Circumcision & Presentation at the Temple - Luke 2:21-38

     That which preceded by nearly six weeks the adoration in the Temple was the fulfilling of the rite of circumcision for Jesus.

     The instance of the circumcising. “When eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child” (Luke 2:21). A Jewish boy was to be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. The eighth day was the best day. Medical science has learned that on the eighth day of the new born male child, the blood clotting and infection fighting agents in the blood are at their combined best. When God gave the command to circumcise, He did not choose the eighth day randomly.

     The importance of the circumcising. “When eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child” (Luke 2:21). The order for circumcision was given to the Jews through Abraham. Circumcision made the Jewish boy a member of the Israelite community. If one was not circumcised, he was excluded from national privileges.

     The identity at the circumcising. “His name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21). It was a custom with the Jews to name their boys when they were circumcised. We noted this custom in the naming of John the Baptist in the first chapter of Luke.

·         First, the order given before birth for His naming. Our text makes known the fact that the name Jesus was not one Joseph and Mary selected but one they were told to give the babe. Thus in naming the child, Joseph and Mary, like Zacharias and Elisabeth in the naming of John the Baptist, obeyed God. As we noted in the previous chapter, the name meant Savior and was thus a very appropriate name.

·         Second, the others named before their birth. Jesus was one of six people in the Bible who were given names from heaven before they were born. The other five people were Ishmael (Genesis 16:11), Isaac (Genesis 17:19), Josiah (I Kings 13:2), Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:13).

2. The Presentation for the Adoration (Luke 2:22–24)

     That which helped to prompt the adoration of Christ was the faithful fulfilling of the law by Joseph and Mary regarding her purification rites and the presenting of Christ after His birth.

     The practice in the presentation. “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” (Luke 2:22). According to the law of Moses a new mother had to fulfill the rite of purification after having a baby. A male child required forty days before the rite could be observed (Leviticus 12:2–4). A female child required eighty days. All of this involved the presenting the child at the Temple which was part of the required ritual of the law of Moses. Joseph and Mary obediently followed this practice.

     The place in the presentation. “They brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). Bringing to Jerusalem meant they brought Christ to the Temple. This was required because it was at the Temple where the sacrifices were made in regard to the purification ritual.

     The purpose in the presentation. “To present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). All the firstborn of Israel were to be presented to the Lord with a sacrifice. This was done in view of the fact that all the Levites were taken as priests to God instead of the firstborn of every family. Originally God ordered all the firstborn of every family be given to Him (Exodus 13:2), but later the entire tribe of Levi was selected in place of the firstborn (Numbers 3:11–13) to be the priests. When those outside the Levite tribe had a firstborn, they had to fulfill this rite.

     The poverty in the presentation. “To offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24). This describes the sacrifice Joseph and Mary made in the presentation and it spoke of their poverty. They could not afford a lamb so they offered the birds. The law said, “If she [the mother] be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles [turtledoves], or two young pigeons” (Leviticus 12:8). Christ was not born into wealth but into poverty. But His poverty was for our spiritual wealth. “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” (II Corinthians 8:9).

3. The Prophet in the Adoration (Luke 2:25–35)

     Two people gave much adoration to Christ in the Temple. The first was an elderly prophet named Simeon.

    The character of the prophet. The adoration of Christ is enhanced by the fact that the ones giving the adoration were people of great character.

·         First, his ward. “There was a man in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:25). Simeon used the advantage of living in Jerusalem to visit the Temple. Spiritual advantages create spiritual responsibilities.

·         Second, his walk. “Just and devout” (Luke 2:25). This is a twofold description of Simeon. “Just” speaks of his relationship with man. “Devout” speaks of his relationship with God.

·         Third, his waiting. “Waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). The word “waiting” here speaks of expectation. Many Israelites were in expectation at this time about the coming of the Messiah. As an example, “The people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not” (Luke 3:15). The word “consolation” speaks of comfort. It is a good word for Christ, for no one brings comfort like Jesus Christ.

·         Fourth, his wisdom. “It was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). Simeon’s wisdom came from the Holy Spirit whose business is to inform mankind about Christ (John 16:13,14). Simeon’s revelation was unique in that it was limited to Simeon.

·         Fifth, his worship. “He came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus … then took he him up in his arms and blessed God” (Luke 2:27,28). Three aspects about worship are here.

·         (1) The prompting to worship. The Holy Spirit led him to the Temple, the place of worship. As we noted above, the Holy Spirit does not lead to places of amusement and commercialism when it is time to worship.

·         (2) The profit in worship. “Then took he him up in his arms.” Worship brings great reward, and Simeon, by coming to the Temple to worship, met the Christ child, a great blessing indeed.

·         (3) The praise in worship. “Blessed God.” The word translated “blessed” here gives us our English word eulogy. Simeon glorified and praised God in the Temple. When your affections are upon Jesus Christ, you will praise God. The lack of honor for God in our country reveals our lack of love and respect for Jesus Christ.

     The comments of the prophet. Here we examine the comments which Simeon made as a result of seeing Jesus.

·         First, the segments of his comments. The comments of Simeon are given in two different segments (Luke 2:28–32 and Luke 2:34,35) which are divided by the verse (Luke 2:33) which speaks of Joseph’s and Mary’s reaction to the comments. Each segment begins with “blessed.” The first section praises God, but the second segment blesses man. The second “blessed” is translated from a different word than the first “blessed.” The second “blessed” means to bestow a blessing.

·         Second, the subject of his comments. The subject of the comments in both segments is Jesus Christ. He is the main theme of the song. Simeon’s understanding of and affection for Christ was far different than the religious leaders.

·         Third, the satisfaction in his comments. “Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace” (Luke 2:29). Having seen Christ, Simeon was ready to depart his life, for Christ was the zenith of blessings. This statement is the source of the “Nunc Dimittis” (“Now … depart”) name for this song.

·         Fourth, the Savior in the comments. “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:30). Here is Simeon’s confession of faith. He is confessing that Christ is the Savior.

·         Fifth, the Sovereign in the comments. “Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people” (Luke 2:31). God is the Sovereign in this matter of salvation. It is His plan. You cannot be saved any other way.

·         Sixth, the scope in the comments. “A light to lighten the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). Simeon saw what many Israelites did not see, namely, that Christ would bring salvation to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Soul salvation in Christ is offered to all.

·         Seventh, the splendor in the comments. “The glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:32). Christ is Israel’s Messiah and will bring to Israel their greatest glory. But thus far Israel has rejected Christ which is the root of their troubles.

