A Mother Seeks A Savior Series

SEEKING A SAVIOR - A Mother Seeks a Savior

December 23, 2018

Matthew 1:16-17 (p. 675)

Introduction:

14 generations from Abraham to David, then 14 generations from Kind David to the Jews exile in Babylon…and 14 generations from the exile to the birth of Jesus.

42 generations in all recorded in Mathew’s genealogy…this amazing genealogy includes four women…Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Mary.

It includes names you would know…like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…David, and his son Solomon…but it also includes names you read over very quickly in your “read through the bible in a year” journey…names like Jehoshaphat and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel…

Our text traces the line all the way to Jacob, the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary…

If you’re really one of those people who love history and love genealogies…you can go back to Genesis chapter 5… “It’s the written account of Adams line all the way to Noah” …Genesis chapter 10 called, the table of nations…is the account of Shem, Ham and Japheth, Noah’s sons (it’s a description of how the nations begin to be formed through the sons of Noah ).

And if you haven’t slipped into a genealogy “coma” yet…Genesis eleven records how “Shem’s line leads all the way to Abraham.

Biblically speaking you can trace by name from Adam to Jesus, the providential line from sin to perfection…coincidentally or possibly, “God incidentally” it's 77 generations.

For each of these generations God continually reminded them of a coming Messiah…a Savior…If you’ve been part of our reading through the Bible during this year of renewal, you’ve come across many of them.

Genesis 3:15 tells us he’ll be born of woman. Micah 5:2 tells us he’ll be born in Bethlehem. Isaiah 7:14 tells us he’ll be born of a virgin. Genesis 12:3 & 22:18 tell us he’ll come through the line of Abraham. Hosea 11:1 tells us he’ll spend a season in Egypt. Jeremiah 31:15 tells us a massacre of children will happen at the Messiah’s birthplace. Zechariah 12:10 says “Soldiers will pierce His side. Psalm 16 and 49 tell us he’ll rise from the dead…Isaiah 53:5-12 tells us he’ll be a sacrifice for sin.

When we talk about Jesus Christ we need to understand “Christ” isn’t Jesus’ last name…it’s His title…”It means promised one.” Every jewish man and woman had been taught to anticipate and look for a Messiah…God’s Word taught…“A Savior is coming…I promise.”

“He will establish His Kingdom and reign forever…” The Son of David” The Son of Abraham.” Daniel calls Him “The Son of Man.” (The title Jesus uses to describe Himself more than any other.)

Matthew is clearly saying…“The wait is over…anticipate His coming no longer.” Mary, the wife of Joseph has given birth, to our Savior…Jesus…The Promised One.”

Jesus came through

I. A PROMISED BIRTH

Matthew 1:18 says, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His Mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”

She is betrothed…promised to Joseph…It’s more than an engagement…it’s a covenant arrangement between families…Joseph’s family and Mary’s family…especially her father or the male overseer of her clan…they don’t date and fall in love…they become a family and choose to love each other…neither family is wealthy…they are blue collar, Joseph is a carpenter…a man with callouses on his hands…but not on his heart.

Breaking this covenant wasn’t like severing a relationship today, it required something more…“A certificate of divorce.” And Mary is pregnant…it’s not his child and he knows it…He could have made himself look innocent and butchered her “in the press”…their community…but we learn a lot about Joseph, even before a miraculous interposition.

MATTHEW 1:19 (p. 675)

Joseph has a righteous heart…one in right relationship with God, so instead of “public disgrace for Mary”…he chooses quiet protection.

But he will soon see how God is keeping His promises…and what part he would play…after Joseph has considered all his options…and devises a quiet plan…God’s messenger intervenes.

MATTHEW 1:20 (p. 675)

I don’t know why God chose a “dream appearance” for Joseph and a “Gabriel face to face for Mary.” These are matter of faith…maybe Mary needed the real thing for all she was going to go through!

But both Mary and Joseph knew God’s promises. Both knew Isaiah the prophet had written…Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: the Virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Micah the prophet even records his birthplace…

“But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Jerihath, out of you will come for me one who will rule over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)

Joseph, son of David…don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife…This child is conceived through the Holy Spirit…