Matthew 1

Genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to David verse 1- 6

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ – the son of David

the son of Abraham

Abraham begat Isaac – Jacob – Judas and his brethren

and Judas begat Phares and Zara of THAMAR

and Phares – Esrom – and Aram – Aminadab

Naasson – Salmon – Booz of RACHAB

Obed of RUTH – Jesse – David the king

and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the

WIFE of Urias

Genealogy of Jesus from Solomon to captivity in Babylon verse 7- 11

And Solomon begat Roboam – Abia – Asa – Josaphat – Joram – Ozias

Joatham – Achaz – Ezekias – Manasses – Amon – Josias

Jechonias and his brethren

about the time they were carried away to Babylon

Genealogy of Jesus from captivity to birth verse 12- 16

And after they were brought to Babylon

Jechonias begat Salathiel – Zorobabel – Abiud – Eliakim

Azor – Sadoc – Achim – Eliud – Eleazar – Matthan

Jacob – Joseph the husband of MARY

of whom was born Jesus

who is called Christ

Generations accounted for between Abraham and Christ verse 17

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations

and from David until the carrying away into Babylon

are fourteen generations

and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are

fourteen generations

Virgin Mary is pregnant verse 18- 19

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

Then Joseph her husband – being a just man

and not willing to make her a public example

was minded to put her away privately

Joseph confronted by angel verse 20- 21

BUT while he thought on these things – BEHOLD

the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream

saying

Joseph – you son of David – fear not to take unto you Mary your wife

FOR that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit

AND she shall bring forth a son

and you shall call his name Jesus

FOR he shall save HIS people from their sins

Christ’s birth fulfillment of prophecy verse 22- 23

NOW all this was done – that it might be fulfilled which was

spoken of the LORD by the prophet – saying

BEHOLD – a virgin shall be with child – and shall bring forth a son

and they shall call his name Emmanuel

which being interpreted is GOD WITH US

Joseph obeyed angel verse 24- 25

THEN Joseph being raised from sleep

did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him

and took unto him his wife

and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son

AND CALLED HIS name JESUS

COMMENTARY:

DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers

: 2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. ³ Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. ⁴ Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. ⁵ Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, ⁶ and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. (3774 “Uriah” [Oupias] means husband of Bathsheba, one of David’s mighty men, light of Jehovah.)

DEVOTION: Too often we hear that the LORD doesn’t care about women. Here we have a special mention of the key women in the genealogy of Christ. There are five mentioned in this chapter.

The first is Tamar who had to act like a harlot to have Judah fulfill his promise to her that she could have a son by his youngest son. He wasn’t going to do it and she dressed as a harlot and seduced him. He left payment that could be recognized by anyone. So when he wanted to kill her because she was pregnant she presented his payment. He didn’t recognize her when they had their relationship. She had twins.

Second we have Rahab who was a harlot by profession. She saved the two spies that had come into the Promised Land to spy for Joshua. She was promised safety if she hid the spies. She did and they kept their promise when they defeated Jericho she was spared. The third woman was from the country of Moab. The Moabites were descendants

of Lot. She married a man who came from Bethlehem. The man died and she came to Bethlehem and met Boaz. They married.

The fourth woman was the wife of Uriah whose name was Bathsheba. David had her husband killed because he stayed back from war and saw her bathing from his deck on his palace. So we have an adulteress in the genealogy of Christ. The Bible doesn’t hid the facts regarding the nature of man even the nature of a King like David. All are sinners in need of a Savior and forgiveness.

Finally, Mary is listed. She was unmarried but the Holy Spirit came upon her as prophesied by Isaiah 7: 14.

So we have a woman who posed as a harlot, one who was a harlot, one who was a foreigner and finally a virgin. God included women in the genealogy for a reason. HE wanted us to know that HIS plan is working. HE is using women in HIS plan.

CHALLENGE: Each gender has their responsibility in their service for the LORD. The commands for men are different from women is some cases but together they both serve HIS purposes.

DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers

: 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (5431 “Christ” [masiah] means Messiah, Anointed One, or God’s special choice.)

DEVOTION: Throughout the Old Testament we have predictions regarding the coming Messiah. We have found that through our study of the Old Testament the Messiah is coming two times. The first coming of the Messiah is in the form of a baby. The second coming is in the form of a King.

Now we are concerned with the first coming in this chapter. The problem is that a descendant of David is going to marry another descendant of David but she is going to have a baby before they come together in the marriage act.

