The 42 generations listed in Matthew 1 contain the names of the famous and the infamous. Through these men and the five women, when you include Mary, God brings the one who is Immanuel, the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy and of all human hope. God challenges Joseph to be a man of grace toward Mary as God is the God of grace toward all of us.

Out of the shadow of shame in chapter one comes the adoration of King Jesus in chapter two. Herod hates the baby and seeks to kill him. Joseph and Mary take Jesus over the hill and off to Egypt as Herod’s blades flash; there is weeping in Ramah. When Herod dies, Joseph and Mary bring him out of Egypt to Nazareth where he grows to be a man.

As Jesus comes near the time of his ministry, his advance man takes his place. John the Baptist comes preaching in the Desert of Judea. His message is unadorned. It is a bare call for repentance in view of the coming of the kingdom of heaven — the ruling authority of God. He looks the part of the prophet. He is separate from society. The people have to come out of their normal settings to the desert to hear God’s confronting message: Repent! The kingdom is coming. The one is coming who baptizes with water and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus comes out as a Jewish man seeking to be numbered among those who loved God and sought his rule. Even though John seeks baptism from Jesus, it is for goodness sake that John baptizes Jesus. When Jesus is baptized, the Trinity celebrates the end of the period of preparation. The loved Son hears the voice of the Father and feels the brush of the wings of the Spirit. Immanuel is ready.