Daily Lectionary | Genesis 50 & Matthew 8:1-17

Genesis 50

Summary

Joseph carries out his commitment to his father. He calls for the body to be embalmed and makes a request from Pharaoh to return to bury his father in Canaan. 

The Egyptians join in on the mourning for 70 days and Pharaoh sends Joseph off to bury his father. The Canaanites see the mourning and think Jacob and company are all Egyptians. 

When they return to Egypt, Joseph’s brothers are still worried Joseph might seek revenge. The pass a message to Joseph: “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, ‘Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’” Joseph weeps again upon hearing this. And his brothers fall before him (Gen. 50:18). Joseph tells them again not to fear: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” 

Here we have another reconciliation of brothers scene. Fraternal conflict goes back to Cain and Abel at the beginning of the book, but here at the end, brothers dwell in unity and reconciliation. Will it last?

Joseph approaches his death and reiterates the promise given to Abraham: “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’” He’s the successor patriarch to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Reflection

1. How is Joseph a type of Christ?

2. How does Jospeh understand God’s providence through suffering?

Matthew 8:1-17

Summary

Jesus has just finished his sermon to the great astonishment of the crowds. As soon as he comes of the mountain, Jesus heals a leper by stretching out his hand to touch him. What’s remarkable about this is that Jesus touches one who is unclean, not but speaking words but by touching him. Touching one unclean would make one unclean, but Jesus reverses things: cleanliness flows from him. You don’t have to do to the Temple to be cleansed, because Jesus is replacing the temple. Leprosy would’ve kept one from worship, but Jesus restores the leper not just physically, but he restores him to the community of worship. 

Jesus has taught as one of great authority. And a Gentile centurion recognizes that Jesus is like him, only much more powerful: he can issue a command and things will happen. The centurion says, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus makes a point about the centurion’s remarkable faith.If only Israel had such faith in Jesus’ authority. On the heels of this healing, Jesus says folks from all over will come join the table with Abraham, but the sons of Israel will be cast out. Jesus responds to the faith of this Gentile, and his servant is healed. 

The triad of miracles ends with Jesus entering Peter’s mother-in-law’s home in Capernaum. She’s sick wit fever, but Jesus once again uses his power of touch. He touches her and she is healed. She rose to serve. The word for rose is root word for resurrection: all miracles are previews of resurrection. Jesus’ restoring work is meant so we can serve him, like Peter’s mother-in-law. 

Reflection 

Jesus has just taught about the kingdom in chapters 5-7. How does this triad of miracles fill out our understanding of Jesus’ kingdom?