I must admit that I miss writing in my personal blog space. However, I will try to do better in the future. Today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, marks the beginning of Lent. My goal this year is to read and write reflections on the Gospels. Hopefully, I can maintain a faith practice of sharing thoughts regarding the sacred text.
The central concern of the text lives in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. “Joseph called him Jesus” (Matt. 1:25b CEB). The author clarifies that Joseph publicly acknowledged him as his son by naming the child. Though we know that Joseph was his adopted father, according to ancient Hebrew tradition, the father naming a child affirms the legitimacy of the family connection. Since Joseph’s familial line carries the great King David, Jesus can genuinely claim he is from the House of David.
To be affirmed in the ancient culture, Joseph had to name Jesus to fulfill scripture (see Isaiah 9:6-7). His Davidic ties placed Jesus into the very heart of Jewish culture. As a Hebrew, he could rightfully claim his place as the Messiah. The identity of the Son proved crucial to telling the Gospel narrative.
From a Pastor's Point of View 