Jeremy R. Geerdes Posts

This reflection on Matthew 3 examines John the Baptist’s call for repentance, emphasizing a transformative change of mind leading to altered behavior. It highlights John’s simple lifestyle, contrasting with religious leaders’ hypocrisy, and underscores the significance of Jesus’ baptism, symbolizing the coming of the Holy Spirit and foreshadowing Pentecost.

This reflection on Matthew 2 explores the journey of the Magi, highlighting their likely origins as astrologers from Persia or Babylon. It contrasts their earnest search for the Messiah with the indifference of Jerusalem’s religious leaders. The narrative also delves into King Herod’s paranoia, the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt, and the tragic massacre in Bethlehem.

The discussion explores the decline in church membership relative to attendance, raising concerns about the potential centralization of power among clergy. It emphasizes the need to balance inclusivity with commitment and examines how membership should function as a meaningful step in discipleship rather than merely an institutional requirement.

Matthew 1 emphasizes Jesus’ lineage, tracing His genealogy from Abraham through David to Joseph. This lineage includes notable women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—highlighting God’s inclusive plan. The chapter underscores Jesus’ rightful place in Jewish history and prophecy, establishing His messianic credentials and divine purpose.

The book of Genesis the book is traditionally attributed to Moses, though it likely compiles earlier oral traditions and underwent later editorial updates. Written during Israel’s desert wanderings, it serves to preserve their heritage. Genesis encompasses various genres—history, genealogy, poetry—and addresses themes like creation, sin, and redemption.

In Genesis 50, Joseph mourns his father Jacob’s death, embalms him, and leads a grand procession to Canaan for burial. After returning to Egypt, Joseph’s brothers fear retribution, but he reassures and forgives them, emphasizing God’s sovereignty in turning past wrongs into present good. Joseph lives to 110, witnessing multiple generations, and before dying, he requests his bones be carried to the Promised Land.

In Genesis 49, Jacob gathers his sons to deliver prophetic blessings, reflecting their future tribes’ destinies. He rebukes Reuben for instability, condemns Simeon and Levi’s violence, and elevates Judah as a leader from whom rulers will descend. Jacob then instructs his burial in Canaan before passing away.

In Genesis 48, Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, granting them inheritance rights alongside his own sons. Despite Joseph positioning Manasseh for the primary blessing, Jacob intentionally bestows it upon Ephraim, the younger, indicating his future prominence. This act elevates Joseph’s lineage within Israel.

In Genesis 47, Joseph presents his family to Pharaoh, securing them residence in Goshen. Jacob blesses Pharaoh and settles his family. During the severe famine, Joseph implements policies leading Egyptians to exchange their money, livestock, and land for food, centralizing power under Pharaoh. Jacob requests burial in Canaan.

In Genesis 46, Jacob relocates his family to Egypt, stopping in Beersheba to offer sacrifices. God reassures him of this move. The passage details Jacob’s descendants, totaling seventy, and describes the emotional reunion between Jacob and Joseph. They settle in Goshen, suitable for their livestock.