Mary in Matthew 1
Every time I read Matthew 1, I am struck by the series of events. What first is most important for Matthew to record is the genealogy of Joseph, who at the beginning of the story, is betrothed to Mary. The English record says he is her husband. And it says there were 14 generations from Abraham to David, and another 14 between David and the Babylonian Captivity. Then another 14 between the Babylonian Captivity and when Jesus arrived. 14 + 14 + 14 = 42. Why does Matthew point this out? But this isn't really was strikes me the most. That's just an introduction. :) Matthew describes the unique situation with Jesus' conception. "When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Every time I have read this in the last few years, I find myself surprised, and have to stop reading. It's as if I can't go any further. You mean to tell me, that Jesus, the son of God, was born in T