Daily Lectionary | Genesis 47 & Matthew 6:1-18
Genesis 47
Summary
Jacob’s brothers do as he instructed them in telling Pharaoh that they are shepherds and require land for their flocks. Pharaoh gives them the fertile land of Goshen and even commands that their “able men” should take care of Pharaoh’s flocks.
Jacob, the recipient of the Lord’s blessing to Abraham, now blesses Pharaoh. The nations that bless the descendants of Abraham will be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3).
Joseph is a shrewd administrator, selling grain to those who need it. Once the famished populations spends their money on grain, Jacob requires their livestock. Then the people offer their land and their service in exchange for food.
Pharaoh becomes immensely rich during this famine. Joseph requires a 20% tax on the produce of the land the people now rent from Pharoah.
Israel, in contrast to Egypt, prospers in Goshen, gaining possessions and multiplying.
Jacob, nearing death, makes Joseph swear that he will bury him in his burying place.
Reflection
Describe the difference between the plight of the Egyptians and the family of Jacob in this chapter.
Matthew 6:1-18
Summary
In this next section of Jesus’ sermon he addresses the proper motivation for practicing righteousness. A righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees is not a righteousness performed for men in public, but a righteousness performed for God “in secret.”
Once again, Jesus is not saying “don’t practice righteousness, only be concerned about your heart.” Rather, he’s showing us the true way to practice righteousness He assumes that his followers will practice alms giving, will pray, and will fast, by introducing each of these areas with, “And when you…”
Jesus is addressing motives, but he doesn’t say, “Don’t have bad motives.” How can you change your motives? As in the previous section, Jesus directs us to certain practices. We’re to give alms, pray, and fast but we do so “in secret” before the Father. The practice done the right way over time will change our motivation. The heart and our motivations are not changed by some sort of internal straining or appeal to our own will-power; the motivation and heart follow actions. How we practice righteousness is as important as that we practice righteousness.
The Pharisees make a big deal about themselves in their righteousness. Jesus says don’t make a big deal about yourself in your practice of righteousness; practice your righteousness before the Father and you will have a reward in heaven (Matt. 6:1).
Reflection Questions
Some may think Jesus gives a blanket condemnation of things like public or formal prayer. How do these verses show that is not the case?
How can you practice your righteousness in praying, almsgiving, and fasting “in secret”?