"2 Corinthians 12-13, Matthew 1-3"
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In 1971, the popular series of educational shorts Schoolhouse Rock! debuted their pilot episode of the series, called "Three Is a Magic Number." The past, the present, and the future — faith, and hope, and charity — the song highlights just how significant this little number can be! And in this week's readings — as we close out Second Corinthians and start the gospel of Matthew — we'll find the number three in every chapter!
Three Pleas to the Lord
On Monday (2 Cor. 12), Paul shares his struggles with a "thorn in the flesh" — some affliction he begged the Lord to remove three times! But to keep him humble, the Lord refused his request, leaving Paul to boast in his weakness rather than feel ashamed (2 Cor. 12:7-10). He's deeply worried that the Corinthians are chasing after "super-apostles" rather than listening to him, and the more he loves them, the less they seem to reciprocate (2 Cor. 12:15).
- How can you apply Christ's promise that his grace is sufficient, and his power is perfected in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9)?
Third Visit to Corinth
On Tuesday (2 Cor. 13), he closes the letter with a conversation about his third trip to see them. He warns them how he'll address those in sin (2 Cor. 13:2) and that he's coming with the power of God in Christ (2 Cor. 13:3-4). But he doesn't want his visit with them to be harsh — so instead, he prays for their restoration and peace (2 Cor. 13:10-11).
- How can you examine yourself "to see whether you are in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5)?
Our Third Gospel
We began our Into the Book reading plan with Luke's rich and detailed gospel, looking at Jesus' humanity. Then in the second quarter, we flew through Mark's gospel, exploring Jesus' power. Now in the third quarter, we're back to consider Christ's kingship as recorded by Matthew.
On Wednesday (Matt. 1) we'll encounter every reading plan's "arch-nemesis" — the genealogy! But as you read this long list of names, notice the three sets of fourteen generations — Abraham to David (Matt. 1:2-6), David to Babylon (Matt. 1:6-11), and Babylon to Christ (Matt. 1:12-16). And the chapter closes out with an abbreviated account of Jesus' birth, leaving us with the angel's words ringing in our ears, "... you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21).
- More than a simple family tree, what does this genealogy tell you about the Old Testament's story?
On Thursday (Matt. 2), we'll find some who seek to worship Jesus and others who want him dead. In his search for this newborn "king of the Jews," King Herod sends some wise men to Bethlehem, where they offer Jesus three gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But things quickly turn dark as Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt before Herod slaughters all the baby boys in the region (Matt. 2:16-18).
- How do the events in Christ's life echo important moments in Israel's story, and what should we learn from these parallels?
And finally, on Friday (Matt. 3), we're back with John the Baptist as he powerfully preaches repentance in the wilderness of Judea, preparing the way for Jesus. And Jesus comes to John to be baptized, though Jesus has to do some convincing first before John would agree. Notice the three-persons of the godhead here at his baptism — the Spirit descending, God the Father speaking (Matt. 3:16-17).
- How do John’s and Jesus' message about God's kingdom (Matt. 3:2; 4:17) apply to you (cf. Acts 3:18-21; Col. 1:9-14)?
