60IN60 Day 3 - Wed Jan 6

It's Day 3 and we're in Matthew 3.

If it's hard to understand what you're reading in the Bible, make sure you have a translation that's a good fit for you. Reading the King James (a great historic translation) can be particularly difficult because of the antiquated language. Among the good options available today: New International Version (good all-around translation), English Standard Version (good all-around translation), New American Standard (a more literal translation, closer to the original manuscripts), and New Living Translation (a translation that focuses on readability and understandability).

Where God Spoke To Me:
- Verse 12 - The fire is an image to dwell on for a while.

Help:
- Verse 11 - "with the Holy Spirit and fire" - It's not completely clear what the fire represents.  It could be a reference to the Day of Pentecost; it could refer to judgment; it could refer to a burning passion within us.

If you want to read the chapter online, here's a link.

If you have a question or comment, email me at butcher@ymail.com.

Your Comments and Questions:

- "Matthew 1 documents the long list of Jesus' ancestors, ending with Joseph, not Mary.  She is the one that is in the biological lineage of the Savior.  Joseph (no disrespect intended) is basically the step-father.  Could Joseph be the one mentioned because:

a) women in bible times were not really recognized before Jesus

b) Joseph was obedient to the angel's message and was rewarded for that

c)  because they were married (became as one) that Joseph was as much a part of the lineage as Mary

d) Joseph was grafted into Jesus' family, similar to the way Gentiles are included in salvation

Or I could just be reading too much in to it !  lol"

Good question and good points made.  Since the genealogies of Matthew and Luke have some differences, it is generally agreed that one is for Joseph and one for Mary.  I think the points you bring out on possible reasons are all worthwhile.  For me, I think the reason is maybe just God going the extra mile: "The Messiah is prophesied to be a descendent of David.  Mary is exactly that.  But so is Joseph too, even though he has no biological relation to Jesus - just in case anyone would have any objection at any point on that."