King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Thursday, October 02, 2025
Chapters: Matthew 1, Luke 2:1-38
Message: Matthew/Luke: Jesus is Born
Hello My Friend,
As we continue in the reading of the Gospels, we learn of the birth of Jesus, and also of the faithful who waited for the promise from God that someone would come to save them from their sin. It is an important reminder that regardless of whether or not we believe in the promise of Christ saving us after His passion or before, we are all under the same faith.
[Hebrews 11:1-2,37-40 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.]
Now, we are getting into the Gospel of Matthew as he tells his side of the testimony of Christ. The Book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, the fortieth book of the Bible and contains twenty-eight chapters. The author is Matthew and while it was directed to the Jews, it was written to all believers. The purpose of the book was to present the ministry of Jesus, stressing His role as King of the Jews. What we are to learn from the book is the Gospel of Christ and to follow the final command of Jesus to His followers and that is to teach all nations the Gospel, [Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.]
Matthew, was a Levite, who was also a publican (tax collector), so, as you can imagine, he was not the most trusted individual. Nevertheless, Jesus chose him to be one of His disciples, and is an example of how God can convert the worst sinner who lives by faith. Matthew, begins with the lineage of Judah in regards to the royal line, since Jesus will return as KING one day, and is actually directed to the Jews for the purpose of awakening them to their sin in denying the Messiah, and to prepare them for the Gentiles being admitted into the Church. This book of the Gospels gives the account of not of the divine, but human side of Christ.
[Matthew 1:1-2,5-6,12,15-16 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.]
So many people make the mistake of saying the Joseph is the father of Jesus. Of course, that is incorrect as we should God is His Father, but I can see how people just automatically assume that out of habit since he was the one to raise Jesus. However, this is proof that Jesus is not a descendant of Joseph, of Mary, even though they were of the same tribe. In regards to the royal line, you can see that Jesus did not descend from a family that was strictly Jews, they were a melting pot, proving that it is not the family that determines our heritage, it is our faith, [Hebrews 11:31-32 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:]
When God chose Mary to carry His only begotten Son, He took everything into consideration, including the man who would help raise Him. Joseph, was a devout man of God, so you can imagine that he had quite the shock to learn of Mary being with child when she returned home. In fact, he thought about divorcing her and would have been rightfully able to do that under the Law, but he too got a visit from the angel Gabriel.
[Matthew 1:18-21 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. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.]
Think about it, this was probably a bigger test of faith for Joseph than it was for Mary. He not only had the ridicule of the town looking down on him, knowing that she was not carrying his child, he had to raise Jesus as his very own son without prejudice. Nevertheless, as the devout and what seemed to be quite patient, man that he was, he went ahead and married her and did not even touch her until Jesus was born.
[Matthew 1:22-25 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.]
It is simply incredible to learn of the faith and obedience that both of these people had, both of them could have just said no, but the only thing they said was, “thy will be done.”. There are times when God does use us in some unconventional ways, but I am sure that the reason He does this is to show that He is the only source. What did Jesus say about the man who was born blind? [John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.]
Now, while Mary was about to give birth, a decree was sent throughout the region that everyone was to be taxed according to their worth. While it was only required for the men to go, since Mary was about to give birth, Joseph felt best to take her with him. So, he gathered everything they needed, put Mary on a donkey, and headed to Bethlehem.
[Luke 2:1-6 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.]
In order to find this out, every year the men had to go to Bethlehem to give an account of who they were and of their estates to know how much to tax them. This was not just an easy trip, about a six to eight mile journey by foot for Joseph and since Mary was about to give birth at any time that added to the pressure. No sooner than Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem she was about to give birth. Joseph, tried to find a room, but it was impossible, he ended up finding a stable and immediately Mary gave birth to her son. And immediately after Mary gave birth, the angel Gabriel appeared at a nearby field of sheep where shepherds were tending to them.
[Luke 2:7-9 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.]
Mary, was holding in her arms, not only the Son of God, but God Himself. One of the hardest things for people to believe is that Mary was a virgin, but again, this all has to do with faith. God, could have come any other way, but it was important that He came here in the flesh of man as He did. Why? The sinless blood sacrifice. In order for a person who sinned to receive atonement with God they needed to provide an unblemished animal sacrifice, and while the blood of lambs and goats provided a temporary atonement it was erased the next time they sinned, [Hebrews 10:4-5 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:]
The only way for a person to receive permanent atonement was by a human sacrifice and since we are born through Adam and the sin curse, [Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.] normal human conception makes that impossible. However, by God using the Holy Spirit that took away the curse because it was a normal human conception, [Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.]