·         Eighth, the stone in the comments. “This child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel” (Luke 2:34). This statement begins the second segment of Simeon’s speech. The word “stone” is not in the text, but the word “set” means to place, to be laid, to be set down and reminds us of the stone reference to Christ. The substance of this text is that Christ is both a stumbling block and stepping stone. Reject Him and you will stumble; receive Him and you will rise (cp. I Peter 2:6–8).

·         Ninth, the sign in the comments. “This child … for a sign which shall be spoken against” (Luke 2:34). The word translated “sign” is also translated “miracle” in Scriptures. Christ gave great evidence of Who He was, but He was rejected. There is no excuse for this rejection.

·         Tenth, the sorrow in the comments. “Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul” (Luke 2:35). Mary experienced much sorrow because of Christ, especially at the end when He was crucified. She stood at the cross and watched (John 19:25,26). What agony to see your child crucified.

·         Eleventh, the secrets in the comments. “The thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:35). The part about the sword and Mary is parenthetical. This part continues the statement concerning Christ as a sign. Christ will expose the secrets of every heart. “Men will be judged by … their thoughts concerning Christ; are they for him or are they for his adversaries” (Henry).

·         Twelfth, the surprise about his comments. “Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him” (Luke 2:33). They could have been surprised that Simeon knew all of this, but the real meaning is that they were surprised at all the wonderful things said of Christ. Joseph and Mary had been Divinely informed about Christ, but it still caused them to marvel when great truths were revealed about Him.

4. The Prophetess in the Adoration (Luke 2:36–38)

     The second person to give adoration to the Christ child in the Temple was a woman who was a prophetess.

     The person in the prophetess. “There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age … a widow of about fourscore and four years” (Luke 2:36,37). Some significant details are given about this woman who met up with Joseph and Mary and the Christ child in the Temple.

·         First, her name. “Anna” (Luke 2:36). The name is the same as “Hannah” (I Samuel 1:2) the mother of Samuel. The name means “grace.” Anna lived her name.

·         Second, her age. “She was of great age” (Luke 2:36). Anna did not cease her devotion to God as many elderly do. Age may keep you from doing many things you used to do physically, but it should not diminish your spiritual devotion to God.

·         Third, her marriage. “She … had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity … was a widow of about fourscore and four years” (Luke 2:36,37). She did not live long with her husband before he died. Thus she knew sorrow early in life but that did not diminish her devotion to God. Trials are not to drive us from God but to God.

·         Fourth, her purity. “Virginity” (Luke 2:36). Anna had good morals; she was virtuous and lived a holy life in her younger years before marriage, during marriage, and during her widowhood.

·         Fifth, her calling. “Prophetess” (Luke 2:36). Being a prophetess did not mean Anna was in the foretelling ministry, but rather she was involved in forthtelling—predominantly a teacher.

·         Sixth, her heritage. “Daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher” (Luke 2:36). Being of the tribe of Asher was significant inasmuch as Asher was part of the “lost ten tribes” who, for the most part, did not return to Israel from captivity. Her family returning showed great devotion to God. Obviously Anna was raised in a godly home which shows in her character.

     The piety of the prophetess. Anna was a very devout person. “Departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37).

·         First, her steadfastness. “Departed not from the temple … served God … night and day.” Some think Anna was given a place to stay in the Temple because of her devotion to God. Whether or not that was so, the emphasis here is upon her steadfastness in service to the Lord. She was not a short-termer like so many church members are today. She would not miss any services.

·         Second, her self-denial. “Fastings.” Her fastings were not to gain special favor from God, but they were self-denial to be able to serve God better. We see little self-denial for the Lord’s work today. Self-denial shows up mostly in business, sports, and other worldly achievements.

·         Third, her supplications. “Prayers night and day.” Anna spent much time in prayer. It was considerably more than a five-minute devotional popular in our day.

     The providence of the prophetess. “She coming in that instant” (Luke 2:38). Providence worked for Anna so that she was able to see the Christ child when He was in the Temple. Just as she was coming into the Temple, there was Jesus. Providence works for those who are dedicated to the Lord.

    The praise by the prophetess. “She … gave thanks likewise unto the Lord” (Luke 2:38). The words “gave thanks likewise” are translated from one Greek word which means to praise, to agree. Anna agreed with Simeon in his praise about Christ. So she “likewise” gave thanks which is praise to God.

     The proclamation of the prophetess. “Spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). After seeing Jesus, Anna spoke a message of blessing to others. When you have been blessed of God (as Anna was in seeking Jesus), you will be able to bless others. When you honor Christ, you will be able to help others. Anna’s message honored Christ and helped (here it great encouraged) others.

·         First, the subject in her proclamation. “Spake of him.” The theme of Anna’s speaking was Jesus Christ. If Christ is not in our message, we cannot help people. Many pulpits today do not honor Christ and leave Him completely out of the message.

·         Second, the society for her proclamation. “To all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” There was a group of people in Jerusalem who had not departed from the faith and were looking for the Messiah to appear. What encouraging news would it be to them to know that He had come. Thus Anna would be a great blessing to this group by her proclamation about Christ.

Perplexity About His Person - John 7:41-42

     While some believed, others were perplexed about Jesus being the Messiah because of His residence.

·         First, the character of the perplexity. “Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” (John 7:41, 42). These folk were right in that Christ was to come from Bethlehem. They were wrong in assuming Christ came out of Galilee, for He was born in Bethlehem.

·         Second, the cause of the perplexity. Obviously the people did not investigate well the place of Christ’s birth. They could have learned, had they investigated, that Christ did indeed come from Bethlehem as the Scripture predicted. Often perplexity in the matter of faith is a result of failure to investigate and examine the facts. People today do not know Scripture well—they have not examined the Word and investigated it and so are easily led astray by doctrinal error.

The Announcement By The Angels - Luke 2:8–14

 

     Though God send angels to earth to proclaim the birth of Christ, much of the world did not give any attention to His birth or think it important. What is important with God is generally not important with mankind and vice versa.

1. The Shepherds for the Announcement (Luke 2:8)

     The angelic announcement about the birth of Jesus Christ was made to lowly shepherds.

     The field of the shepherds. “There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field” (Luke 2:8). The field was important in its country and convenience.

·         First, the country. “Same country” indicates the shepherds’ fields were in the Bethlehem vicinity. It is possible they were keeping sheep in the same field in which David kept sheep centuries earlier.

·         Second, the convenience. “Same country.” Being near Bethlehem permitted the shepherds to go and see the Christ child and yet get back to their flocks without jeopardizing their flocks by the shepherds’ absence. The wise men could come from afar without a problem, for they did not have flocks that demanded their care. God provides circumstances for all men to worship if they so desire. The lack of worship is desire, not circumstances.

     The faithfulness of the shepherds. “Abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8). These shepherds were good shepherds in terms of faithfulness.

