Matt. 2:20 - 4:1

A cool passage today because I discovered a new feature in QuickVerse, Adam Clarke's and Matthew Henry's Commentaries. Very useful tools. It came in handy today as I was reading the portion of 2:23 that says that the prophetic words were fulfilled that "He shall be called a Nazarene.".

I couldn't find any Old Testament reference to this scripture and other research I did confirmed that this was the case. I found several possible explanations for this and the one I like best is found in Matthew Henry's and he says this:

As a name of reproach and contempt. To be called a Nazarene, was to be called a despicable man, a man from whom no good was to be expected, and to whom no respect was to be paid. The devil first fastened this name upon Christ, to render him mean, and prejudice people against him, and it stuck as a nickname to him and his followers. Now this was not particularly foretold by any one prophet, but, in general, it was spoken by the prophets, that he should be despised and rejected of men (Isa. 53:2, 3), a Worm, and no man (Ps. 22:6, 7), that he should be an Alien to his brethren Ps. 69:7, 8. Let no name of reproach for religion’s sake seem hard to us, when our Master was himself called a Nazarene.

How awesome is that. Even if this is not what Matthew was going for the concept holds true. The creator of the universe came to earth and allowed himself to be debased by his creation. Imagine creating a parrot and teaching it to speak and all it ever does is call you a moron. Actually, that sounds like my kids some days. Anyway, the point is, if Jesus was willing to subject himself to that treatment so that he could die for us, how much more should we be willing to subject ourselves to mistreatment to live for Him.

This idea surfaces again in this reading in 3:13-15 when John recognizes Jesus and doesn't want to baptize Him, but Jesus insists that He must continue to go through human experiences. I think this is what God was so proud of in verse 17, the fact that Jesus willingly subjected Himself to these acts, in this case allowing His holiness to be submerged in that river and submitting to John's ministry.

The last thing I will end with today is a passage from the Message that I include mostly because I love the way it is written. From chapter 3:

7 When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? 8 It’s your life that must change, not your skin! 9 And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. 10 What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire."

Am I green and blossoming? I don't think so. We all need to get there I suppose.