Jesus the Nazarene? (Matt 2:23)
This post is also a part of my reflections in ‘The hidden centre of Christmas’ (read it here), but I reproduce it as a separate post, so it is easier to find. Matt 2:23 There are three major interpretations regarding…
The hidden centre of Christmas (Matt 2:19–23)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Matt 2:19-23 As Christmas approaches, Santa parades, images of Father Christmas, of reindeers and snow abound (rather incongruous in New Zealand…
Hope in tragedy (Jer 31:15; Matt 2:16-18)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Jer 31:15; Matt 2:16-18 Christmas is meant to be a season of joy, but instead of the most wonderful time of…
Prophecy as prediction?
As we read about Matthew’s use of Messianic prophecies this Advent, we may wonder about prophecy and what it’s meant to do. Today’s post reflects on this topic. Most Christians are taught in our churches to think of prophecy as…
God’s true Son (Matt 2:13-15; Hos 11:1)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Matt 2:13-15; Hos 11:1 One Christmas on returning home after a semester of theological study, I felt particularly vulnerable. I can’t…
A God of surprises (Mic 5:2 and Matt 2:1-6)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Mic 5:2; Matt 2:1-6 During my time at Bible college (seminary for US readers), a classmate was planning a summer placement…
Reading Messianic prophecies
As we read the early portions of the Gospels about Jesus’s birth and the prophecies which were supposedly ‘fulfilled’ by the events, we may be puzzled about the connections the gospel writers make. Sometimes, a closer look at the OT…
God with us – part II (Matt 1:18-25 and Isa 7)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Matt 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:1-25 In my last post, I explored the story of Ahaz and the choice he had between entrusting…
God with us – part I (Isa 7:1-16; Matt 1:22-23)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Isa 7:1-16; Matt 1:22-23 As Christmas approaches, we often find ourselves torn between wanting to prepare for the season spiritually but…
Jephthah’s vow II – What if…? (Judg 11:34-40)
It is sometimes assumed that if only Jephthah had known certain laws, he could have redeemed his vow, but the regulations commentators mention (e.g. Lev 27:1-8 or Lev 5:4-5) are not straightforward (see my discussion here). Vows are solemn promises…