·         First, their continuousness. “Abiding.” These shepherds stayed on the job. The word “abiding” is in the present active participle in the Greek and means continuous action. These shepherds stayed on the job.

·         Second, their country. “In the fields.” These were hardy souls. They were not lounging in some luxurious palace but abiding outside in pasture. They did their job though it involved much hardship.

·         Third, their care. “Watching their flock.” They were diligent stewards. If you want your sheep to do well, you will have to watch over them.

·         Fourth, their courage. “By night.” Night time brought out the wild beasts and other perils for sheep. These shepherds were courageous, however, and stayed on the job even when night came.

     The flocks of the shepherds. “Keeping watch over their flock” (Luke 2:8). The Talmud says that the sheep used for many of the sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem (only about six miles from Bethlehem) were raised near Bethlehem. How fitting that the angel announced the coming of Christ, the Lamb of God, to shepherds raising sheep who in their sacrifices portrayed Christ.

     The favor for the shepherds. “Shepherds abiding in the field” (Luke 2:8). The angelic announcement was given not to kings or religious leaders but to lowly shepherds. God did not send an angelic delegation to the Caesars or the high priest to inform them of Christ’s birth, but the angelic announcement came to lowly shepherds. Divine favors sometimes do come to those in high position in the world, but often the lowly are favored more than the high-ups. The lowly generally respond better to spiritual advantage that those in high position.

     The fear in the shepherds. “The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid” (Luke 2:9). When the angels suddenly came to the shepherds, it created much fear among them.

·         First, the cause of the fear. “The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” Suddenly in the darkness of the night a bright light appeared along with angelic creatures. That would frighten anyone. The darkness of the night would only add to the fear.

·         Second, the character of the fear. “Sore afraid.” This was a great fear, not a slight scare. The fact it was shepherds who were afraid only emphasizes the greatness of the fear, for they were normally among the bravest men, for they could stay out in the fields all night with the sheep.

·         Third, the compliment for the fear. “They were sore afraid” (Luke 2:9). This was a healthy fear, for it was a fear caused by Divine manifestation. Today, men do not fear God. They sin without concern about a holy God bringing judgment. They need the shepherds’ fear.

2. The Statements in the Announcement (Luke 2:10,11)

     Three major statements were made in this angelic announcements to the shepherds.

     The statement about the scare. The angel first addressed the problem of the fear of the shepherds.

·         First, the command in the statement. “Fear not” (Luke 2:10). This command was also given Zacharias (Luke 1:13) and Mary (Luke 1:30) when the angel gave them Divine announcements. This command would be difficult to obey. Obeying God is not easy but it is the best way to live.

·         Second, the comfort in the statement. “Behold, I bring you good tidings” (Luke 2:10). This news would help them to “fear not.” The word translated “bring you good tidings” is the word that gives us the English word evangelize and evangelism.

·         Third, the cheer in the statement. “Good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). The news of Jesus Christ is the greatest cause of joy known to mankind.

     The statement about the Savior. The main reason for the angelic announcement was the Savior.

·         First, the responsibility to the Savior. “For unto you is born” (Luke 2:11). “Unto you” creates responsibility. We are to care for what God gives us. We all have a responsibility regarding Jesus Christ.

·         Second, the reproach for the Savior. “Born this day” (Luke 2:11). Coming to earth as a babe shows the humility and reproach which Christ experienced in coming to earth the first time.

·         Third, the region of the Savior. “In the city of David” (Luke 2:11). This was another name for Bethlehem. The angelic announcement informed the shepherds in what city Christ was born.

·         Fourth, the relevance of the Savior. “A Savior” (Luke 2:11). Being a “Savior” makes Jesus Christ relevant to all mankind because all mankind needs a Savior more than anything else.

·         Fifth, the reign of the Savior. “Christ” (Luke 2:11). The word “Christ” speaks of His Messianic office in which He will rule and reign over Israel and the whole world during the millennium.

·         Sixth, the rank of the Savior. “Lord” (Luke 2:11). This is the third title given the babe in this statement. The first was “Savior.” The second was “Christ.” Now the third is “Lord.” He is of higher rank than any human. He is called “Lord of Lords” in Revelation 19:16.

     The statement about the sign. “This shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). The angel gave the shepherds an important sign in the angelic statement.

·         First, the proof in the sign. “Ye shall find.” The sign was proof that what the angel said was true. The work of Christ comes with much proof (cp. Acts 1:3).

·         Second, the precept in the sign. “Ye shall find.” The precept is implied. Telling the shepherds what they would find was an indirect way of telling them to seek the Savior.

·         Third, the promise in the sign. “Ye shall find.” The promise was not apart from obedience to the seeking.

·         Fourth, the particulars of the sign. “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” There were three specific things the shepherds would find: (1) child, (2) clothes, and (3) crib. The crib would be the most unusual aspect of the sign and also the most surprising aspect of the sign.

3. The Song With the Announcement (Luke 2:13,14)

     The announcement to the shepherds about Christ’s birth climaxed with a great chorus of angels sounding forth a great song of praise and blessing (the meaning of the great songs or anthems in Luke is that of a poem like “Psalms” and “Song of Solomon” which does not necessarily include music). This song of the angels’ chorus is called the “Gloria.” Previously we had the “Beatitude” by Elisabeth, the “Magnificat” by Mary, the “Benedictus” by Zacharias, the “Evangel” by the angel announcing Christ’s coming, and now the “Gloria.” One more song will be recorded in Luke 2 which is “Nunc Dimittis,” the song of Simeon in the Temple.

     The multitude in the song. A great heavenly choir was assembled with the angel to accompany the angel’s announcement with a great song.

·         First, the suddenness of the multitude. “Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13). Sudden heavenly appearances exhort us to always be ready spiritually. “Watch … lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping” (Mark 13:35,36).

·         Second, the size of the multitude. “A multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13). The word “multitude” means “fullness.” This means the area around the shepherds was full of angels. Heaven was very interested in the birth of Christ, but earth was not. Those of earth who were interested in his birth would not fill much space at all.

·         Third, the site of the multitude. “With the angel a multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13). The angel “came upon” the shepherds. “Came upon” means to stand with the shepherds, not hover over them. The host that came to stand with the angel were standing on the ground in the hills around the shepherds. These hills would make great risers for the choir of angels.

     The message in the song. The message of the song of the choir of angels was twofold.

·         First, the praise for God. “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14). Indeed God needed to be praised for sending Christ to earth to be our Savior. There is not much praise for God in the world today, but angels certainly are not hesitant to praise Him.

