Son of sorrows. Son of the Father’s right hand.

I suppose it’s because Christmas is near, but the word “Bethlehem” in verse 19 caught my eye today.

While Jacob’s family was on their way there, Rachel gave birth to Jacob’s youngest son, but in doing so, she died.

As she was dying, she named her son “Ben-oni,” which means “son of my sorrows.”

Jacob would rename him “Benjamin,” which means “son of my right hand.”

Nearly 2000 years later, another baby would be born, this one in Bethlehem itself.

In a sense, he was “Ben-oni.” When he died on the cross, a sword pierced his mother’s soul. (Luke 2:34-35).

More than that, he himself was a man of sorrows, knowing pain, suffering, and rejection. (Isaiah 53:3)

But on the cross, he willingly submitted himself to death, bearing our sin, and interceding for us who had rebelled against God. (Isaiah 53:12)

And then the Father raised him from the dead, seating him at his right hand, “far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given.” (Ephesians 1:20-21)

Son of sorrows.

Son of the Father’s right hand.

That’s Jesus.

And that’s what Christmas is all about.

Joy to the world!
The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!

Isaac Watts