MONDAY

Matthew 1:1-17

When was the last time you were caught by surprise? There is nothing like that moment when we are caught a little off-balance and we say something like, “Wow! I didn’t see that coming!” I wonder if that’s how some of the people who first read the opening to Matthew’s gospel felt? A genealogy! Not that a genealogy was what surprised them. After all, this was one of the ways that you could show the lineage of important people; showing the line they had descended from gave them added credibility. Unlike Ancestry.com though, genealogies in those days were less concerned with completeness (tracing each individual in the line) and focused more instead on the most important ones. And what makes this one so surprising is the people Matthew decided to include! In the section starting with Abraham to David, we find Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. Aside from being women (who we would not expect to be included in lists like this), these were also people who had, at least from a traditional Jewish perspective, somewhat complicated stories. In the section that begins with David, though not mentioned by name, Bathsheba is clearly identified in the lineage. And all of his concludes with Joseph and the somewhat socially awkward situation that surrounded the birth of Jesus. At least part of what Matthew seems to be suggesting here is that God might surprise us when it comes to who is called and included to be an important part in the story that is unfolding.

God seems to be fine with working in the lives of people whom we would not have expected. Even “outsiders” are often invited and included! As you take a few moments to reflect on this, consider the following:

• What are some of the ways that you have been surprised by how God has worked in the lives of people?

• What are some of the ways that people get tagged as “outsiders” and as a result are seen, or sometimes even treated as, somehow less welcome or included in some way?

• In what ways do the life and teachings of Jesus remind us about the significance of people who might otherwise not seem significant? How does the parable about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:32-46 give us insights into what God feels is important and who God regards as significant?

• As you reflect on this passage and its significance for how we think about people, what stands out to you?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your heart as you reflect on today’s passage.