·         Second, the peace for men. “And on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Christ is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Christ is the source of the greatest peace mankind can ever have. But many individuals exclude Christ from their life and will never know this great peace. This is why the earth knows little peace. It has excluded Christ. In fact, much of the world has done more than exclude Christ; they have openly and unhesitantly showed contempt for Christ.

 

The Action Of The Shepherds

Luke 2:15–20

     The visit by the angels caused the shepherds to take some action. Divine revelation is given for us to act upon not to sit and gloat over the fact and privilege of the revelation.

1. The Seeking by the Shepherds (Luke 2:15,16)

     The action of the shepherds was to seek Jesus Christ. The angels had informed them of Christ, now they would find Him.

     The fastness of their seeking. “Let us now go … they came with haste” (Luke 2:15,16) The shepherds did not waste time in seeking Jesus. All men should be likewise prompt in seeking the Savior.

     The faith in their seeking. “See this thing which is come to pass” (Luke 2:15). The shepherds were not religious skeptics and scoffers about Jesus Christ. They believed the truth and gave evidence of their faith by their actions. Some say they believe but their actions deny their faith. If you believe it will affect your conduct.

     The finding in their seeking. “Found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). There is both reward and ratification here.

·         First, the reward for faith. “Found.” Faith will experience great rewards. These shepherds, because of their faith, were the first ones to see Jesus Christ other than Mary and Joseph. Faith does not disappoint. The world’s promises disappoint, but faith does not.

·         Second, the ratification for faith. “Found.” Our faith will be ratified. It will be abundantly confirmed. Our faith stands on the solid ground of abundant and excellent evidence (cp. “many infallible proofs” of Acts 1:3). Faith is built on facts not wistful thinking.

2. The Speaking by the Shepherds (Luke 2:17–19)

     The shepherds did not keep quiet about this great news of the coming of Jesus Christ to earth, but they told it to others.

     When they spoke. “When they had seen it, they made known” (Luke 2:17). The shepherds told about Christ after they had come to see Christ for themselves. If you are going to tell people about Christ, you must first come to Christ. If you are going to teach or preach, you need to first study and become acquainted with the message.

     What they spoke. “They made known … the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17). Two things can be said about what the shepherds spoke.

·         First, the source of the message. “The saying which was told them.” They spoke the heavenly revelation. What was told them was the Word of God. The angels spoke God’s message. Preachers are to do the same. They are to “preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2).

·         Second, the subject of the message. “Concerning this child” (Luke 2:17). Their message focused on Jesus Christ. They did not preach Mary (Catholicism) or Joseph (cults) or the manger (social gospel), but they proclaimed Christ. If we do not proclaim Christ, we do not have a message worth proclaiming.

     Where they spoke. “Made known abroad” (Luke 2:17). The area where the shepherds told their message was the area around Bethlehem. The area was not large, but it received a good message because the word translated “made known abroad” not only speaks of where the message was spoken but also how it was spoken—the word means it was spoken fully. The shepherds did not hold back any information even if it would offend some.

     Wonderment from their speaking. The message really arrested the listeners’ attention.

·         First, of the multitudes in the wonderment. “All they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18). The multitudes were amazed at this message. They had never heard anything like it before. They did not mock but marveled at the message.

·         Second, of the mother in the wonderment. “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). God had not revealed everything to Mary. She had to walk by faith. When she heard messages like what the shepherds proclaimed, it illuminated Mary more about Who Christ was, and so she did some serious thinking about this precious babe born to her.

3. The Steadfastness of the Shepherds (Luke 2:20)

     We noted earlier the faithfulness of the shepherds. Here we see it again. These men were men of high character.

Steadfastness in their duties. “The shepherds returned” (Luke 2:20). The excitement of the hour could have caused the shepherds to forsake their sheep. But they had their calling and though they were privileged by God to see and hear angels and the Christ child, this great privilege did not exempt them from their daily duties. Spiritual blessings to not make us impractical or irresponsible.

Steadfastness in their devotion. “Glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:20). These shepherds were not just Sunday Christians who acted pious at church but ungodly during the rest of the week. Rather these shepherds would honor God in their daily lives as well as in their special spiritual experience.

The Seeking By The Magi - Matthew 2:1–12

    Four significant events, which occurred in the first few years of Jesus Christ on earth, are recorded in this chapter. All the events are related and are a sequence to the previous event. Matthew 2 can be divided into four major parts as follows:

·         The Seeking by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12)

·         The Staying in Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)

·         The Slaying of the Children (Matthew 2:16–18)

·         The Settling in Nazareth (Matthew 2:19–23)

    Though Christ was born in a very humble situation, yet there were some high honors that came to Him anyway. The first such honor was the angels announcing His birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:9–15). This was followed by the adoration given from Simeon and Anna in the Temple (Luke 2:25–38). The next honor recorded for Christ in connection with His birth was the seeking of Christ by the magi (wise men) which is recorded in this second chapter of Matthew.

1. The Instant of the Seeking (Matthew 2:1)

    The time when the wise men came seeking Christ was after Christ was born.

The duration of the time. “When Jesus was born” (Matthew 2:1). Some weeks had gone by after Christ was born before the magi actually saw Him. The age limit of the children which Herod killed suggests that Christ may have been nearing His second birthday. Though the magi started their journey to see Christ at the time He was born, they did not arrive for some months, because of the great distance they had to travel. Travel in those days was much slower than in our day.

    The danger of the time. “In the days of Herod the king” (Matthew 2:1). This is the first mention of Herod in the Bible He was vicious and lustful (married nine times), and in his quest for absolute power did not hesitate to kill even members of his own family (a wife and some sons were murdered). He is called “Herod the Great” in secular history but not “Great” in the Bible. He had no greatness of character, his greatness was in vileness. That Christ was born in this most perilous of times is another illustration of God delighting to do His great works when the opposition is the greatest. This shows the great power of God. And it is an encouragement to God’s people that the darkest of days and direst of circumstances are no problem for God to work mightily on our behalf.

2. The Individuals in the Seeking (Matthew 2:1)

    “Came wise men from the east” (Matthew 2:1). The word translated “wise men” is the word “magi” (“magoic” in the Greek). We get the name “magician” from this word. The magi were a priestly cast of men especially interested in astrology and astronomy. Their counsel was often sought by ancient rulers of the eastern world. Daniel was made head of such an order (Daniel 2:48) because of his interpreting a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. Being from the “east” indicated they were from the Arabian or Persian areas. Tradition says they were three in number, but Scripture gives no hint of that number. Their worshiping of Christ does not sanction astrology, of course; but it does say that God revealed to some prominent Gentiles the news about the birth of Christ, and they responded commendably by coming to find Christ and worship Him.

