2: There has been much speculation as to the identity of these men from the east and the star that they followed. The wise men, or magi, of the eastern countries would think themselves lazy to miss such an vision in the heavens as a star that was showing strange behavior. That this star was from God…
1: Matthew gives us a clue here as to the time of Jesus’ birth. Herod is a well-know figure, and we know when his reign ended. Many would try to deny the truth of Matthew’s account, but the gospels are accurate historical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. Personal Journal Entry #12088Prayer Journal Entry…
24: Joseph brought the betrothal to an immediate end. He took Mary into his home right away. Though this was a break with custom, he was concerned for her welfare. Besides this, it would help alleviate the multitude of comments that uncaring individuals might make concerning the inferred illegitimacy of the birth.25: Joseph did not, however, perform certain duties…
23: Jesus was indeed virgin born. Emmanuel was not, however, his common name. It seems that the name Emmanuel was intended to explain exactly what the angel said to Mary. This was the Son of God. The name Jesus, which the angel specifically gave to Joseph for the boy, served a more direct purpose. Although Jesus was…
22: The prophecy here is found in Isaiah chapter seven and verse fourteen. Personal Journal Entry #12085Prayer Journal Entry #12085Daily Bible Reading: Judges 20:1-Ruth 1:22Praise Journal Entry #12045: Heavenly Father, thank you for another day to serve You. Your daily mercies and comforts are wonderful. Your faithfulness encourages us to be faithful to You. May…
21: The name of Christ is one of great comfort to all mankind. Jesus means Savior in every sense of the word. He is the promised redeemer. Personal Journal Entry #12084Prayer Journal Entry #12084Daily Bible Reading: Judges 17:1-19:30Praise Journal Entry #12044: Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation! Never can I ever thank You or praise You enough…
20: Joseph did not rush into anything, and while he was thinking out his course of action, the Lord communicated his plan to Joseph. This occurred in a dream in which an angel, possibly Gabriel, told him what to do. Dreams were a common method of revelation, especially in ancient times. He tells Joseph directly that the…
19: Before Joseph was informed by God concerning the specific course of action he needed to take, he was trying to come up with a good plan. Here again we see that God chose not only Mary, but also, Joseph. He was not a base fellow. He was a good man who could not countenance…
18: It may not have been often said, but needs to be, that God evidently chose a betrothed woman on purpose. Being betrothed was almost altogether the same as being married. Everyone knew that Joseph and marry were betrothed. For them to be found pregnant during the betrothal period, as long as Joseph claimed the…
17: Matthew here introduces a memory device. Three groups of fourteen help in memorizing the genealogy. Matthew explains exactly how the fourteens are to be counted. Abraham to David are counted, which makes fourteen. David to the captivity are counted, which makes fourteen if you do not count David (who has already been counted) and you…