From Matthew Chapter One- on “The Birth of Christ.” – the first chapter of the New Testament.
“(ESV) verse one- “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham…
(KJV) “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ”…
(NIV)- “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ”…
generation- (genealogy)- Greek= genesis, from the same as- genea= age, the period of the persons- time; nativity; nature
verse 15- … “of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”
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From Adam Clark- xpiotos= signifies the “anointed”, or anoint-er… it answers exactly to the Hebrew, mashiach, which we pronounce, Messiah. Hence the word Christ, or mashiach, became a name of dignity, often signifies the same as “King”. [ Isaiah 45:!; Psalm 105:15; Leviticus 4:3, 6:20; 1 Samuel 2:10]
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The word, mashiah, and melec, – Christ and King, are often interchanged. [1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 2:2; Luke 23:2]
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The Christ, He Alone is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords: The King who governs the universe, and rules in the hearts of His followers- the prophet to instruct man in the way he should go, and the great High Priest to make atonement for their sins. Hence, He is called the Messias- a development of the word: ha-mashiach: The Anointed One, in Hebrew, which gives birth to oxpiotoc-hoChristos…which precisely is the same signification in Greek.
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No human has ever, or will ever, “hold” the title of: THE MESSIAH, or THE ANOINTED ONE OF GOD. This belongs, exclusively, to Jesus, the Christ.
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In the Old Testament, anointed, is applied to the kings [ 1 Samuel 24:6, 10 ] , to the priests [ Leviticus 4:5, 16 ] , and to the prophets [ 1Kings19:16 ] – done to concentrate them to their respectful offices. Jesus, The Messiah, is concentrated to all these office, far beyond the stature of any human in creation.
Are you understanding the Divine distinction of whom Jesus Christ “IS”, has been totally defined and declared in the first, and opening verse of The New Testament? Why does it take “us”- humanity- so long to comprehend this complete Truth, for our lives?
So, I now what to go to a section in this chapter, Matthew 1, that is actually “mind boggling” when full consideration is made on the text and the true purpose of the message brought forth from God’s Voice – to each one of us.
Before God gives the “record” of the birth of Christ he has a most compassionate conversation with Joseph, the human father of Jesus. God knows the heart and mind of everyone of us, and it is clear He knew Joseph.
Matthew 1:18-22 :
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
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God wanted to honestly communicate with Joseph, and He did not want to condemn him, but deal with the heart of this man who was about to use his “own reasoning”, rather than call upon God for direction.
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Wesley- “just man” = a strict observer of the law; therefore, he was wanting to do what was right in obedience to God
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Clark- In other words, Joseph did not want to make Mary a “public example”, exposing a “character” to public view for their assessment. Joseph knew the law required such a person- a wife pregnant, not by himself- to be put to death. However, as righteousness is ever directed, by mercy, he determined to divorce her quietly- privately, without assigning any cause that her life might be saved.
This- the “heart” of God, Our God, saw and observed a heart…that He wanted to reach, with instruction, and compassion. Is this merciful heart not what God desires from all of us? Do you not comprehend this first chapter of The New Testament, in Matthew, God has placed an “example” before us…before the “birth of Jesus” takes place. God This dream was brought forth as the result of God’s consideration, and the Voice being spoken is certainly from a “messenger” of God, Himself. We really need to think upon the reality of the “purpose” of God’s Voice to us from this remarkable dream, and “inner heart” conversation, between God and one of God’s Creation. Why do you believe God made the effort to voice these words to Joseph? This certainly could have been handled and communicated in a vastly different manner; correct?
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From Barne’s Notes- He thought on these things. He did not act hastily. He (Joseph) did not take the course, which the law would have permitted him to do. God will guide the thoughtful and the anxious. And- when we look patiently, at a perplexed subject, and know not what to do, then God, as in the case of Joseph, will lead us and direct our way. (Ps. 25:9)
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The word “angel”, literally, means messenger. This messenger from God, became specific and exacting in guidance and instruction.
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In other words the messenger was saying: “Do not hesitate or have any apprehension about her virtue and purity. Do not fear that she will be unworthy or that she will disgrace you. For that which is conceived of her is of the Holy Ghost, the direct force of Divine Power. (!)
God’s Voice is delivering a powerful message, that He regards to be more vital and important to all who reads and KNOWS His Word…that He wanted this record to be delivered before the Word on the story of Christ’s Birth. Your Father wants a relationship with you… with all He has Created. May we not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may we celebrate the Heart of God who wants to reach through to our own heart.
