Tag: Matthew 1:18-21
The King from Heaven
Scripture reading for January 1: Matthew 1
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21
Joseph, son of Jacob, was a godly carpenter of the tribe of Judah living in Israel under Roman occupation. He knew God’s Laws and sought to live by them. His world view was shaped by his parents, his past history as a Jew, and by God’s Word. Joseph likely would have memorized the first five books of the Old Testament before he became a man at thirteen. He was a carpenter by trade and lived an ordinary life. He was betrothed to Mary, another of David’s line, when his world was shaken by the revelation that Mary was pregnant! Wanting to offer grace, he decided to divorce her quietly. But God broke into his world view through an angel appearing in a dream declaring to him, “Do not fear.” The angel explained that this child, to be named ‘Jesus’, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would save His people from their sins.
How was Joseph’s world view challenged by God? What were some of the objections that he was being asked to overcome by faith? Would Joseph have been able to understand all the implications of the angel’s statements?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I contemplate these questions and this amazing story of Joseph and Mary and Your plan to save Your people from their sins, expand my world view as You did for Joseph and Mary. Help me overcome my natural tendencies and fears and to walk by faith in Your Amazing Word. Amen.
The Story of God’s Love!
Scripture reading for January 1st: Matthew 1, Psalm 1, Proverbs 1 (Reading through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs one chapter a day, five days each week in 2019–please join me in the trek!)
Key Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-21 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””
The New Testament begins with a story that has its roots in the flow of the Old Testament. A genealogy from Abraham to Joseph begins the story. Joseph’s betrothal to Mary makes the story personal and about love. But Mary, a virgin, was pregnant before the marriage was consummated! Joseph had a plan, but angelic intervention brought needed information: the baby Mary carried was conceived by the Holy Spirit! The Name, “Jesus” was to be given to the child. He would save His people from sin! This story is made personal and current if you have believed in Him and received His love!
Faith’s Confession: I believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and was God’s Son in human flesh, and is my Savior from my sins.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”