Reflections on Matthew 2:13–23 The early chapters of Matthew’s Gospel are often read with the warmth of Christmas familiarity. Yet tucked into the infancy narrative is a sobering truth: from the moment the Son of God entered the world, He was opposed. Matthew 2:13–23 reminds us that Christ did not come into a neutral world,…
Lessons from Matthew 2:1–12 Matthew’s account of the wise men is familiar to us; perhaps too familiar. It is easy to let the story sit quietly in the manger scene, safely contained between Christmas hymns and nativity figurines. But J.C. Ryle reminds us that this passage is anything but sentimental. It is searching, humbling, and…
Matthew 1:18-25 gifts the church two plain and glorious truths: the Lord Jesus took our nature upon Himself, and His birth was miraculous. Mary, a virgin, bore the Son of God. J. C. Ryle reminds us that these are depths beyond our finite reason. Don’t try to dissect the ocean with a teaspoon. We ought…
When most people open the New Testament, they expect fireworks: angels, shepherds, wise men, the whole Christmas pageant. Instead, Matthew begins with a genealogy. Sixteen verses of names. To the modern reader, it can feel like starting a race by tripping over a family reunion. But the Holy Spirit wastes no ink, and this opening…