Read Matthew 1

Highlights:

Generations of Jesus Christ; His birth; flight into Egypt and return to Nazareth; ministry of John the Baptist; baptism of Jesus; temptation by Satan; first disciples called.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 1:18).

Prophecy records a covenant requirement — the Messiah would belong to the royal house of David. Both Mary, through the blood lineage (Luke 3:23-38), and Joseph, through the legal lineage (Matt.1:1-16), were descendants of David. The miracle of the virgin mother was mentioned in the first promise as the Seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15) meaning without the man, but is of the Holy Ghost (Matt: 1:20). Isaiah prophesied: Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). The prophet is speaking of one virgin in the history of mankind, who would have a miraculous conception, a supernatural birth. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Is.9:6). The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

While Mary was espoused to Joseph (Matt.1:18) which was “their engagement” she explained to him the revelation that she was with child by a miraculous act of God. Joseph found this hard to accept and was considering a divorce (1:19). He then received a revelation from the angel of the Lord . . . in a dream, saying . . . fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for . . . she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins (1:20-21).

Our Lord was born by a miraculous conception, in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3) but without sin, so that our human nature might be redeemed from sin and created anew in the image of God.

Christianity starts with a miracle birth and a like miracle takes place in the life of all who received Him . . . which were born, not of the blood, nor of the will of the flesh . . . but of God (John 1:12-13). Christ in you, the Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27).

Thought for Today:

Which is more important to you — personal desires or doing God's will?

Cross References:

For Matt. 1:23: See Is. 7:14. Matt. 2:6: See Mic. 5:2. Matt. 2:15: See Hos. 11:1. Matt. 2:18: See Jer. 31:15. Matt. 3:3: See Is. 40:3.

Word Studies:

1:18 espoused, engaged; came together, had physical relations, she was a virgin; 2:16 mocked of, deceived by; coasts, surrounding regions; 3:8 fruits meet for repentance, a life that confirms your change of heart; 3:15 Suffer, Allow; fulfil all righteousness, do all that God requires.

Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal what is not pleasing to Him (Ps. 139:23-24).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:17