December 6, 2020, Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17, Hebrews 1:1-5, ISSL Reflections, Post 1

I.
The Scripture for these next weeks has as their theme “Call in the New Testament.” We start with the genealogy of Jesus Matthew presents and with the genealogy of Jesus the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews presents.

As you listen to these two passages, be aware of what each might have to say about the “call” on Jesus’ life.

II.
Matthew 1:1-6

An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah,

Matthew 1:16-17

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

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

Hebrews 1:1-5

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have begotten you”?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?

III.
So, Matthew’s genealogy sets Jesus in the history of the Jewish people. A people “called” to be a blessing and a light to the nations (Genesis 12:1-2, Genesis 22:19, Isaiah 42:6).

Seems to be a long history of “calling,” doesn’t it?

What does one’s background, one’s genealogy, have to do with one’s “calling”? We might take some time to notice what groundwork for Jesus’ “calling” was laid in by the people identified in his genealogy.

Then, we might also consider the history behind whatever “calls” exist on our lives.

IV.
The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews also speaks of history. The history of God’s word to the people. Can we also see that as God’s “call” to the people?

And Jesus is named as “my Son.” He is “called” to live out of the sonship. To speak out of that sonship.

What name does God “call” you by?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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December 6, 2020, Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17, Hebrews 1:1-5, ISSL Reflections, Post 1 — 1 Comment

  1. Pingback: February 28,2021, Acts 16:11-15, 40, 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 Post 1 | The Lectio Room

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