Joseph finds out that Mary is pregnant. He has two choices: public separate or private separation. There is an engagement or espousal time period that was thought to be about a year before they could marry. During this time period they are not to have any relationship. The custom was for the father of the bride to collect the sheet on the marriage bed to show that his daughter was a virgin before she married. If this could not be provided the daughter could be stoned by the elders of the city. This was to prevent pre-marital relationship between couples.

Joseph received a special visitor while he was thinking about which way to handle his situation with Mary. He listened to the angel and married her.

We need to open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives even in difficult situations. We need to ready to do things that others would think are wrong. If we are in the presence of Christ HE will guide us in the right path.

CHALLENGE: Facing difficult situations is a necessary part of life. Joseph had a difficult choice, we will to as the LORD directs.

DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers

:17 All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah. (1078 “generations” [genesis] means book of one’s lineage, existence, origin, history, offspring, or beginning.)

DEVOTION: God is concerned about timing. HE has a plan that HE started before the foundation of the earth. HE shows HIS interest in time by the way the Holy Spirit instructed Matthew to write his gospel.

HE instructed him to calculate the generations between Abraham and the coming of the Messiah. Why would God want to give us detailed information? The reason is that HE is a God of details.

HE wants us to be concerned with the details of our life. Every day is an important day to serve the LORD. Each day we need to ask for guidance and then follow the guidance.

Every detail of the life of Christ is important for us to study because HE was our example. Paul tried to follow HIS example. Paul wrote the churches to inform them to follow HIS example.

Each family has a responsibility to share the truth of the Word of God to the next generation. Each parent has to lead their children in the direction of each one of them understanding who God is and what HE has done for us and can do for them.

CHALLENGE: Keep the details of your life pleasing to the LORD.

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: 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

(3933 “virgin” [parthenos] means a maiden, an unmarried daughter, or a person who has never had relations with the opposite sex.

DEVOTION: This chapter begins with a long line of births. It starts with Abraham and ends with Christ. In this genealogy there are five women mentioned. Each woman is unique. Each woman is important. Jesus had those who were Israelites and those who were not Israelites in HIS genealogy. Christ came to save individuals from all nations. God loved the world.

Now we find in this verse a word is used for both men and women who have never been with the opposite sex. Today there are many liberals who want to say that Mary was not a virgin. There are books in print that say that Jesus was just a normal man and that HE didn’t die on the cross but went into Europe and married and had children. The lies of the enemy are getting more and more prevalent today.

The Bible says that she was a virgin. It states that Christ was born of the Holy Ghost. The God-man came to this earth as a baby to take away the sins of HIS people. Christ had many names given to HIM while HE was on this earth. One name in this chapter was “Emmanuel” which means “God with us.”

This is the start of the New Covenant with the church. The Old Covenant was going be to improved. The animal sacrifices were over. Now the perfect sacrifice has arrived. HE walked this earth for thirty-three years. HE lived a sinless life. HE set an example for all to follow. HE will could twelve men to spread HIS message. The world has never been the same since. Praise the LORD.

We are included in this group, if we are followers of Christ as our Savior. We need to share our beliefs with all we come in contact with on a daily basis. There is no other way to Heaven!! HE may come back TODAY!!! Are we sharing this TRUTH???

CHALLENGE: When the Bible says it is true, believe it. The impossible is possible with the LORD!

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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:

BODY

Chastity (Purity in living)

Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)

Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)

Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)

Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)

SOUL

Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)

Frugality (wise use of resources)

Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)

Book of the generation of Jesus Christ verse 1

Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)

Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)

SPIRIT

Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)

Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)

Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)

Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)

Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)

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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:

Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)

God the Father (First person of the Godhead)

Lord verse 20, 22, 24

God verse 23

God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)

Jesus Save his people from their sins verse 1, 16, 18, 21, 25

Christ verse 1, 16-18

Generation of Jesus Christ verse 1

Jesus called Christ verse 16

Son verse 23

Emmanuel (God with us) verse 23

God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)

Holy Ghost verse 18, 20

Child of the Holy Ghost verse 18, 20

Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)

Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)

Angel appeared to Joseph verse 20, 24

Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)

Knew her not till verse 25

Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)

Public example verse 19

Sin verse 21

Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)

Just verse 19

Fear not verse 20

Jesus shall save his people from their sin verse 21

Prophet verse 22

Virgin verse 23

Israel (Old Testament people of God)

David verse 1, 6, 20

Abraham verse 1

Isaac verse 2

Jacob verse 2

Judah verse 3

Boaz verse 5

Solomon verse 6

Hezekiah verse 9

Exile in Babylon verse 11, 12

Zerubbabel verse 12

Joseph – husband of Mary verse 16 – 24

Jesus – called Christ verse 16

Church (New Testament people of God)

Last Things (Future Events)

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DONATIONS:

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QUOTES regarding passage

19 The peculiar Greek expression in this verse allows several interpretations. There are three important ones.

1. Because Joseph, knowing about the virginal conception, was a just man and had no desire to bring the matter out in the open (i.e., to divulge this miraculous conception), he felt unworthy to continue his plans to marry one so highly favored and planned to withdraw (so Gundry, Matthew; McHugh, pp. 164–72; Schlatter). This assumes that Mary told Joseph about the conception. Nevertheless the natural way to read vv. 18–19 is that Joseph learned of his betrothed’s condition when it became unmistakable, not when she told him. Moreover the angel’s reason for Joseph to proceed with the marriage (v. 20) assumes (contra Zerwick, par. 477) that Joseph did not know about the virginal conception.

2. Because Joseph was a just man, and because he did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace, he proposed a quiet divorce. The problem with this is that “just” (NIV, “righteous”) is not defined according to OT law but is taken in the sense of merciful, not given to passionate vengeance, or even nice (cf. 1 Sam 24:17). But this is not its normal sense. Strictly speaking justice conceived in Mosaic prescriptions demanded some sort of action.

3. Because he was a righteous man, Joseph therefore could not in conscience marry Mary who was now thought to be unfaithful. And because such a marriage would have been a tacit admission of his own guilt, and also because he was unwilling to expose her to the disgrace of public divorce, Joseph therefore chose a quieter way, permitted by the law itself. The full rigor of the law might have led to Mary’s stoning, though that was rarely carried out in the first century. Still, a public divorce was possible, though Joseph was apparently unwilling to expose Mary to such shame. The law also allowed for private divorce before two witnesses (Num 5:11–31 interpreted as in M Sotah 1:1–5; cf. David Hill, “A Note on Matthew i. 19,” ExpT 76 [1964–65]: 133–34; rather similar, A. Tosato, “Joseph, Being a Just Man (Matt 1:19),” CBQ 41 [1979]: 547–51). That was what Joseph purposed. It would leave both his righteousness (his conformity to the law) and his compassion intact. (Carson, D. A. (1984). Matthew. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 8, pp. 74–75). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)

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19. Not willing (μὴ θέλων)—was minded (ἐβουλήθη). These two words, describing the working of Joseph’s mind, and evidently intended to express different phases of thought, open the question of their distinctive meanings in the New Testament, where they frequently occur (θέλω much oftener than βούλομαι), and where the rendering, in so many cases by the same words, furnishes no clue to the distinction. The original words are often used synonymously in cases where no distinction is emphasized; but their use in other cases reveals a radical and recognized difference. An interchange is inadmissible when the greater force of the expression requires θέλειν. For instance, βούλεσθαι would be entirely inappropriate at Matt. 8:3, “I will, be thou cleansed;” or at Rom. 7:15.

The distinction, which is abundantly illustrated in Homer, is substantially maintained by the classical writers throughout, and in the New Testament.

Θέλειν is the stronger word, and expresses a purpose or determination or decree, the execution of which is, or is believed to be, in the power of him who wills. Βούλεσθαι expresses wish, inclination, or disposition, whether one desires to do a thing himself or wants some one else to do it. Θέλειν, therefore, denotes the active resolution, the will urging on to action. Βούλεσθαι is to have a mind, to desire, sometimes a little stronger, running into the sense of purpose. Θέλειν indicates the impulse of the will; Βούλεσθαι, its tendency. Βούλεσθαι can always be rendered by θέλειν, but θέλειν cannot always be expressed by Βούλεσθαι.

Thus, Agamemnon says, “I would not (οὐκ ἔθελον) receive the ransom for the maid (i.e., I refused to receive), because I greatly desire (Βούλομαι) to have her at home” (Homer, “Il.,” i. 112). So Demosthenes: “It is fitting that you should be willing (ἐθέλειν) to listen to those who wish (βουλομένων) to advise” (“Olynth.,” i. 1). That is to say, It is in your power to determine whether or not you will listen to those who desire to advise you, but whose power to do so depends on your consent. Again: “If the gods will it (θέλωσι) and you wish it (βούλησθε)” (Demosth., “Olynth.,” ii. 20).*

In the New Testament, as observed above, though the words are often interchanged, the same distinction is recognized. Thus, Matt. 2:18, “Rachael would not (ἤθελε) be comforted;” obstinately and positively refused. Joseph, having the right and power under the (assumed) circumstances to make Mary a public example, resolved (θέλων) to spare her this exposure. Then the question arose—What should he do? On this he thought, and, having thought (ἐνθυμηθέντος), his mind inclined (tendency), he was minded (ἐβουλήθη) to put her away secretly.

