November 17 – Jesus’ Birth – Matthew 1
This chapter begins with the geneology of Jesus tracing back to Abraham, followed by the term of pregnancy. Although we know that the Holy Spirit placed the seed into the virgin named Mary, it is important that Jesus came from the lineage of Abraham. Jesus, the Messiah, prophesied to come from the house of David, and would be from the lineage of Abraham. If that prophesy was not fulfilled, Jesus would not be the true Messiah. But, in fact, the lineage was traced from Abraham all the way to Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. So, even though Jesus’ blood line was planted by the Holy Spirit, He was also from the house of David. Joseph was quite the righteous man in his own right. Can you imagine the questions and doubts he was experiencing in his mind? But, being a “just man”, He trusted God and believed the angel that was sent to him. Mary carried her own burden of being the mother of the man described in verse 21. How would you like that challenge? Joseph and Mary were incredible parents to say the least. So thankful God sent Jesus to this earth!
