#Matthew 1:16

[bojackson54]

Mary Had to Make a Choice; But, Really, Doesn't Everybody?

There’s a new “blockbuster” religious film out on Netflix about the mother of Jesus. I haven’t seen it yet, and I hope it is a wonderful portrayal, but I can guarantee that it departs from the Biblical account of who Mary was. In fact, I bet a lot of you reading this have not considered the question I am going to ask about her today. Mary was called by God to perform a unique mission. On the…

[daily-new-testament]

Matthew 1:16

Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ἰησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός.

and Iakōb begat Iōsēph the husband of Maria, from whom Iēsous was begotten, the man called Christos.

Notes:

For more on ἐγέννησεν ("begat") and the definite article with names, see notes to Matthew 1:2.

~~~

For more on Ἰακὼβ, see note to Matthew 1:15.

~~~

Ἰωσὴφ, transliterated here Iōsēph (Joseph), is the husband of Maria (Mary), stepfather of Iēsous (Jesus). His status is described here as τὸν ἄνδρα, which literally means "the man" but the sense here is "the husband/partner."

~~~

Μαρία, transliterated here Maria (Mary/Virgin Mary), is the mother of Iēsous and wife of Iōsēph. There are two variations of Maria's name in the New Testament: Μαρία (Maria) and Μαριάμ (Mariam). I will note when variations on her name occur going forward.

~~~

ἐγεννήθη: from γεννάω ("beget"), which has only appeared thus far as ἐγέννησεν. A few variations in the phrasing:

The child (Iēsous) is the subject of the verb rather than the father.

The verb is passive rather than active ("was begotten" vs "begat").