3. The Intensity of the Seeking (Matthew 2:1)

    “From the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). The magi showed a great deal of intensity and dedication in seeking Christ. “From the east” as we noted above, means they were from either the Arabian or Persian lands. In either case it would involve a great deal of effort and time to get to Jerusalem, for they did not have the comfortable and speedy modes of travel which we have today. The intensity of their seeking Christ shames most people, for few show much effort in seeking Christ. Even long-time church members often lack spiritual zeal.

4. The Intent in the Seeking (Matthew 2:2)

    “We … are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). The seeking by the magi was done to honor Jesus Christ. Not many are interested in honoring Christ, but these men certainly were interested in honoring Him by worshiping Him. The motivation of the magi rebukes the motivation of many church goers who go to church not to worship Christ but to meet friends, show off a new dress, or learn the latest gossip.

5. The Inquiry in the Seeking (Matthew 2:1–3)

    Not knowing exactly where the Christ-child was in the land of Israel, the magi inquired to get more specific knowledge of Christ’s location.

    The practice in the inquiry. If you would know the will of God in your life, you will often have to do some earnest and diligent inquiring. The star had informed the magi of Christ’s birth and therefore of their time to travel to Israel, but nothing more. God will give supernatural help (the star) when necessary; but when you can do some inquiring yourself, God does not give supernatural aid. God does not work miracles to make us lazy and irresponsible. He does not fill your mind with spiritual knowledge and wisdom while you sleep, but you will have to do some personal inquiring in the study of the Word to learn great and valuable spiritual truths.

    The place of the inquiry. “There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1, 2). The magi came to a logical place to inquire about this spiritual knowledge. Jerusalem was the seat of the Jews’ religion. It was where the great Temple was (the one Herod had made for political reasons). So one would logically think that any spiritual inquiry should be done in Jerusalem.

    The profession in the inquiry. “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). It is sometimes surprising where one finds faith. Here the magi evidence considerably more faith than most others in Jerusalem. They did not ask “if” Christ had been born but “where.” And they called Him “King of the Jews.” That title was never acceptable to the religious leadership of Jerusalem. They refused to give Christ that honor; yet the magi, from a foreign country, showed this honor and belief in Christ. Such a profession of faith in this inquiry was a strong rebuke to the Israelites of that day.

    The persistency in the inquiry. “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). The Greek word translated “Saying” is a present active participle in the Greek which denoted continuous or repeated action. Thus the magi are reported making repeated inquiries about Christ. The magi found Christ because they were persistent in the pursuit of the knowledge about Him. Such diligence in their effort to learn more about Christ is a good illustration of how we must pursue spiritual knowledge. Our study of the Scripture must be continuous and diligent. We must study the Scripture again and again to learn great spiritual truths.

    The perturbation from the inquiry. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). The inquiry of the magi upset many folk. Both Herod and the people in Jerusalem were troubled because of the news about the King of the Jews being born. Herod was troubled because this meant a rival for his throne. He was a “king” in Israel and he wanted no rivals. The people were troubled because of their sinfulness—they were not wanting Holiness on the scene. They are like people who get upset when a law enforcement officer shows up on the scene or like carnal people in the church who do not rejoice in special meetings or revival, and who are not anxious for the Lord to come because they do not want to give up their fleshly pursuits. So this perturbation simply revealed the evil in the perturbed hearts.

6. The Investigation for the Seeking (Matthew 2:4–6)

    The inquiry resulted in an investigation by Herod to obtain an answer for the magi and also for himself.

    The cause of the investigation. Ignorance was the cause of the investigation. Herod did not know or he would not have sought an answer to the inquiry. Spiritual ignorance in high places is not uncommon. Ask the typical politician today some spiritual question and his response will be one of ignorance. But politicians are not the only ones ignorant of spiritual knowledge. Most people know little about spiritual truths. They may know much about many other unimportant things, but about the most important matters of life, most people are woefully ignorant.

    The counselors for the investigation. “Gathered all the chief priests and scribes” (Matthew 2:4). Herod did not know the answer to the inquiry, but he did know the religious hierarchy of the day and so called them in for an answer. The scribes would be of the most help, for they especially gave attention to studying and copying the Scriptures.

The counsel in the investigation. “In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah … out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel” (Matthew 2:5, 6). The religious people gave the right answer. It is a loose quote from Micah 5:2.

    The condemnation in the investigation. Though these religious leaders knew the answers, they did not go to Bethlehem to see about the reports of the Christ-child. They were not interested in Jesus; and furthermore while they knew the Scriptures, they did not always believe them. Knowing the Word and believing it is two different things. These religious leaders had a head knowledge but not a heart commitment to the Word. They had information but made no application of it to their lives.

7. The Instructing for the Seeking (Matthew 2:7, 8)

    Herod had some words of instructions for the magi after it was learned where the Christ-child was to be born.

    The privacy of the instructions. “He had privily called the wise men” (Matthew 2:7). Why did Herod not want what he had to say known to others? Why did he want privacy in this chat with the magi? The answer is that Herod was plotting evil as later texts of Scripture record. He did not want other people knowing his intentions and interfering with his murderous plans. Privacy is not necessary wrong and is desirable in many situations, but evil perverts privacy to cover up its dirty plans.

    The probing in the instructions. “Herod … inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared” (Matthew 2:7). Knowing when the star first appeared would give Herod help in knowing approximately how old the child would be at this time. This would help Herod to know what ages of children to kill in Bethlehem so he would be sure to kill the Christ-child.

    The providence in the instructing. “He sent them to Bethlehem” (Matthew 2:8). Herod had learned from the religious leaders where Christ was to be born, so now he tells the magi and urges them to go to Bethlehem. But his helping and encouraging of the magi had ulterior motives. Herod wanted information on the Christ-child so he could kill Him. But God, in His providence, used Herod’s evil here to urge the magi to be on their way and find Christ. God has interesting ways by which He promotes His work. Sometimes He allows wicked men to unwittingly aid the promotion of the work of God. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee” (Psalm 76:10) is the principle that often occurs when evil seems to promote good.

    The plea in the instructing. “Search diligently for the young child” (Matthew 2:8). This plea is a good one for all mankind. It is the plea Isaiah spoke when he said, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). “Search diligently” is a plea that says we are to be diligent in our spiritual pursuits. But, of course, Herod had evil motives for giving this plea. He wanted to know where Christ was so he could kill Him.

    The precept in the instruction. “When ye have found him, bring me word again” (Matthew 2:8). The magi were told by Herod to come back to him after they had found Christ. The magi were to give Herod information about the location of Christ. There is a good evangelical message here about the fact that when we find Christ we are to tell others, but Herod’s precept had a very evil motivation in it.

