Wilmot First Presbyterian Church

Scripture: Matthew 1, 2

Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew was written by a Jew, for a Jewish audience.  It is also the only one of the four Gospels which includes the story of the Magi visiting.  This is curious since Magi were not jews.  Matthew is also very interested in showing where Jesus came from and how he is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.  It was apparently important for Matthew to “authenticate” Jesus by trying him to David and tracing him directly back to Abraham.  In it’s proper and polite manner the gospel seems to me somehow British in the sense of formality and etiquette.  It’s also nicely balanced.  Matthew has a sense of symmetry or God does (or both).  There are 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile, and (you guessed it) 14 generations from the exile to Jesus.

When I go to a conference or there is a keynote speaker, that speaker is usually introduced with some kind of pedigree. Where they came from, or who they know, what they’ve done, and which universities they attended… It makes the job of the listener a little easier because it lends authority and background/context to the information being presented.  Matthew wants to prepare us for the Christ and he spends two of his 28 chapters doing so.  Ironically, if Jesus had been closer to the expectations of the Jews for a Messiah, all this introduction wouldn’t be needed.  Matthew begins by inviting us in to view the credentials and the arrival but concludes his gospel by sending us out to carry Christ into the world. 

1000 years ago a great teacher of the church (Bernard of Clairvaux) taught there are actually three advents Matthew and the Biblical authors prepare us for:  The first arrival (history), Christ’s eventual return (majesty) and perhaps more immediately important, Christ’s presence in our lives (mystery).  The first and last advents seem a long way off, but the middle way, the presence/advent of Christ within his followers, is closer than your breath.  We prepare for Christ’s final advent by believing and studying the first arrival, and accepting the mystery of Christ present within us calling us to work as if we could bring about the third advent.  You don’t have to be a Magi to recognize who Jesus is, you just have to be available and willing.

PRAYER: Heavenly Creator, You alone are the true mystery and beyond any measure of our mind.  Forgive our expectations and false preparations.  Help us know you came, believe you will come again, and trust that you are willing and able to live more abundantly in each of us.  Thank you for fulfilling Your truth and our needs rather than our false hopes.  In Jesus’ name. AMEN

ACTIVITY:  Consider how someone would introduce you as a speaker.  What credentials of behavior or expressions support your contention to be a Christian?  Do you have expectations for Christ’s return, and do you think it will catch you by surprise?