Chron7pt5

(SHEALTIEL). It is acknowledged by some that the Salathiel and Zorobabel mentioned in both Matthew's chronology and Luke's chronology may not be the same. There are differing views. One may be that Shealtiel was indeed the son of Neri, but perhaps was also considered legally to be the son of Jechonias through marriage, adoption or some other way. In this view, Zerubbabel would have had two sons—one was Rhesa and the other was Abiud. The verse continues—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF NERI,

Lk 3:28.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
MELCHI, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ADDI, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
COSAM, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ELMODAM, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ER,

Lk 3:29.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
JOSE, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ELIEZER, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
JORIM, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
MATTHAT, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
LEVI,

Lk 3:30.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
SIMEON, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(JUDAH), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
JOSEPH, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
JONAN, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ELIAKIM,

Lk 3:31.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
MELEA, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
MENAN, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
MATTATHA, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
NATHAN. He is the older brother of Solomon. The verse continues—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
DAVID,

Lk 3:32.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
JESSE, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
OBED, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(BOAZ). He married Ruth, the Moabitess. The verse continues—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
SALMON. Rahab was married to Salmon. The verse continues—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(NAHSHON),

Lk 3:33.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(AMMINADAB), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(RAM), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(HEZRON), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(PEREZ), WHICH WAS THE SON OF (JUDAH). It was through the tribe of Judah that the Messiah must come; as it is written in Gen 49:10-THE SCEPTRE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH, NOR A LAWGIVER (or the ruler’s staff) FROM BETWEEN HIS FEET, UNTIL SHILOH COME (or until He comes to whom it belongs-NIV); AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE (or it is He whom the people will obey-JNT).

Lk 3:34.      WHICH WAS THE SON OF
JACOB, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ISAAC, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ABRAHAM. Matthew’s Gospel started with David, who was the king of Israel, then to Abraham and then forward. It had to be done this way to show that Jesus had the proper ancestry to be the King of Israel.
Luke’s Gospel started with Joseph, but was the genealogy of Mary, and went backward to Abraham, but continued on to Adam which was the Son of God. It had to be done this way to show that Jesus was the Son of Man.
The fact that this genealogy continues all the way to Adam indicates that Jesus came to save both Jews and Gentiles alike—that He was for all mankind, not only for the Jews. The verse continues—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(TERAH), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(NAHOR),

Lk 3:35.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(SERUG), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(REU), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(PELEG), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
HEBER, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(SHELAH),

Lk 3:36.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
CAINAN, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ARPHAXAD, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(SHEM). It was through the seed of Shem, the firstborn of Noah, that the Messiah would also ultimately come. There were two other brothers also—Ham and Japheth. Shem—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
NOAH. Noah’s lineage may have been the only one left on the earth that had not been corrupted by the fallen angels coming in to the daughters of men-ref Gen 6:4. Noah was perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God-ref Gen 6:9. Satan had attempted to corrupt the entire human race. If he had succeeded, it would have been impossible for the Messiah to come forth. Thus, the fulfillment of Gen 3:15 would have been nullified. The verse continues—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
LAMECH,

Lk 3:37.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(METHUSELAH) (He lived to be 969 years old-ref Gen 5:27.), WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ENOCH. He walked with God and was translated-ref Gen 5:22-24. Enoch also foretold of the second coming of Christ in Jude 14-AND ENOCH ALSO, THE SEVENTH FROM ADAM, PROPHESIED OF THESE, SAYING, BEHOLD, THE LORD COMETH WITH TEN THOUSANDS OF HIS SAINTS. Enoch—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
JARED, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
(MAHALALEL). The verse continues—
WHICH WAS THE SON OF
CAINAN,

Lk 3:38.    WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ENOS, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
SETH, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
ADAM, WHICH WAS THE SON OF
GOD. He was the Son of God through being created.

