The Mentoring Manifesto, Vol. 45: Reflecting on the Miracle
A footnote accompanies the beginning of the Christmas story in Matthew 1:21. It explains that Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua. I only noticed it a few years ago when it was referenced in a sermon. Back then, names carried more meaning and context than they do today. At that time, when you heard the name Joshua, you immediately thought of the message Moses gave to Joshua, “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6-9).
No one needed the message of strength and courage more than Joseph. In a dream, an angel told him not to be afraid and take Mary as his wife. Both required strength and courage. And then the angel told him to give the baby he had nothing to do with a name…Jesus. Jesus = Joshua = be strong and courageous.
Jews in Jesus’ day expected a bold entrance for the Messiah, yet He arrived humbly as a helpless baby…a strong and courageous entrance. J.I. Packer reflects on this in Knowing God…
“God became man; the divine Son became a Jew; the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. And there was no illusion or deception in this: the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.”
Over the next few days, join me in slowing down to reflect on the miracle of Jesus’ birth…the strong and courageous entrance made by a baby boy. Bring Him the gift of your heart…all of it. The resources below may help you as you reflect.
TIME TO REFLECT
BIBLEPROJECT ADVENT READING PLAN
BECOME GOOD SOIL WITH MORGAN SNYDER: JOSEPH
A LITURGY FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Every Moment Holy is a collection of liturgies for the ordinary events of daily life. This prayer was written for the start of the Christmas season, but its truth and insight is just are applicable now. Read it with your family, send it to your mentees, or just let it shape your heart.
Breathe New Life Into Your Discipleship
Small group mentoring can help you engage your people, build your core group of leaders, and transform your church. Our free resources equip you with all the tools you need to launch a sustainable mentoring program.