Today's reading: Matthew 2
I love the reaction of the Magi when they see the promised star: "they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy" (v. 10). You can feel the joy bursting the seams of simple language. This is the kind of joy that I long for, the joy that Jesus has come to give (John 15:11).
What's your Word?
Today we start Part 2 of the Dwell Richly Initiative with the Gospel of Matthew. If you've made it this far, congratulations! And if you're just joining us on this journey, welcome! Our goal is to "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16), and we're doing that by savoring the four Gospels, one chapter at a time.
By way of reminder, you can also join the conversation by leaving your thoughts from the day's chapter on our church website or Facebook page (links below). A new wrinkle: each Sunday in Bible study I'll be highlighting some of your comments!
As we get going with Matthew, you may appreciate this introductory video from the excellent Bible Project:
Today's reading: Matthew 1
I'm struck straightaway by the word genealogy (v. 1). Mark began his Gospel by saying that it was "the beginning of the good news." It seems kind of anticlimactic for Matthew to start with...a list of names? But seeing Jesus' lineage ultimately points me back to His Father—and mine. Now, by faith, I'm part of this genealogy, too!
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Mark 16
Of course, risen is the good-news-word here, but the one I can't help noticing is afraid: "They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid" (v. 8). I think, How could it be? You've just heard the best news ever! But then I think: How often that's me! Scared to share the good news of the living Lord. Jesus, make us bold to bear witness to You!
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Mark 15
So, so much in this chapter—how can I chose just one Word of Christ? But undoubtedly, the one that is most arresting is "forsaken": "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (v. 34). Oh, how I shudder to hear it. Dearest Lord Jesus, you were forsaken that I be not forsaken. Thank you for going to that darkest place so that I needn't fear it!
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Mark 14
A Word of Christ that grabs me in this chapter is "watch." As Jesus prays in Gethsemane, He bids the disciples to "watch and pray." I do plenty of "watching" these days, as we all do—but what are we watching? I can't help but wonder, in what ways does all our contemporary watching help or hinder our watching for Jesus and His coming kingdom? I must sit with this one.
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Mark 13
One Word of Christ that I can't help noticing today is the phrase "his elect" (vv. 20, 22 27). This is a comforting word. It calls to mind Ephesians 1:4, which says that God chose me in Christ before the foundation of the world! Amid all the tribulations I need not fear, because my future is kept safe in Christ.
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Mark 12
The Word today that not only grabs my attention but breaks my heart is this: "beloved son" (v. 6). Jesus knows where this story is headed. Like Isaac climbing Mt. Moriah with Abraham, He sees the fire and the wood...but where is the Lamb? God's beloved Son is destined for the altar.
What's your Word?