Matthew 1:1-17
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read the Introduction to Matthew’s Gospel and consider what it is you hope to gain over the next weeks as we journey through this Gospel. Share your thoughts or desires with Jesus.
Now read about God’s calling and promise to Abraham (Abram) in Genesis 12:1-3 noting anything that stands out to you in particular.
Finally, scan Matthew 1:1-17 noting the inclusion of the five mothers.
It is striking that Matthew includes five women in the genealogy of the Jewish Messiah. In first century Israel, women occupied a low rung on the societal ladder and were largely marginalized by men - especially the religious elite. Matthew knew what it meant to be looked down on by society, and by his inclusion of the women in this all-important account of Jesus’ lineage, we can assume he understood that Jesus came to elevate the lowly and restore dignity and purpose to all people.
Stop to think about your own position in your society. Are you part of a marginalized group? Were you born into a group that has more privilege than other groups? Share your honest thoughts or feelings about this with Jesus, and then get quiet and listen to him.
It is also striking that two of the five women mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy are not Israelites. Both Rahab and Ruth were outsiders and foreigners who believed in the God of Israel and became part of the Nation of Israel.
Matthew wants us to understand that God’s promise to Abraham was not meant solely for the people of Israel. God’s chosen people were called to be a blessing to “all the families of the earth,” and Matthew wants us to realize that through Jesus, the perfect Israelite, Isael’s purpose would be fulfilled.
As followers of Jesus, we are his ambassadors and representatives on earth. We carry within us the presence of Jesus, and we are his agents of blessing.
For the last few minutes of this time of meditation, get quiet and consider how you are seeking to take the blessing of Jesus to those around you.
Talk to Jesus about what you hope to get out of your journey through Matthew, and then listen to see if Jesus has anything to say to you. If you sense him inviting you to pay attention to something in particular, write it down.
As you end this time, consider asking Jesus to open you up to whatever it is he has for you in Matthew’s Gospel.
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