Some instances of the interchanged use of the two words are the following: Mark 15:15, “Pilate willing” (βουλόμενος); compare Luke 23:20, “Pilate willing” (θέλων). Acts 27:43, “The centurion willing” (βουλόμενος); Matt. 27:17, “Whom will ye that I release” (θέλετε); so ver. 21; John 18:39, “Will ye that I release” (βούλεσθε); Matt. 14:5, “When he would have put him to death” (θέλων). Mark 6:48, “He would have passed by them” (ἤθελε); Acts 19:30, “Paul would have entered” (βουλομένου). Acts 18:27, “He was disposed to pass” (βουλομένου). Tit. 3:8, “I will that thou affirm” (βούλομαι). Mark 6:25, “I will that thou give me” (θέλω), etc., etc.

In the New Testament θέλω occurs in the following senses:

A decree or determination of the will. (a) Of God (Matt. 12:7; Rom. 9:16, 18; Acts 18:21; 1 Cor. 4:19; 12:18; 15:38). (b) Of Christ (Matt. 8:3; John 17:24; 5:21; 21:22). (c) Of men (Acts 25:9). Festus, having the power to gratify the Jews, and determining to do so, says to Paul, who has the right to decide, “Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem?” John 6:67, Others of the disciples had decided to leave Jesus. Christ said to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Is that your determination? John 7:17, If any man sets his will, is determined to do God’s will. John 8:44, The lusts of your father your will is set to do. Acts 24:6. (Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, pp. 12–14). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.)
A wish or desire. Very many of the passages, however, which are cited under this head (as by Grimm) may fairly be interpreted as implying something stronger than a wish; notably Mark 14:36, of Christ in Gethsemane. Our Lord would hardly have used what thou wilt in so feeble a sense as that of a desire or wish on God’s part. Mark 10:43, “Whosoever will be great,” expresses more than the desire for greatness. It is the purpose of the life. Matt. 27:15, It was given to the Jews to decide what prisoner should be released. Luke 1:62, The name of the infant John was referred to Zacharias’ decision. John 17:24, Surely Christ does more than desire that those whom the Father has given him shall be with him. Luke 9:54, It is for Jesus to command fire upon the Samaritan villages if he so wills. (See, also, John 15:7; 1 Cor. 4:21; Matt. 16:25; 19:17; John 21:22; Matt. 13:28; 17:19.) In the sense of wish or desire may fairly be cited 2 Cor. 11:12; Matt. 12:38; Luke 8:20; 23:8; John 12:21; Gal. 4:20; Matt. 7:12; Mark 10:35.
3. A liking (Mark 12:38; Luke 20:46; Matt. 27:43). (See note there.)
Βούλομαι occurs in the following senses:
1. Inclination or disposition (Acts 18:27; 19:30; 25:22; 28:18; 2 Cor. 1:15).
2. Stronger, with the idea of purpose (1 Tim. 6:9; James 1:18; 3:4; 1 Cor. 12:11; Heb. 6:17).
In most, if not all of these cases, we might expect θέλειν; but in this use of βούλομαι there is an implied emphasis on the element of free choice or self-determination, which imparts to the desire or inclination a decretory force. This element is in the human will by gift and consent. In the divine will it is inherent. At this point the Homeric usage may be compared in its occasional employment of βούλομαι to express determination, but only with reference to the gods, in whom to wish is to will. Thus, “Whether Apollo will (βούλεται) ward off the plague” (“Il.,” i. 67). “Apollo willed (βούλετο) victory to the Trojans” (“Il.,” vii. 21).

To make a public example (δειγματίσαι). The word is kindred to δείκνυμι, to exhibit, display, point out. Here, therefore, to expose Mary to public shame (Wyc., publish her; Tyn., defame her). The word occurs in Coloss. 2:15, of the victorious Saviour displaying the vanquished powers of evil as a general displays his trophies or captives in a triumphal procession. “He made a show of them openly.” A compound of the same word (παραδειγματίζω) appears in Heb. 6:6, “They crucify the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” (Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, pp. 14–15). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.)

