Matthew 1:18-25
Story & Lessons
Betrothal in Bible times was far more binding than engagement.
Vows were made in the presence of witnesses but the couple did not live together as man and wife until after the wedding feast.
It was during this interval that Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant.
Joseph did not want to have Mary punished for immorality and he planned a quiet divorce (19).
His attitude changed when the angel appeared to him in a dream and told him that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit (20).
He exercised great faith and obedience in taking Mary into his home as commanded by the angel (24-25).
Both Mary and himself would have to face the reproach of being branded as immoral people (John 8:41).
The angel told Joseph that Mary would bear a son, saying, "You shall call his name JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins" (21).
The Lord Jesus is also called "Immanuel – God with us" (23).
He came to save poor sinners so that God would be with us and for us instead of being against us. How wonderful!
Reflection...
Though the Lord Jesus is the ‘Savior of the world’, not everyone will be saved.
He did not come to save everyone but he came to save his people (his elect)!
The Good Shepherd gave his life for his sheep (John 10:11, 15).
Everyone for whom Christ died will be saved!
Theologians call his doctrine ‘Particular Redemption’ or ‘Limited Atonement.’
Jesus died for us because he loved us in particular before he made the world!
This should excite us to love him, to worship him and to obey him.
Story & Lessons
Betrothal in Bible times was far more binding than engagement.
Vows were made in the presence of witnesses but the couple did not live together as man and wife until after the wedding feast.
It was during this interval that Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant.
Joseph did not want to have Mary punished for immorality and he planned a quiet divorce (19).
His attitude changed when the angel appeared to him in a dream and told him that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit (20).
He exercised great faith and obedience in taking Mary into his home as commanded by the angel (24-25).
Both Mary and himself would have to face the reproach of being branded as immoral people (John 8:41).
The angel told Joseph that Mary would bear a son, saying, "You shall call his name JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins" (21).
The Lord Jesus is also called "Immanuel – God with us" (23).
He came to save poor sinners so that God would be with us and for us instead of being against us. How wonderful!
Reflection...
Though the Lord Jesus is the ‘Savior of the world’, not everyone will be saved.
He did not come to save everyone but he came to save his people (his elect)!
The Good Shepherd gave his life for his sheep (John 10:11, 15).
Everyone for whom Christ died will be saved!
Theologians call his doctrine ‘Particular Redemption’ or ‘Limited Atonement.’
Jesus died for us because he loved us in particular before he made the world!
This should excite us to love him, to worship him and to obey him.
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