-Matthew 2:1-2
Just the other day, I learned that the wise men were Gentiles. Not Jews. So, I had to remind myself what the distinction between the two groups was exactly...
Jews are direct descendants from Israel (Jacob, Joseph technicolor dream coat’s dad). They were considered God’s chosen people. They regarded all foreigners as inferior and referred to anyone who was not a Jew as a Gentile. Promises made by God to the Jews did not apply to Gentiles.
Then Jesus was born. This promise of salvation, that came in the form of a little baby, was for both Jews and Gentiles. So everyone. The visit made by the wise men to the nativity is ever more important because it shows that from the very beginning, Jesus was their Lord and Savior too.
This is proven further when Paul later says,
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)
By sending His son to die for Jew and Gentile alike, God made a new covenant with all people. Remember that as you enjoy the potential of the new year. God became flesh, died, and defeated death, for everyone. For all of time.
Prayer: All loving God, Thank you for your saving grace and for being the Savior of the whole world. You are worthy of all our praise! Amen.
Just the other day, I learned that the wise men were Gentiles. Not Jews. So, I had to remind myself what the distinction between the two groups was exactly...
Jews are direct descendants from Israel (Jacob, Joseph technicolor dream coat’s dad). They were considered God’s chosen people. They regarded all foreigners as inferior and referred to anyone who was not a Jew as a Gentile. Promises made by God to the Jews did not apply to Gentiles.
Then Jesus was born. This promise of salvation, that came in the form of a little baby, was for both Jews and Gentiles. So everyone. The visit made by the wise men to the nativity is ever more important because it shows that from the very beginning, Jesus was their Lord and Savior too.
This is proven further when Paul later says,
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)
By sending His son to die for Jew and Gentile alike, God made a new covenant with all people. Remember that as you enjoy the potential of the new year. God became flesh, died, and defeated death, for everyone. For all of time.
Prayer: All loving God, Thank you for your saving grace and for being the Savior of the whole world. You are worthy of all our praise! Amen.
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