Jn 1:4.    IN HIM (which is Jesus)
WAS LIFE. Only “in” Jesus is eternal life. As it is written, Acts 4:12-NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: FOR THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED. The verse continues—
AND THE LIFE (which is eternal, which is Jesus)
WAS THE LIGHT (Jesus was and is the life and the light). Note the words “life was the light.” Thus, it may be said that the “light” was the “life”. In Jesus is life, which is the light—
OF (MANKIND). The only light, the only way possible to receive eternal life is through and by the person of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. This is the only light through which mankind can have life eternal. Man lost the life and light in the garden of Eden, but in Christ Jesus is life and light which can be restored by trusting in Jesus.
Satan told Eve, Gen 3:5-YOUR EYES SHALL BE OPENED, AND YE SHALL BE AS GODS, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL. When Adam disobeyed God, their eyes were not opened but rather closed. They chose to believe the lies of Satan, and as a result, all mankind fell from the life and light.

Jn 1:5.    AND THE LIGHT (which is Jesus) (which is God) (which is salvation, which is the Word, which is correction) (which is the only way to God) (which is holy, or love, mercy and compassion) (which is humble, quiet childlikeness even when being corrected from God’s Word), the light—
(SHINES) (or radiates) (or is present)—
IN (the) DARKNESS (which represents unbelief, sin and evil) (which denotes death, ignorance and those things which are sinful and bad) (or which represents the world and death) (or which can represent hard or stiffnecked hearts) (which is an accusing, justifying, unchildlike attitude when being corrected from God’s Word) (which represents all that is contrary to light and God’s truth). Isa 9:2-THE PEOPLE THAT WALKED IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT: THEY THAT DWELL IN THE LAND OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM HATH THE LIGHT SHINED.
Light dispels darkness. If a person does not have Jesus, which is life and light, then he is in darkness.
The light shines in the darkness—
AND THE DARKNESS COMPREHENDED (or understood) IT NOT.

DARKNESS DOES NOT UNDERSTAND

The people which are unbelievers, sinful and evil, or prideful, which are hard and stiffnecked, which have hearts that are calloused or hard, which love this present world, even the world itself, even the accusing, self-justifying, unchildlike people, or all that is contrary to light and God’s truth, they do not understand the light. All whose works are evil when viewed by God’s Word, do not understand Jesus, the Bible, the Word, and God. They do not comprehend the true salvation or the holy. They do not perceive God’s love, mercy, and compassion. They do not comprehend the light. The very thoughts and intents of their heart are wrong when viewed in light of God’s Word; thus, their own hearts reshape and redefine God’s Word. They understand God’s Word in the context that their heart wants or chooses to understand it. They just do not understand God and His ways, although many are often positive they do. They see God’s Word as if viewed through darkened, distorted or colored sunglasses. When they sin, they may even say, “Doesn’t everyone do it?” A lying and dishonest heart—how can it be truthful with itself?
When they read or hear God’s Word, their eyes, ears and heart do not understand what God’s Word really means.
Their perception of God’s Word is as if there was an impenetrable filter that filters out or removes the real truth. Their evil, dark, wounded, hurt, scarred, callused, self-seeking, worldly heart just cannot fully comprehend what they are hearing as it applies to themselves. When God’s Word comes in contact with their eyes, ears and heart, it is like good seed falling on cement, or seed that falls into dirt that is full of rock, or seed sprouting up but then the weeds and vines choke and kill the plants once they have begun to grow. Satan is able to remove God’s Word from some people’s hearts as fast as it goes in. They have a wayside heart, thus their understanding is completely distorted. In others God’s Word gets through, but afterwards Satan is able to somehow stop any more of God’s Word coming in, or he is able to destroy or distort the correct meaning of God’s Word so that they also perish. Their heart has lots of stones or thorns in it. Fearfulness, hatred, anger, bitterness, resentment, loneliness, hurts, pride, selfishness, self-desires, feeling sorry for oneself, pleasures, cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of all kinds are some of the things that distort, choke and kill God’s Word. Some begin to bear good fruit, but then the person becomes unfruitful, even as a tree begins to bring forth good fruit, but then withers and dies.
The darkness wants the light extinguished, as it exposes their evil deeds.
Unjust thoughts come forth from an unjust person. Those that have Satan for their father will not understand the light. They resist the light.
They shall perish.Where there is no pride, there should be no embarrassment.