However, the role of the mother (Maria) is the same— the child is produced ἐξ ("from") her rather than by her.

~~~

For more on why I have chosen to transliterate Χριστός (Christos) rather than translate it, see note to Matthew 1:1.

[walkswithmyfather]

Chosen by God

John 1:12 (NLT). “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. ”

Galatians 4:7 (NIV). “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

1 John 3:1a (NIV). “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

Matthew 5:9 (ESV). “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Romans 8:16 (NASB). “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Galatians 3:26 (NLT). “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

John 15:16 (NIV). “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

Jeremiah 1:5 (NET). “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose you.Before you were born I set you apart.I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”

[biblequotesdaily]

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.

Matthew 23:5-7

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’

Matthew 7:22

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

Matthew 23:25

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

For my eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from me, nor is their iniquity concealed from my eyes.

Jeremiah 16:17

[aressida]

God is testing our hypocrisy, revealing the truth behind what we say and how we live. As it says in Matthew 15:8, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.' We may hide from others, but not from God. He sees our hearts, like it says in 1 Samuel 16:7, 'People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' We are called to live out our faith, not just speak it. James 1:22 reminds us to be 'doers of the word, not hearers only.' Through these trials, God refines us, testing our hearts like silver in the furnace (Proverbs 17:3).

[disneynerdpumpkin]

~ Scriptures about forgiveness ~

Matthew 6:15 "But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Colossians 3:13 "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Daniel 9:9 "To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him."

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."

Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love."

Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Luke 17:3-4 "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Matthew 6:14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Isaiah 1:8 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

[adventism-atheism-orthodoxy-me]

This Verse Secretly Undermines All of Christianity...

I just saw this and thought I would process it on my own.

This YouTuber doesn't sound like he's explored much beyond mainstream Western Christianity. He makes the bold statement that EVERY Christian sect finds indispensable the idea that Christ died on the Cross "for our sins". Period.

For the longest time I found that challenging too. He goes on to talk about many of the same things I've asked, "Why couldn't God just forgive us outright? Why must he go through a generational pageant to do something the God of the Universe could have done of his own accord in the first place?"

You can say this is a dumb question. I've been told this many times.

Yet I have never been the only one asking this.

Many, if not all Atheists ask this question. Frankly, many "Christian" answers sound a little unhinged.

Now, I don't think that his examples necessarily contradict the prevailing point of view though. All anyone has to do is look at the banking industry to see that credit on future earnings is a valid payment method. Now it's true that modern banking, and especially credit, wasn't developed until the European Jews, unable to make a living any other way, started lending during the medieval period. Jesuits came up with the idea of insurance, which didn't technically fall under the prohibition against usury. And with ongoing innovation, modern financial markets developed.

None of these, of course, would have been understood by the local people of Jesus' time and place.

What was understood was life and death.

And this is where I found my peace.

Sins can easily be forgiven, but sickness and eventual death? That's a whole other nut to crack. Now, to be clear, unfortunately even the most traditional Christian communities have started to obsess about how SIN must be atoned!

But there is a strain in the oldest Christian traditions that it wasn't primarily sin that was destroyed on the cross, but rather death, disease, corruption (of which sin is a derivation to be sure, but not the point).

Now it's easy to look around and say - "Look! it didn't work." I myself have had to say good bye to both my parents over the last several months.

However, there is a resurrection that is promised. And if Christ has done what he said he did, then there WILL be a general resurrection.

The key is to be prepared for that resurrection. Now we could go on about which denomination is best prepared, but I have little faith in denominationalism. I think it's a means to conquer and divide the faithful, pitting follower against follower. Soon the God who's being worshiped isn't the most High God, but the Deceiver who encourages us all to call each other heretics. I do not think most "Christians" are Christian, but rather following their own wisdom (1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:11, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 24:11).

Now I may be a false teacher myself for thinking such a thing and putting it out there, but I have faith that God will know his own. And while he loves the rest, and has given them life, that life will be so much less for the fact that they reject what he's given them.

I find the idea of a river of fire helpful - Moses and the Glory of God (Exodus 33:20-23), speaks to the idea that to human senses, God is Fire. The Story of the Three Holy Youths (Daniel 3) has also been seen as an illustration of man abiding in the presence of fire, as a proxy for God, unharmed. Pentecost is God's fire experienced by the faithful after his resurrection. How will Gods fire be experienced by the unfaithful?

I have no idea, but I doubt that it will be pleasant (Luke 16:19-31).

In short, I feel this video failed to land it's point. There's enough diversity in Christianity to survive this argument, though I do not think that most modern Christians are open to my resolution.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy upon me, a sinner.

[anastpaul]

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – Confessing Christ

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – Acts 12:1-11; Matthew 16:13-19 – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ “Thou art the Christ,the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 “… Now you must be, for a little time,made sorrowful in divers temptations.That the trial of your faith,(much more precious than goldwhich is tried by the fire)may be found unto praise and…

[drshermaines-wisdomnuggets]

"THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE"

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK IN JEREMIAH: God’s call and anointing upon Jeremiah’s life as a prophet began in the womb. God reveals to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 AMPC). This reveals that the…

[bojackson54]

Mary Had a Choice to Make: But Really, Doesn't Everybody?

Mary was called by God to perform a unique mission. On the surface she did the logical thing and seemed to make the obvious choice; So, a great question is, why Doesn’t Everybody Do it? It Seems Obvious, NOW The last woman mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy is the most obvious one: “and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.” (Matthew 1:16, NIV). Mary lived a remarkable life, and…

[oillampslit]

God looks on the heart is often used as a comforting verse and there is much truth to that but let us remember that if we harbor evil in our heart God will judge that.

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Matthew 5:28

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

1 John 3:15

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isaiah 14:13

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7

I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Jeremiah 17:10

Sources:

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Last Will be First, and the First Last…

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. 8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 12 saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. — Matthew 20:1-16 | Authorized King James Version (AKJV) The Holy Bible: Authorized King James Version; Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK. All rights reserved. Cross References: Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 15:9; Deuteronomy 24:15; Jeremiah 18:6; Jonah 4:8; Matthew 9:37; Matthew 13:24; Matthew 22:12; Matthew 26:50; Mark 10:31; Mark 12:15; Mark 14:15; Mark 15:33; Luke 13:30; Luke 20:24; Luke 23:44; John 6:41; Acts 16:19; Acts 17:17; James 1:11

[walkswithmyfather]

1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (NIV). [12] “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. [15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body. [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

Matthew 5:16 (NIV). “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

“How to Serve the Body of Christ” by In Touch Ministries:

“Our kindness to others can start a chain reaction that impacts many for Christ.”

“When we talk about serving the church with talents and gifts, what comes to mind—a choir singer? Sunday school teacher? The truth is, there are many different ways to use our talents.

Church isn’t a “Sunday only” establishment. It’s not simply a place and time; it is a body of believers, each one gifted by God to guide, help, and support the rest. In fact, service to the Lord doesn’t have to take place within church. It can happen out in the world as well (Matthew 5:16).

The majority of believers aren’t in a position to influence large crowds. When we act or speak, it’s usually only those closest to us who notice, but a chain reaction ripples outward to affect others. Paul’s metaphor of body parts working together is a helpful description of how one small action can have widespread impact (1 Cor. 12:15-21). Consider the way your big toe keeps your foot stable, thereby steadying your whole body. In the same way, a gentle rebuke, a listening ear, or a loving deed benefits the church by strengthening someone, who then supports another …

We are on this earth to serve God’s kingdom and His church. And we do that by ministering to each other in small ways that steady the whole body as we give extra support to one member. This week, look for a need that God can meet through you.”

[Photo thanks to Nijwam Swargiary at Unsplash]

[biblequotesdaily]

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 7:15

For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:16

Then Jesus said unto His disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

Matthew 16:24

[jaguar726]

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly

Daily Gospel Reading – Matthew 6: 1-6; 16-18 Matthew 6:1-6 Do Good to Please God6 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men.…

[pastorhogg]

When Good Intentions Go Wrong—and Right Again

Thru the Bible in a Year The reign of King David is often remembered for its passion, poetry, and praise—but also for its missteps. In 1 Chronicles 13–16, we’re invited into a pivotal moment in David’s leadership: his desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. At first glance, it’s a noble act. But the journey of moving the ark teaches us more than logistics—it reminds us of the need…