Matthew 1 - Joseph's character

I love the example of Joseph's character in this chapter. Already betrothed to Mary (a binding legal contract), he was deeply troubled by her pregnancy. His determination on his own was to respond compassionately, and save her as much grief as possible by privately annulling the contract. He must have felt incredibly relieved when the angel visited and he was immediately obedient - he married her that very night. I don't know what opposition he might have met for this decision the next day if he had delayed, but I love that he wasn't willing to risk disobedience by procrastinating. I don't know what ridicule or criticism he endured because of her pregnancy, but he didn't let the fear of that slow him down. I also admire his incredible respect, patience and self-control, because he "knew her not" until after her delivery.  Here was a man whom God could trust to safeguard Mary and Christ, to respond immediately to divine guidance, and not to let his own self-interests interfere.

Introduction to the Gospels

How we treat the Gospels creates a pattern for how we treat each other in small groups. Sometimes groups are restrictive and only things that everyone agrees on are approved by the group. If each group member were a line, then the approved portion would be the ball at the intersection of all of those lines. But the way that we read the Gospels suggests a better pattern: use the group approval to emphasize the unique way that God works with different members of the group. making the approved portion more like a star. How to reconcile differences/contradictions? I'm not sure, but I think standing back and appreciating the good in both approaches is a good place to start.

Matthew Chapter One-Genealogy of Jesus

The author traced Jesus’ bloodline to show him as the son of David, the son of Abraham. Jesus’ lineage includes those who’ve sinned exemplifying God’s grace and Jesus’ humanity.