Daily Office | Genesis 43 & Matthew 3
Genesis 43
Summary
The sons have still not returned to Egypt. We’re told they could’ve made the trip there and back again twice! This time, Judah pleads with his father to let him take Benjamin with him. Jacob yields and sends them back with “double the money” to return what had been put in their saddles.
When Joseph sees Benjamin, he calls for a feast with his brothers pleasant. The brothers don’t trust this and think they may be in trouble for the money that was put in their sacks. They explain to their brother about the money and Joseph responds: “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you.” He then returns to Simeon. Now all the brothers are gathered in the context of a feast.
Again, Joseph will weep because of his compassion for his brother Simeon.
The full reconciliation hasn’t occurred yet. Joseph eats apart from them, but extra portions are taken from Joseph’s table for Benjamin. The chapter ends on a festive note: “And they drank and were merry with him.”
Reflection Questions
The narrator makes a big deal about the money that was placed in the sacks in this and the previous chapter. What’s the significance of the sons of Jacob leaving Egypt with plunder they didn’t deserve?
Matthew 3
Summary
The Magi worship the king in Matthew 2, now in chapter 3, John the Baptist announces the arrival of the kingdom: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
John the Baptist, in his appearance and vocation, is connected to the great prophet Elijah. Elijah’s ministry prepares for and gives way to Elisha, who has a “double portion” of the Spirit. The Baptist’s ministry will be the same in preparing for Jesus.
John is preaching against presumption by the Jews that just because they are ethnically Jews then they are true children of Abraham and heirs of God’s covenant promises. John says that such thinking leads to being cut down, like a tree felled by an ax. The true family of Abraham doesn’t depend on physical descent. This is part of the kingdom message: Abraham’s family is more expansive than previously thought. What’s important is bearing the fruit.
John says that his water baptism will give way to “one coming after” him’s baptismal by fire and the Holy Spirit.
And Jesus himself will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in Matt. 3:13.
Reflection Questions
In context, what did Israel need to repent of exactly? How might this inform how we think about repentance and the kingdom of God?
Why was Jesus baptized?