    The prevaricating in the instruction. “That I may come and worship him also” (Matthew 2:8). That was a big lie. Herod was not wanting to do any worshiping of Christ; he wanted instead to kill Him. But he lied to the magi about his motives so they would not refuse to come back and tell him information about where the Christ-child was. Herod, like many politicians, would use a phony interest in religion for his own political gain.

8. The Illumination for the Seeking (Matthew 2:9, 10)

    When the magi left Herod, they were blessed with illumination for their path by the star they had seen in the east.

    The phenomena of the star. “The star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was” (Matthew 2:9). Many have been the natural explanations for this star (e.g. an alignment of some planets, a super star, a comet, etc.), but the star was simply a supernatural phenomena to help the magi find Christ. The fact that the star “stood over where the young child was” (Ibid.) shows the supernatural character of the star.

    The place of the star. “Went before them” (Matthew 2:9). Many misunderstand the star to be “in the east” (Matthew 2:2, 9). But the “east” only means that is where the magi were when they first saw the star. It does not even mean that the star led them to Jerusalem, but the appearance of the star to the magi when they were in their eastern lands simply informed them that Christ had been born. The magi knew how to get to Jerusalem without a star leading them.

    The purpose of the star. “Till it came and stood over where the young child was” (Matthew 2:9). The purpose of the star was to lead the magi to Jesus in Bethlehem. It was not for the entertainment of the magi but for the edification of the magi.

The privilege in the star. “The star, which they saw in the east” (Matthew 2:9). The star was a spiritual privilege. It informed them of the birth of Christ. The magi wisely used their spiritual privileges to grow in the knowledge of Christ and to improve their service for Christ. Privileges are to help us grow and develop in our spiritual lives. Failure to use our spiritual privileges will stop our spiritual blessings. Many are the spiritual blessings in our land today, but often they are ignored and unused. Some gloat in their spiritual privileges, like the Pharisees and Sadducees did, but they do not use their spiritual privileges to improve their spiritual lives. The privilege itself is of no value if we are not good stewards of it.

    The pleasure from the star. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). The joy of seeing the star was that it was a great encouragement to them about seeing the Christ-child. This joy compares to seeing the plane or train on which a loved one is who you are desirous of seeing. This great joy is a sharp contrast to the attitude of most of the people in Jerusalem who saw no joy in the news that Christ was born. God’s dedicated followers will find few people who share their spiritual interests and joys.

9. The Infant in the Seeking (Matthew 2:11)

    The star led the magi to the house where the infant Christ was Whom they wanted to see.

The whereabouts of the infant. “House” (Matthew 2:11). Christ was not born in a house, but He did not stay in the animal shelter where He had been born. After the birth of Christ, Joseph would soon seek a better place to live. But even though the house was a better place than the stable, it was still not appropriate for the King of kings. Royalty lives in palaces and other splendid places. The fact that Christ lived in a mere house shows how the world did not recognize Him. The world does not do well in recognizing the greatness of spiritual matters. Hence, those who serve the Lord should not be surprised if they must walk a humble road.

    The woman with the infant. “With Mary his mother” (Matthew 2:11). Our modern women need to especially note whom the Christ-child was with when the magi came to visit. He was with “Mary his mother” not with some baby-sitter or in some day-care center. The Bible exalts motherhood, but our day does not. God gave the child to the mother which says the mother is the woman who should raise the child. What a tragedy it would have been if Mary had been so interested in being a career woman (not a “stay-at-home-mom”) and making some extra money that she put Christ in a day-care center or hired a baby-sitter instead of taking care of Him herself. She would have regretted that action eternally. Mothers make a huge mistake in not taking care of their own children themselves. The anti-motherhood philosophy of our day is Satanic and hellish and robs countless mothers of great blessings.

    The worship of the infant. “Fell down, and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11). The wise men were wise in that they worshiped Christ, not His mother Mary (as Catholics do) or Joseph (like the cults who have their alternatives to Christ).

    The wealth for the infant. “They … opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). If our worship is to be genuine and meaningful, it will be accompanied by gifts for Christ. Out of their treasures, the magi gave generous gifts and expensive gifts to Christ. We may not all have treasures that have the wealth in them which the magi had, but our gifts should be generous in comparisons to our treasures. Offerings in the Old Testament were called sacrifices. Our offerings ought to reflect that fact, but few of them do. Christ is worthy of our best. Too often our offerings dishonor Christ because they are so cheap.

10. The Insight After the Seeking (Matthew 2:12)

    To counter the evil intentions of Herod, the magi were given insight by being warned not to return to Herod as he had earlier requested them to do.

    The source of the insight. “Being warned of God in a dream” (Matthew 2:12). God was the one Who gave the insight to the magi. If you want good insight on what to do in any situation, get it from God Who knows what is going on in the world. Too many folk are trying to get insight about life from the world, such as from psychologists and psychiatrists; but the world is most deficient in such insight and wisdom.

    The seeking of the insight. “Being warned” (Matthew 2:12). The word translated “being warned” means “to give a response to one who asks or consults; hence, in the passive, as here, to receive an answer. The word therefore implies that the wise men had sought counsel of God” (Vincent). These magi were not simpletons. They readily perceived Herod’s craftiness and being concerned about it, they wisely sought God about it. The principle for us is in “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5)

    The substance of the insight. “Warned of God … they should not return to Herod” (Matthew 2:12). The insight had to do with the travel plans of the magi. Herod wanted them to return to him, but God warned them not to return to Herod. This warning exposed Herod’s desire to worship Christ as being phony. Herod, like most governments in the world, was no friend of Christ. His professed religious interests were deceitful. He had ulterior motives for his show of piety.

    The submission to the insight. “They departed into their own country another way” (Matthew 2:12). The magi recognized rank in submitting first and foremost to God. Herod was a king, which gave his orders to the magi considerable weight. But the magi knew that when orders conflict, you obey the highest authority. The principle is found in Peter’s statement, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

    The safety in the insight. Obedience to God has its rewards. One of the immediate rewards for the magi in obeying God here was the saving of their lives. This warning for the magi was “God’s mercy and grace towards them, preserving them from probably death at Herod’s hands.” (Williams). Had the magi gone back to Herod, their lives would have been in great jeopardy. Herod would milk the magi dry for information about Christ, then kill them, so they would not come back to worship Christ and learn of Herod’s dirty deed of killing Christ.

The Advent in Bethlehem - Luke 2:1–7

     This text is probably used more at Christmas than any other Biblical text. It reports the details of the birth of Christ.