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A Righteous Man (δικαιος [dikaios]). Or just, not benignant or merciful. The same adjective is used of Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1:6) and Simeon (Luke 2:25). “An upright man,” the Braid Scots has it. He had the Jewish conscientiousness for the observance of the law which would have been death by stoning (Deut. 22:23). Though Joseph was upright, he would not do that. “As a good Jew he would have shown his zeal if he had branded her with public disgrace” (McNeile). And yet not willing (και μη θελων [kai mē thelōn]). So we must understand και [kai] here, “and yet.” Matthew makes a distinction here between “willing” (θελων [thelōn]) and “wishing” (ἐβουληθη [eboulēthē]), that between purpose (θελω [thelō]) and desire (βουλομαι [boulomai]) a distinction not always drawn, though present here. It was not his purpose to “make her a public example” (δειγματισαι [deigmatisai]), from the root (δεικνυμι [deiknumi] to show), a rare word (Col. 2:15). The Latin Vulgate has it traducere, the Old Latin divulgare, Wycliff pupplische (publish), Tyndale defame, Moffatt disgrace, Braid Scots “Be i the mooth o’ the public.” The substantive (δειγματισμος [deigmatismos]) occurs on the Rosetta Stone in the sense of “verification.” There are a few instances of the verb in the papyri though the meaning is not clear (Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary). The compound form appears (παραδειγματιζω [paradeigmatizō]) in Heb. 6:6 and there are earlier instances of this compound than of the uncompounded, curiously enough. But new examples of the simple verb, like the substantive, may yet be found. The papyri examples mean to furnish a sample (P Tebt. 5.75), to make trial of (P Ryl. I. 28.32). The substantive means exposure in (P Ryl. I. 28.70). At any rate it is clear that Joseph “was minded to put her away privily.” He could give her a bill of divorcement (ἀπολυσαι [apolusai]), the γητ [gēt] laid down in the Mishna, without a public trial. He had to give her the writ (γητ [gēt]) and pay the fine (Deut. 24:1). So he proposed to do this privately (λαθραι [lathrai]) to avoid all the scandal possible. One is obliged to respect and sympathize with the motives of Joseph for he evidently loved Mary and was appalled to find her untrue to him as he supposed. It is impossible to think of Joseph as the actual father of Jesus according to the narrative of Matthew without saying that Matthew has tried by legend to cover up the illegitimate birth of Jesus. The Talmud openly charges this sin against Mary. Joseph had “a short but tragic struggle between his legal conscience and his love” (McNeile). (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (Mt 1:19). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)

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1:18–23. The fact that Jesus was born “of Mary” only, as indicated in the genealogical record (v. 16), demanded further explanation. Matthew’s explanation can best be understood in the light of Hebrew marriage customs. Marriages were arranged for individuals by parents, and contracts were negotiated. After this was accomplished, the individuals were considered married and were called husband and wife. They did not, however, begin to live together. Instead, the woman continued to live with her parents and the man with his for one year. The waiting period was to demonstrate the faithfulness of the pledge of purity given concerning the bride. If she was found to be with child in this period, she obviously was not pure, but had been involved in an unfaithful sexual relationship. Therefore the marriage could be annulled. If, however, the one-year waiting period demonstrated the purity of the bride, the husband would then go to the house of the bride’s parents and in a grand processional march lead his bride back to his home. There they would begin to live together as husband and wife and consummate their marriage physically. Matthew’s story should be read with this background in mind.

Mary and Joseph were in the one-year waiting period when Mary was found to be with child. They had never had sexual intercourse and Mary herself had been faithful (vv. 20, 23). While little is said about Joseph, one can imagine how his heart must have broken. He genuinely loved Mary, and yet the word came that she was pregnant. His love for her was demonstrated by his actions. He chose not to create a public scandal by exposing her condition to the judges at the city gate. Such an act could have resulted in Mary’s death by stoning (Deut. 22:23–24). Instead he decided to divorce her quietly.

Then in a dream (cf. Matt. 2:13, 19, 22), an angel told Joseph that Mary’s condition was not caused by a man, but through the Holy Spirit (1:20; cf. v. 18). The Child Mary carried in her womb was a unique Child, for He would be a Son whom Joseph should name Jesus for He would save His people from their sins. These words must have brought to Joseph’s mind the promises of God to provide salvation through the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31–37). The unnamed angel also told Joseph that this was in keeping with God’s eternal plan, for the Prophet Isaiah had declared 700 years before that the virgin will be with Child (Matt. 1:23; Isa. 7:14). While Old Testament scholars dispute whether the Hebrew ‘almâh should be rendered “young woman” or “virgin,” God clearly intended it here to mean virgin (as implied by the Gr. word parthenos). Mary’s miraculous conception fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, and her Son would truly be Immanuel … God with us. In light of this declaration Joseph was not to be afraid to take Mary into his home (Matt. 1:20). There would be misunderstanding in the community and much gossip at the well, but Joseph knew the true story of Mary’s pregnancy and God’s will for his life. (Barbieri, L. A., Jr. (1985). Matthew. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 18–20). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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But there were many Jewish men who could trace their family back to King David. It would take more than human pedigree to make Jesus Christ “the Son of David” and heir to David’s throne. This is why the divine heredity was so important.

