Listen Here: “The Mirth of Christ: Humanity“
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 – Judah and Tamar’s place in the family of Jesus shows us an interesting juxtaposition between the powerful and the powerless: Judah: the hypocritical leader lied about his sin, exploited his daughter-in-law to satisfy his passions, tried to murder Tamar. In Jesus’ new family, both the religious hypocrite and the exploited mistress find their place in God’s grace. Rahab was given safe harbor in Israel and grafted into the Jewish nation (Heb. 11:31). James, the brother of Jesus, says that her actions were evidence of her newfound faith (James 2:25). Her life is evidence that Jesus is always bringing in outsiders, those seen by religious institutions as too damaged by exploitation and sin.
Mary had strong faith in order to face the prospect of being an unwed mother. Mary was a prayerful person. Mary did not object to the message of the angel, but replied, “Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said.” Be like Mary!