Joseph Was and Wasn't Jesus's Father
Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus; as Luke has already told us, Mary miraculously conceived. So, why does Luke give us Joseph's genealogy? Because he was born into Joseph's family, and raised as Joseph's son.
Today’s Scripture:
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Stone Children
John the Baptist really lets the Jews who have come out to be baptized by him in the River Jordan have it:
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Luke 3:7-9
Apparently, there were Jews who thought that just because they were descended from Abraham (i.e., ethnically Jewish), then they could live however they want: their status as the covenant people wouldn't be in question.
John's point is that it's not enough to self-righteously claim your spiritual status: you have to actually live like it by "producing fruit" that comes from repentance (v.8).
Not that this is a relevant message for us, right?
Today’s Scripture:
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