Merciful Justice

 April 1, 2023

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” —Matthew 1:18-19 

Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus has an intriguing phrase: “Joseph…being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” What intrigues me is the juxtaposition of justice and kindness, something we don’t see everyday. We usually think of justice as adherence to the letter of the law, but here it is demonstrated by mercy. 

Joseph’s tender kindness towards Mary is a precursor to Jesus’ life story. The narrative continues:

“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

—Matthew 1:20-21 

 

Merciful justice has salvation as its goal. Exactly how this will be accomplished, Matthew doesn’t yet tell us, but he makes it clear that what we need is salvation, not reformation or education; and this salvation we will soon learn comes only through Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins. Mercy and judgment kissed at the cross as Jesus paid a terrible price for our salvation. 

Holy Week begins tomorrow. Matthew doesn’t give us the details here, but from the very beginning, the cross (and the resurrection) is in view.