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: Wednesday, October 02, 2024
Chapters: Matthew 1; Luke Chapter 2;1-38
Message: The Birth of The Saviour
Hello My Friend,
The world can deny God all they want, but they can never deny that Jesus walked the earth. In fact, every major event that took place upon the earth from the flood to the birth and even the death and resurrection of Christ, can never be denied. They will try to discredit Him, just like the Jews did when He walked the earth in the flesh, but they can never deny that He was here and made a great impact on the entire earth. Faith truly is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.
[Hebrews 11:1-3,6 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. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.]
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 of the book is Matthew and it was written to all believers, although it was the first directed to the Jews to whom Jesus was presented as the Messiah, the Son of David. 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 1:1-6,11-12,16 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; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 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; 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.]
[Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus,] Matthew, makes it a point to show that Joseph was not the father of Jesus. So many people make the mistake of saying the Joseph is the father of Jesus. Of course, that is incorrect as we should all know that God is His Father. However, this is proof that Jesus is not a descendant of Joseph. In regards to the royal lineage, 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 in Christ, [Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.]
When John the Baptist was born, and Mary was conceived of the Holy Ghost, a decree was sent throughout the region that everyone was to be taxed according to their worth. So, every year every man had to go to Bethlehem to give an account of who they were and of their estates to know how much to tax them. It was only required for the men to go, but since Mary was about to give birth any day, Joseph felt it best to take her with him. So, he gathered everything they needed, put Mary on a donkey and headed to Bethlehem.
[Luke 2:1-5 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.]
[Joseph also went up from Galilee] 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. The long journey no doubt bringing to mind how he almost divorced Mary before they even got married, and how he too got a visit from Gabriel and could have just walked away from the whole situation.
[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.]
[being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example,] 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, had his doubts at first, like everyone else, how could his fiance be pregnant without her being unfaithful, but he came around and married Mary as he had planned to.
[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.]
[And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:] This man surely was a just man. Do you know how hard it is for a man, especially a newly married man, to control his urges and not touch his wife? This accomplished two things, it assured that she was surely conceived of the Holy Ghost and the power of God and the love of God actually does constrain us from giving into our fleshly desires, [2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.]
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. Now, immediately after Mary gave birth, the angel Gabriel appeared at a nearby field of sheep where shepherds were tending to them. They about fell over when this huge light and angel appeared.
[Luke 2:6-11 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 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. 10 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.]
[she brought forth her firstborn son,] 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, skeptics love to discredit this miracle. God, could have came any other way, and if you read through the Old Testament, Jesus, was walked the earth more than you think, but it was important that He came here in the flesh of man. Why? Two reasons; One; to fulfill the Scriptures and Two; to redeem fallen man, man being the flesh and blood of Adam, which we all are, [Hebrews 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.]
[I bring you good tidings of great joy,] Here are these men, wondering why they were all just standing there, and also why God had chosen to reveal these things to them. So, why did God reveal His Son to the shepherds first? Perhaps the reason was that shepherds, were not respected and often spent hours and days in the field keeping watch over their sheep from wolves and other predators and God saw fit to show Him to them first, but I think that it has to do with Jesus being the Good Shepherd to His sheep, [John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.]
There is something else to consider as well, God, could have sent His Son through a wealthy family, but He chose to place His only begotten Son where He knew He would have the most impact. The Jews were expecting a person of royalty to be their Messiah, to their surprise, He was just a lowly shepherd boy. Now, as soon as the angel told the shepherds where to find the baby a multitude of angels showed up.
[Luke 2:12-15 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. 15 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.]
[wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.] You see, God, was fulfilling another prophecy, Jesus would be born of no reputation, and yet people would be coming to Him, [Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.]
At that point those shepherds knew what they were told had to be true and immediately ran to Bethlehem, [Luke 2:16-21 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. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 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.]
[and pondered them in her heart.] Mary, being a little overwhelmed by what was going on, I imagine Joseph was also, after all, his wife was nursing the Son of God. I do not think that either one of them understood the impact that this would have on them and their family once they started living their lives. Nevertheless, Mary and Joseph did what any other devout Jew would do, they followed the Law of Moses, and raised Jesus according to the Law. Jesus, was circumcised eight days later, and officially given His name. Then according to the Law, Mary, had undergone her own purification for thirty-three days, and now she was about to enter the temple to offer the required sacrifices when a man approached her.
[Luke 2:25-32 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: 30 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.]
[waiting for the consolation of Israel:] Jesus, the anointed one, sent from God to be the Saviour for all, is the Light that will bring all believers to the cross. No matter who we are, everything we do rises or falls according to our faith, [Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.]
[now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,] I do not care who you are, everyone fears death because hell may be their destination. However, once we see the Saviour for who He truly is and accept Him we no longer fear death because we are saved from that, [Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.]
We should all be so joyful and excited to see Jesus that we take Him into our arms. The consolation of Israel is also known as the Comforter, the one who would come to give peace of death. Simeon, goes on to reveal an interesting prophecy, then no sooner than he leaves a woman approached them.
[Luke 2:34-38 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. 36 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.]
[a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,] It is that piercing in our soul that reveals that we are sinners and need Jesus. Jesus, the anointed one, sent from God to be the Saviour of all who believe in Him, the Light that will bring all believers to the cross. I do not care who you are, everyone fears death, but once we see the Saviour for who He truly is we no longer fear death or hell because we are saved from that, [Romans 6:22-23 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.]
[to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.] This woman lost her husband at a very young age, she 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. We cannot let the circumstances in our lives change our faith, but we can use them to increase 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.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Luke 2:7 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. Luke 2:21 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.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You, for giving us a way to permanent salvation, and for sending Your Son to die for us. We not only are saved from death and hell through our faith in Your Son, we become joint heirs with Him. As much as we would like to change the fate of all, it is up to each person to make that decision on their own. As for we who do believe, we must make an appoint to keep spreading the Gospel, just like the shepherds did. 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 increase my faith and my testimony, and let me use it all for Your glory. 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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