Now, of course, the shepherds were quite scared to see this bright light and an angel showing up in the midst of it. However, their fear turned to curiosity once the angel revealed who is was, [Luke 2:10-14 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.]
Why did God reveal His Son to the shepherds first? I believe there are two reasons for this. First, shepherds were considered the lowest of people, they were not respected as they often spent hours and days in the field keeping watch over their sheep. And second, Jesus, is known as the Good Shepherd and we who believe in and receive Him are His sheep, [John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.]
Here are these men, wondering why they were all just standing there, so they ran to Bethlehem, then all of a sudden they saw a star shining over where the baby was laying. When they arrived, they saw a barn, and when they walked through it they saw Joseph and Mary sitting on the floor, and right between them was a manger, where the baby was laying.
[Luke 2:15-19 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.]
I suppose if there was one reason to walk away from tending to your job it is Jesus, and they could not wait to tell everyone they ran into what they saw. God, also could have sent His Son through a wealthy family, but He chose to place Him where He knew He would have the most impact, [Hebrews 2:7-8 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.]
At this point Mary is just trying to take everything in, I am sure she was a little overwhelmed by what just happened. Having a baby in itself brings all kinds of questions as to how to raise them up and making sure that you do everything you can to care for them let alone it being the Son of God that you are taking care of. Well, Mary and Joseph did what any other devout Jewish couple would do, they followed the Law of Moses, and raised Jesus according to the Law. Jesus, was circumcised eight days later.
[Luke 2:21-24 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.]
Mary, herself had undergone her own purification for thirty-three days if it was a boy, and now she was about to enter the temple to offer the required sacrifices, [Leviticus 12:2-4,6 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. 3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. 6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:]
Do you see how devout they were to their faith? And notice what the sacrifice is, so this is proof that they were among the poor. Jesus, could have definitely made something of Himself in this world and just like all the other televangelists and false prophets, drawn crowds of followers with their feel good preaching, but He chose to live among the least likely to succeed crowd. Why? So that we can become spiritually rich, [2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.]
Now, as Mary and Joseph are walking up to the temple they were approached by a man, [Luke 2:25-29 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:]
Jesus, the anointed one, sent from God to be the Saviour and the Light that will bring all believers to the cross, became consolation or comforter to those who sincerely believe in Him, [2 Corinthians 1:5-6 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.]
I do not care who you are, everyone fears death. However, once we see the Saviour for who He truly is we no longer fear death or hell because we are saved from that. Simeon, took Jesus up in his arms and praised God, [Luke 2:30-35 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.]
Wow! Can you honestly say that there was a time when your eyes have seen salvation through your faith in Christ? I remember when my eyes saw Jesus for who He truly is almost twenty years ago. And do not think that your religion opens your eyes to the truth, it is solely upon your faith in Jesus Christ that does. The sword spoken about here is that piercing in our soul that reveals that we are sinners and need Jesus.
[Luke 15:4-7 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.]
We should all be so joyful and excited to see Jesus that we take Him into our arms like that. It is actually promised to every believer of Christ that we shall not see death until we see Jesus, meaning the death of our flesh. No sooner than Simeon put down the baby and went on his way, a woman, named Anna, appeared.
[Luke 2:36-38 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.]
This woman was married to a priest, she lost her husband at a very young age, never had any children, and never even remarried. She could have gotten angry at God, lost her faith, stopped serving Him, yet she dedicated the rest of her life to Him, and never lost her faith in the Saviour redeeming her own soul. This is a reminder that we cannot let the circumstances in our lives change our faith, but we can use them to strengthen our faith, [Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.]. Praise God!
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You, for giving us a way to permanent salvation, we not only are saved from death and hell through our faith in Your Son, we become joint heirs with Him. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power, guidance, mercy, and grace to be Your witness of Your saving grace. Open my heart, let me understand that everything I go through is used to strengthen my faith and testimony of what You have done in my life. Let me also be reminded that You are with me all the times, and I can take You up in my arms and hug You anytime I am feeling overwhelmed with the burdens of life, just like Simeon did. I pray these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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