Matthew 1 is a birth story. But unlike most birth stories, this one focuses on the father of the baby. As a Jewish man, Matthew wants to connect Jesus to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God's promises of a Messiah to come through those founding fathers. Mary simply isn't as important. But Mary's insignificance in this story will help us consider our calling: "God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong."

Teacher is Joy LaPrade.