His divine heredity (vv. 18–25). Matthew 1:16 and 18 make it clear that Jesus Christ’s birth was different from that of any other Jewish boy named in the genealogy. Matthew pointed out that Joseph did not “beget” Jesus Christ. Rather, Joseph was the “husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” Jesus was born of an earthly mother without the need of an earthly father. This is known as the doctrine of the Virgin Birth.

Every child born into the world is a totally new creature. But Jesus Christ, being eternal God (John 1:1, 14), existed before Mary and Joseph or any of His earthly ancestors. If Jesus Christ were conceived and born just as any other baby, then He could not be God. It was necessary for Him to enter this world through an earthly mother, but not to be begotten by an earthly father. By a miracle of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary, a virgin (Luke 1:26–38).

Some have raised the question that perhaps Mary was not a virgin. They say that Matthew 1:23 should be translated “young woman.” But the word translated virgin in this verse always means virgin and cannot be translated “young woman.”

Both Mary and Joseph belonged to the house of David. The Old Testament prophecies indicated that the Messiah would be born of a woman (Gen. 3:15), of the seed of Abraham (Gen. 22:18), through the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10), and of the family of David (2 Sam. 7:12–13). Matthew’s genealogy traced the line through Solomon, while Luke’s traced it through Nathan, another one of David’s sons. It is worth noting that Jesus Christ is the only Jew alive who can actually prove His claims to the throne of David! All of the other records were destroyed when the Romans took Jerusalem in a.d. 70.

To the Jewish people in that day, betrothal (engagement) was equivalent to marriage—except that the man and woman did not live together. They were called “husband and wife,” and, at the end of the engagement period, the marriage was consummated. If a betrothed woman became pregnant, it was considered adultery (see Deut. 22:13–21). But Joseph did not punish or divorce Mary when he discovered she was with child, for the Lord had revealed the truth to him. All of this fulfilled Isaiah 7:14.

Before we leave this important section, we must consider the three names assigned to God’s Son. The name Jesus means “Saviour” and comes from the Hebrew name, Joshua (“Jehovah is salvation”). There were many Jewish boys with the name Joshua (or, in the Greek, Jesus); but Mary’s Boy was called “Jesus the Christ.” The word Christ means “anointed”; it is the Greek equivalent of Messiah. He is “Jesus the Messiah.” Jesus is His human name; Christ is His official title; and Immanuel describes who He is—“God with us.” Jesus Christ is God! We find this name “Immanuel” in Isaiah 7:14 and 8:8.

The King, then, was a Jewish male who is also the divine Son of God. But, did anybody acknowledge His kingship? Yes, the magi from the East came and worshiped Him. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 13–14). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

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FROM MY READING:

The confessing church must now be willing to be a moral minority, if that is what the times demands. The church has no right to follow the secular siren call toward moral revisionism and politically correct positions on the issues of the day.

Whatever the issue, the church must speak as the church-that is, as the community of fallen but redeemed, who stand under divine authority. The concern of the church is not to know its own mind, but to know and follow the mind of God. The church’s convictions must not emerge from the ashes of our own fallen wisdom, but from the authoritative Word of God which reveals the wisdom of God and His commands.

The church is to be a community of character. The character produced by a people who stand under the authority of the Sovereign God of the universe will inevitably be at odds with a culture of unbelief.

The American church is faced with a new situation. This new context is as current as the morning newspaper and as old as those first Christian churches in Corinth, Ephesus, Laodicea, and Rome. Eternity will record whether or not the American church is willing to submit only to the authority of God; or whether the church will forfeit its calling in order to serve lesser gods.

The church must awaken to its status as a moral minority and hold fast to the gospel we have been entrusted to preach. In so doing, the deep springs of permanent truth will reveal the church to be a life-giving oasis amidst American’s moral desert. (Albert Mohler)

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Old Testament WORDS for Today by Warren W. Wiersbe

Anyone who thinks that the Christian life is a peaceful voyage on a calm sea hasn’t spent much time reading the New Testament. (p. 100)

If unbelievers persecuted Jesus, they will certainly persecute those who follow Jesus and serve him (John 15:18-25) (p. 100)

The early church did not see persecution as a reason to quit but as an opportunity to bear witness to the leaders in Jerusalem. It’s sad that church prayer meetings have been minimized in recent years. Perhaps we need some persecution. (p. 101)

The Word and prayer must always go together. Prayer without the Word is heat without light, and the Word without prayer is light without heat. (p. 101)

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TOZERSPEAKS (volume two) by A. W. Tozer

