I Spy God

The Births of Jesus and John the Baptist

“The cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem are both in Judea, while Nazareth is in Galilee.  That Jesus is born in the province of Judea is surprising because his family’s home is in Nazareth, some 75 miles north.  But, due to a decree by Caesar Augustus requiring everyone to return to his own city, Jesus’ birth takes place in Bethlehem — the very city named by the prophet Micah over 700 years earlier!

An even more amazing fulfillment is involved — namely Jesus’ virgin birth.  Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would be born of a virgin.  Never before nor since has a woman conceived without the seed of man.  Not only is Mary a virgin in the sens of being a young woman, but more importantly, she is a virgin in the fact that she has not had sexual relations with either her fiancée, Joseph, or any other man.  The Gospel accounts state unequivocally that Jesus is miraculously conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit of God.

As the account of Jesus’ birth begins, there is another birth announced as well — that of God’s special messenger, John, who because of his ministry of repentance and baptism will later be known as John the Baptist.”

Read:  Luke 1:5-80, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-38

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.

The Genealogies of Jesus

“Matthew’s account has no formal introduction, but rather begins with a genealogy tracing the descent of Jesus from his ancestor, Abraham, through the royal lineage of David the King.  The genealogy is traced through Jesus’ legal father, Joseph, as the husband of the virgin Mary, to whom Jesus was born.

Matthew’s genealogy contains several happy surprises.  Back in Jesus’ early roots are not only such notable righteous men as Abraham and David, but also several who stand out in history as being particularly unrighteous, including wicked King Manasseh.  Not only are there Jews as would be expected, but also Gentiles.  Also somewhat surprising, in view of their social status at this time, is the listing of women, and at least two of the women are known best for sins which they had committed.”

Read:  Matthew 1:1-17

“Luke also provides a genealogy of Jesus, but his account traces the lineage directly through Jesus’ mother, Mary.  This explains the difference in ancestors.  Luke’s genealogy also goes beyond Abraham, all the way back through Noah, Enoch, Seth, and Adam to God himself, who created the human race.”

Read:  Luke 3:23-38

“Perhaps the most significant aspect of these genealogies is the connection between Jesus and his ancestor, King David.  The prophets of old had repeatedly foretold that the Messiah would be of the house of David, and a branch of Jesse, David’s father.  Therefore, from the Jews’ perspective, Jesus is of the royal lineage and worthy to be King of Israel.”

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.