The Decree for the Advent (Luke 2:1–3)
     Associated with and very important to the birth of Christ was a decree given to register all the people in the Roman Empire which included Palestine.
     The perpetrator of the decree. “There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus [Augustus was his title, not part of his name]” (Luke 2:1). This man was the Roman Emperor for forty-five years from 31 B.C. to 14 A.D. His entire name was Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. He was a proud and arrogant person.
     The purpose of the decree. “That all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1). The meaning of the word translated “taxed” is “to register or enter in a list” (Vincent). “It was a census, not a taxing, though taxing generally followed and was based on the census” (Robertson).
     The perimeter of the decree. “All the world” (Luke 2:1). This term was limited to the Roman empire which included Palestine. The Roman empire included a vast number of people but the Bible focuses on the two most important people regarding the decree, namely, Joseph and Mary.
     The period of the decree. “And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius [Quirinius as some call him] was governor of Syria.” (Luke 2:2). “Cyrenius” was another time reference given by Luke of the four Gospels. The reference was especially applicable inasmuch as Syria included Palestine at that time.
     The providence of the decree. “It came to pass in those days … all went to be taxed [registered], every one into his own city” (Luke 2:1,3). The prophets predicted Christ would be born in “Bethlehem” (Micah 5:2). Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth. Thus the providence in the decree is in the fact that it caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem at the time when she would give birth and thus fulfill prophecy.
The Dislodgement for the Advent (Luke 2:3–5)
     The decree by Caesar Augustus to register all the people in his kingdom caused a great dislodgement of people.
     The cause of the dislodgement. “All went to be taxed, everyone into his own city” (Luke 2:3). The decree by Caesar required that people go to their native city or town to take care of the registering or census matter. This caused a great dislodgement of people in the empire because, as is often common in every age, many of the people in the Roman empire did not live in their native towns or cities but had moved far from them.
     The couple in the dislodgement. “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David to be taxed [registered] with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child” (Luke 2:4,5). Scripture focuses on what is important to God. Man would think that Caesar was the important one in this decree, but he was only given a supporting role in this great event of the birth of Jesus Christ. He was not the main actor! Joseph and Mary were more important to God in this decree than the ruler who made the decree.
     First, the compliance of the couple. “Joseph also went up from Galilee … [unto] Bethlehem” (Luke 2:4). Joseph and Mary were law-abiding citizens. Scripture exhorts us to obey the laws of the land. This, of course, does not mean we must do evil to obey. But it is a mark of righteousness to obey the laws even if they cause inconvenience.
     Second, the city of the couple. “Went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, in Judea, unto … Bethlehem” (Luke 2:4). This was a trip of approximately seventy-five miles. The trip had to be made on foot or on an animal (Mary doubtless rode on a donkey). Furthermore Bethlehem was higher than Nazareth which meant a lot of up hill for the journey. This would only add to the physical difficulty of the trip.
     Third, the clan of the couple. “Joseph … [and also Mary] was of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4). This notation in Scripture is very important, for it helps to support the pedigree of Jesus Christ as the only one Who could claim the throne of Israel and be Israel’s Messiah.
     Fourth, the companionship of the couple. “With Mary his espoused wife” (Luke 2:5). “Espoused wife” notes the unique relationship between Joseph and Mary. This relationship was necessary because of the conception and birth of Christ. However, it would bring a great stigma to them (cp. John 8:41). Heavenly honors are not exempt from earthly shame.
     Fifth, the concern of the couple. “Mary … being great with child” (Luke 2:5). The couple would be very concerned about Mary’s pregnancy because it was nearing its end, and a long hard trip offered much peril for her pregnancy. Satan would like to use the trip to cause the birth before they got to Bethlehem and even to cause the death of the child. But God was in all of this, and the pregnancy survived the trip, and Christ was born in Bethlehem as Scripture predicted. It will always be a mystery as to why Joseph and Mary did not perceive the need of moving earlier to Bethlehem for the birth. Did they not know the prophetic Scripture in Micah 5:2? Whatever the case, God saw to it that they were in Bethlehem when birth occurred.

The Arrival of Christ - Matthew 1:18-25 (Part 2)

The Partner for the Arrival (Matthew 1:24)
     Joseph married Mary as planned which meant that when Christ was born there was a husband and wife involved and thus both a father and mother. Christ was not born in shame to a single woman.
     Joseph married the woman God told him to marry. “Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife [Mary]” (Matthew 1:24). Joseph had questions about Mary and was not going to marry her; but God through the angel told Joseph, “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife” (Matthew 1:20). So Joseph did as God told him to do and married Mary. We would have better marriages if people married according to Divine instructions. Many marriages would not be made if men and women sought the will of God about marriage. And many would be more happily married, if they sought God’s will in marriage.
     Joseph married a woman in whom Christ dwelt conspicuously. Christ dwelt within Mary literally when they were married. In fact, she was conspicuously pregnant with Christ when she married Joseph. This certainly gives a good guideline for marriage. Marry someone in whom Christ dwells conspicuously if you want a good marriage. If the Christian profession of your prospective mate is not obvious, do not marry them.

The Protection for the Arrival (Matthew 1:25)
     “Knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son” (Matthew 1:25). “Knew” is a euphemism for sexual relations. Joseph abstained from sexual relations with Mary until after Christ was born. His abstinence helped the work of Christ to prosper in the fact that it helped to confirm the doctrine of the virgin birth. It protected the person of Christ from doubt about this important matter of the virgin birth and from shame. Some did indeed imply that He was born of fornication (John 8:41). But had Joseph not abstained from sexual relations, the shame and disgrace and doubt about Jesus’ birth would have been much worse. Joseph abstaining from legitimate pleasure to advance the cause of Christ is most commendable. Today we have a hard time getting folk to abstain from wicked pursuits to aid the cause of Christ, but Joseph abstained from a legitimate pursuit. It is a great example of sacrifice for the cause of Christ. What have you sacrificed lately for the advancement of the cause of Christ?

The Proclamation in the Arrival (Matthew 1:21, 25)
     Joseph gave an excellent proclamation about the the purpose of the Christ-child being born.
     The compliance for the proclamation. “He called his name JESUS” (Matthew 1:25). Joseph had been instructed by “the angel of the Lord” (Matthew 1:20) about the name for Mary’s baby. “Thou shalt call his name JESUS” (Matthew 1:21). Thus Joseph obeyed God; he complied with God’s command in giving the new babe the name, “JESUS.” Had he not obeyed, he would have had no proclamation about the purpose of Christ coming to earth. If you would proclaim Divine truth, you must obey the Divine precepts.
     The comfort of the proclamation. “Thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The meaning of the name “JESUS” carries an important evangelical message. The name “Jesus” means Savior. Thus the naming of Mary’s baby proclaimed the message that the new babe was to be the Savior of people from sin. This is the great evangelical message which God’s people are to proclaim around the world. No message has brought so much comfort to mankind as this message.
     The condemnation in the proclamation. “He shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This name of “JESUS” condemns people, for it says they are sinful and need saving. This message is not palatable to many folk, but it is the main reason Christ came to earth the first time. “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23), but many do not think they have sinned and resent being called a sinner and in need of a Savior. But all men need Jesus.