Much of the religious activity we see in the churches is not the eternal working of the Eternal Spirit, but the mortal working of man’s mortal mind – and that is raw tragedy! (p. 443)

My point is this – they still are human and they are living in bodies as yet unredeemed! If they are to continue in the blessing of the fellowship of the spiritually redeemed, if they are to successfully engage in the Christian witness God expects of them, they must consciously know and experience the indwelling illumination of the Holy Spirit of God. They must depend upon His gifts and His enduement and His anointing if they hope to cope with the universal blight which is upon mankind. (p. 446)

The important thing is that the Holy Spirit desires to take men and women and control them and use them as instruments and organs through which He can express Himself in the Body of Christ. (p. 448)

We enlist people and tell them to get busy doing God’s work- failing to realize the necessity for the Spirit’s anointing and control and functioning if a spiritual result is to be produced. (p. 449)

But wherever he went he [Paul] was led by the Holy Spirit. Whatever he did was at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. His great missionary work brought no glory to himself but advanced the cause of Christ throughout the known world of his day. (p. 451)

What we do for God must be done in the power of the Holy Spirit and we know that we may have little praise from men. But what we do accomplish for Him as true spiritual work done with eternity in view will have His praise written across it: “This came to live and to last!” (p. 452)

Plainly I can say that some folks who carry their big Bibles to impress others will never be filled with the Holy Spirit until they drop their sleek, smooth exterior of being “well taught” and earnestly desire God’s humble plan for their lives. (p. 454)

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Why it’s hard to love JESUS by Joseph M. Stowell Luke 7

Simon intended to keep Jesus at a comfortable distance. Jesus’ presence would not be allowed to threaten his position, power, or standing among friends and colleagues. Simon’s was an attempt to appear associated with Jesus without losing control. (p. 82)

Simon was the only one at the center of his universe. This repulsive woman from the streets and her shocking behavior stole his show. She knew the real life of the party and chose to fall at His feet in loving worship. Had Simon done the same, his eyes would have been opened to the truth. But this was “his party,” and Jesus had not followed the script. That’s the point of Luke 7. (p. 86)

Those of us who tend to be simonized saints are not much different. Jesus sees through the veneer of our passionless faith and puts His finger on our hearts. He tells us what He was telling Simon; “You don’t think you need to be forgiven much. And because you don’t feel you need to be forgiven much, you do not love me much.” (p. 89)

That combination of comfortable living and superficial faith can be lethal. When we succumb to it we become little more than religious robots, mechanically bound to programmed actions and responses. Like Simon, we grow indifferent to His presence. God wants a grace-born affection that drives us to spontaneous, sometimes risky, and even radical expression of love.

Without a deepening awareness of why grace is essential, we are lulled into developing an exaggerated perspective of our own worthiness. After all, none of us is as bad as the next guy and certainly not as bad as the condemned criminal. We who have lived in the church culture for so long have put our lives into fairly decent shape. We keep the rules, say the right things, serve, sit, soak, and feel quite satisfied. But that misses the point. Keeping the rules and living moral lives falls short of what Christ wants for us.

Jesus might say to you and to me what He said to Simon: “You don’t love Me much because you don’t believe you have been forgiven much.” That’s a stinging reproof! One that should cause us to seek a renewed and realistic view of how sinful we really are and to never forget that we too, all of us, are among the forgiven much. (p. 90)

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LIMITATIONS

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Mark 13:32
Another piece of evidence for the humanity of Christ is that here on earth He was subject to certain [self-imposed] limitations in His knowledge. There is an instance of this in Mark 11:13–“the incident of the barren fig tree. We are told that our Lord came to it expecting to find fruit. He did not know that it had none. Also, in Mark 13:32 we read these most important and momentous words, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” He said specifically that He did not know the precise time of this day that is coming; not only the angels, but even He did not know it, but only the Father.
That brings us to another proof of Christ’s humanity, which is that He was subject to physical limitation. In John 4, in the instance of the woman of Samaria, we are told that He was weary. He sat down by the side of the well and did not go with the disciples to buy provisions because He was physically tired. We read that He fell asleep in the boat on the sea, in the stern of the vessel (Mark 4:36-41). In the incident of the barren fig tree we are told that as He was going to Jerusalem one morning He was hungry. He endured physical agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood. And finally, of course, and conclusively and most important of all, He actually, literally died; and His death–this physical limitation–is the ultimate proof of His humanity.
Further evidence of Christ’s humanity was that He was tempted. We find this in Hebrews 2:18, in addition to the Gospel accounts of His temptation in the wilderness.
A Thought to Ponder: Christ was subject to physical limitation. (From God the Father, God the Son, p. 273, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones).

