The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus as a new and better version of everyone who came before Him. Where Adam sinned in the Garden, Jesus obeys. Where Israel broke the covenant, Jesus is faithful. Where the religious leaders abused God’s people, Jesus is gentle and lowly. This is the book of new beginnings — a New Genesis for God’s people.

How do you respond when God seems silent? The book of Esther traces the Lord’s hand of providence as He works through circumstances, governments, and even wicked plans to accomplish His sovereign purposes. In this we see that while God’s name is never mentioned, His people are never abandoned, forgotten, or far from His Fatherly care, even in exile.