The Arrival of Christ - Matthew 1:18-25

     The second main part of Matthew 1 concerns the actual coming of Christ to earth.

The Pregnancy for the Arrival (Matthew 1:18)
     “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” (Matthew 1:18). The arrival of Christ on earth came through the pregnancy of the virgin Mary. The cause of this pregnancy is plainly stated as being the Holy Spirit. Mary did not conceive Christ by the usual means. There was not a human man involved. It was a Divine miracle.

The Problem About the Arrival (Matthew 1:18–21)
     The coming of Christ in His conception in Mary created a problem for Joseph the man who married Mary, the mother of Christ. The fact that one of the first things we learn in Matthew about the coming of Christ to earth is that it caused a problem tells us that whenever Christ comes on the scene there will be problems. When Christ comes to dwell in you, there will be problems with relationships, with the home, and with society. But those who receive Jesus Christ and submit to God’s Word about Christ will find a solution to the problem and will learn that the blessing of Christ will come in spite of problems. Joseph found this to be true.
     The commitment in the problem. “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” (Matthew 1:18). The problem began when Mary’s pregnancy with Christ was discovered during the time she was espoused to Joseph. Joseph did not know about the Divine involvement in the pregnancy; so when he heard the news of her pregnancy, he drew the only conclusion he could draw, namely, that Mary had been unfaithful to him. This pregnancy created a big problem by the fact that Mary was espoused to Joseph. Had Joseph not been espoused to Mary, her pregnancy would not have caused him nearly as much problem as it did in being espoused to Mary. Being espoused to Mary made breaking up with Mary something far more serious than had he just been “dating” her. The espousal was like our engagement except it was a much stronger commitment. It often was a written agreement with an endowment from the husband-to-be for the parents of the bride-to-be. The espousal period could last as long as a year. During this time the man and woman involved generally did not see each other. The custom of not seeing each other accounts for Mary going to dwell with Elizabeth, her cousin and the soon-to-be mother of John the Baptist, for three months during the time Mary was pregnant with Christ (Luke 1:39–56) and just before John the Baptist was born. Because of the strong commitment in an espousal, to break up after being espoused was as serious as getting divorced. So Joseph had a serious problem on his hands.
     The consternation in the problem. “When … Mary was espoused to Joseph … she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18). The consternation for Joseph about Mary’s pregnancy involved both the puzzle and pain about Mary’s condition. First, the puzzle. The condition of pregnancy would be a puzzle in that he thought Mary was impeccable (she was), but what kind of a girl was she to have such loose morals (he thought) that during their espousal time she gets pregnant from another man. Joseph would be shocked at learning of Mary’s pregnancy. In his ignorance of the cause of her condition, he could only see great moral betrayal by Mary—indeed a great puzzle. Second, the pain. The pain was, of course, in learning that the girl he loved and planned to marry appeared to be treacherous and immoral.
     The character for the problem. “Joseph … being a just man” (Matthew 1:19). Though Joseph was a godly, upright man; yet he suffered much trial from this situation of Mary. The godly are not exempt from puzzling and painful trials, rather “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” (Psalm 34:19).
     The convictions in the problem. “Was minded to put her away” (Matthew 1:19). Joseph, in spite of his love for Mary, would deal faithfully and firmly with sin. In spite of his love for Mary, his convictions made immoral conduct intolerable. He would not marry a girl who had bad morals. So he thought to end the espousal and not marry her. He would not sacrifice purity and principle for pleasure but would give up Mary in favor of righteousness. Joseph had some good moral convictions and would conduct himself accordingly in spite of his sorrow.
     The compassion in the problem. “Not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately.” (Matthew 1:19). Joseph was a man of both grace and truth (John 1:14). He was truth in that he would put her away (end the espousal and marriage agreement); but he was a man of grace in that he would do it privately, not publicly. He was not anxious to spread such terrible news.
     The control in the problem. “While he thought on these things” (Matthew 1:20). Joseph did not act hastily until he was sure he was doing right—another good character trait in Joseph.
     The comfort for the problem. “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. And she shall bring forth a son” (Matthew 1:20, 21). Joseph was given heavenly enlightenment about Mary’s condition. It had to be a great comfort to Joseph to hear the wonderful news regarding why Mary was pregnant, though he would not understand the matter about the conception and the Holy Spirit. We do not have to understand everything about the Bible to benefit from it.
     The command in the problem. “She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from his sins” (Matthew 1:21). The command is what to name the child—we will see more about this later.

The Prophecy About the Arrival (Matthew 1:22, 23)
     The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy more than any of the other Gospels. Since Matthew, more than the other three, was written especially with the Jews in mind, this emphasis on prophecy was most fitting; for the Jews had the Holy Scriptures and prophecy was very important to them. Matthew would have the Jews realize that Jesus Christ was indeed a fulfillment of their Scriptures. His genealogy, His birth and His life—were all predicted in the Old Testament.
     The sureness of the prophecy. “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet” (Matthew 1:22). The sureness of the fulfillment of prophecy underscores the invincible character of the Word of God. Many prophecies, like this one about Christ, seemed at the time of its utterance unlikely to be fulfilled because of the circumstances. But if God’s Word says it will happen, it will happen.
     The source of the prophecy. “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” (Matthew 1:23). This prophecy about the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, comes from Isaiah 7:14.
     The sanctity in the prophecy. “A virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son” (Matthew 1:23). The sanctity of this conception and birth of Christ by Mary is that she conceived as a virgin. The virgin birth says Christ did not have a biological human father. The virgin birth is not something hinted at in Scripture but something that is dogmatically and repeatedly taught in Scripture. The virgin birth is not only prophesied in Scripture (as noted in our Matthew text), but it is also emphasized—especially in this first chapter of Matthew. It is emphasized in “before they came together, she was found "with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18); in “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:20), in “knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son” (Matthew 1:25), and in “her firstborn son [not ‘their’ firstborn]” (Matthew 1:25). To deny the virgin birth is to deny what the Scriptures say.
     The supernatural in the prophecy. “They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). The Deity of Christ is also in this prophecy. Christ was not just human but He was also supernatural—that is, He was very God as well as human. The Deity of Christ also says Jesus Christ is eternal and thus existed before His conception in Mary and His birth in Bethlehem. Apostates despise this doctrine, but they cannot say the Bible does not teach it, for the Deity of Christ, like the virgin birth, is taught plainly and repeatedly in the Scripture.