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In two tiny Texas towns, abortion is now illegal.

The cities of Omaha and Naples, both with populations hovering around 1,000 people, joined the ranks as the second and third cities in the Lone Star State to pass ordinances making it a criminal offense to abort babies at any stage in pregnancy.

“Because of the Omaha/Naples Ordinance, no abortion clinic will ever be able to move into these cities in the great State of Texas,” Mark Lee Dickson, Director of Right to Life of East Texas, said, according to Faithwire. “Everyone voted in favor of the ordinance with the exception of one.”

The ordinance is the strictest possible law, not granting any exceptions in the case of rape or incest. Emergency contraception, such as Plan B, are also illegal. The cities are calling themselves “sanctuary cities for the unborn.”

Waskom, Texas, became the first sanctuary city for the unborn earlier this year.

Dickson started his pro-life campaign after becoming frustrated with Austin elected officials not passing any “meaningful legislation that protects unborn life.”

“This is why we had to take things into our own hands and take it to the grassroots level,” Dickson told Fox News. “Due to the recent pro-life legislation in Louisiana being so strong and due to the risk of an abortion clinic one day moving to Waskom, Texas, we decided to do something to protect the city, which was passing an ordinance outlawing abortion in Waskom, Texas.”

“What city, what county, what state, is saying to the federal government, ‘Here, we will no longer murder our babies?’” Rusty Thomas, national director of Operation Save America, said to Fox News.

According to Dickson, “many other cities have shown interest in outlawing abortion. There are already other cities here in Texas who are placing a similar ordinance on their agenda for a vote at their next meeting.” According to the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn website, interested cities include Mineral Wells, Gilmer, Abilene, and Mount Vernon. (Christian Headlines)

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Acts 22

Upon his arrest at the temple, Paul attempts in vain to justify his message to the Jews.
INSIGHT

Even though Paul lives in complete recognition of the will of the Lord and acceptance of the sovereignty of God, he is not passive regarding his personal welfare or the welfare of his mission. Paul knows it is illegal to punish a Roman citizen without his being tried and found guilty. When he is about to be beaten, Paul brings up this issue and is spared. Acceptance of the sovereignty of God does not mean passiveness in the things of this world. Paul does what he can within the legal system and then leaves the results to the Lord. (Quiet Walk)

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Wait on the Lord
“Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.” (Psalm 37:34)
In spite of the occasional successes of the wicked, we are to “wait on the LORD.” The Hebrew word used in this passage for “wait” is unusual. The term quvah describes the “binding together” of strings to make a cord. The same word was used to “collect” the water and dry land into separate areas on the third day of creation.
It carries the idea of anticipation toward useful results and does not mean to “hang around and wait.” It does not imply useless boredom, waiting for something to happen. The essence of the term is to be alert, watching the events and activities of the Lord and reacting to His timing and direction. Indeed, the word is translated “look” as often as any other term.
The great promise of “eagle’s wings” recorded by Isaiah tells us that the source of our victory comes from the Lord alone: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
That great promise, which is a comfort to so many, is based on the fact that the “Creator of the ends of the earth” is the One making the promise (Isaiah 40:28).
As Psalm 37 comes to a close, the summary contains both instructions and blessings: “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But . . . the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him” (Psalm 37:37-40). (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)

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Daily Hope

Today’s Scripture Ecclesiastes 2:12-24

A person that does not know history is destined to make the same mistakes. Often, people think that history is boring and the past has nothing to do with the future. Take a stroll through a memorial park and take some time to read the final words that are written about people. The remarks can bring insight as humor, grief, reflection, and love give tribute to a life lived.

Solomon points out in this passage the reality of death and the certainty of its occurrence. He investigates the end of man and he sees people are certain of death regardless of intelligence, fame, or extreme toil. While the finality of life was certain, Solomon’s query became the question of what would happen to all the labor done during one’s lifetime.

Many a person has worked hard all their lives and established a sizable inheritance only to have it wasted by their family members. Solomon himself would have his glorious kingdom literally ripped into shreds by the immature decisions of his son, Rehoboam (1 Kings 11:41–12:24). Solomon recognized that all the hard work was burdensome, difficult to protect and kept him awake at night thinking of the work still to be accomplished (vv.18-23).

With those realities in view Solomon states in verses 24-28, “Thank God for what you do have, and enjoy it to the glory of God.” Paul gave his approval to this attitude when he exhorted us to trust “in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).

For many, the opportunity to enjoy special times is with family. With the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend, take a few moments to be thankful for those who have labored to provide for your needs. Have a wonderful weekend!

With an Expectant hope, Pastor Miller

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