JESUS IS LIFE

Jn 5:26-FOR AS THE FATHER HATH LIFE IN HIMSELF; SO HATH HE GIVEN TO THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF;
Jn 6:57-AS THE LIVING FATHER HATH SENT ME, AND I LIVE BY THE FATHER: SO HE THAT EATETH ME, EVEN HE SHALL LIVE BY ME.
Jn 10:10-THE THIEF COMETH NOT, BUT FOR TO STEAL, AND TO KILL, AND TO DESTROY: I AM COME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE, AND THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY.
Jn 11:25-26-JESUS SAID UNTO HER, I AM THE RESURRECTION, AND THE LIFE: HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME, THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE: AND WHOSOEVER LIVETH AND BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE. BELIEVEST THOU THIS?
Jn 14:6-JESUS SAITH UNTO HIM, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.
Jn 17:3-AND THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST, WHOM THOU HAST SENT.
Jn 20:31-BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN, THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD; AND THAT BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME.

Jesus, Who is life and light, was manifested, THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL (which is darkness) 1 Jn 3:8.
Mary returned home to Nazareth, seemingly just after the birth of John the Baptist. She had been pregnant for about 3 months. Some time after Joseph, her fiancee, learned that she was pregnant.

Mt 1:18. NOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST (or Yeshua the Messiah-JNT)
(WAS AS FOLLOWS):
WHEN AS HIS MOTHER MARY
WAS ESPOUSED (or engaged, pledged, or betrothed)
TO (be married to)
JOSEPH,
(but) BEFORE THEY (which is Joseph and Mary), before they—
CAME TOGETHER (or were married) (or had intimate relations),—
SHE WAS FOUND (to be) (PREGNANT).
OF THE HOLY GHOST (or Holy Spirit). Note the words of Isa 49:5-THE LORD THAT FORMED ME FROM THE WOMB.
The Scriptures do not tell us at what point that it was discovered she was pregnant. Neither does it tell us when or if any others found out that she was pregnant. If the surrounding neighbors would have known, Mary might have suffered humiliation, ridicule, or even worse. Up to this point, Joseph had not been told by Mary what had happened to her. It is unlikely Joseph would have believed her even if she had told him.

MARRIAGES

Marriages were usually arranged by the parents. Once the arrangement took place, they were often referred to as married, even though they were only engaged. They were not allowed to live together or have intimate relations. The woman would continue to live with her parents. There was a waiting period they had to go through to see if the bride-to-be would be faithful. If she was, then after the waiting period, the bridegroom would come to receive his bride as his wife
It is the same with the church today. Once a person has received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, they are engaged. They go through a waiting period to see if they will remain faithful. Once the rapture or resurrection of the faithful takes place, then the marriage is consummated. Mary was found to be pregnant during this waiting period and so Joseph was going to put her away. Whether or not Mary had tried to tell Joseph how she had become pregnant is not revealed. It is written—

Mt 1:19.      THEN JOSEPH (Joseph means “Increaser”). The verse continues—
HER HUSBAND (to be),
BEING A JUST (or righteous) MAN (or a man who did what was right-JNT),
AND NOT WILLING TO MAKE HER A PUBLIC EXAMPLE (or public shame, or disgrace), (
HAD IN MIND)
TO PUT HER AWAY (QUIETLY) (or secretly). Note, Joseph must have been very hurt when he found out that his fiancee Mary was pregnant. He had planned to marry her. Yet despite his hurt, he did not wish to openly accuse or try to humiliate or discredit her. He just wanted to end their engagement quietly. Note that just thoughts were coming forth from a just man.

Mt 1:20.    BUT WHILE HE (CONSIDERED) THESE THINGS. It is noted that this was very much in his thoughts. God let him consider the matter first, and then the angel came to give him advice. It appears even in his sleep, his thoughts were on this situation, and—
BEHOLD, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED (TO) HIM IN A DREAM, SAYING. The angel is not identified. The verse continues—
JOSEPH, THOU SON OF DAVID. The angel addresses Joseph by his name and then identifies him as being of the house or descendants of David. He was a direct descendant of David through Solomon-ref Mt 1:6-16. Joseph was a legitimate heir of the throne of David, which had been vacant for hundreds of years. Joseph needed to be of the house of David, as it is written in Isa 9:6,7 and 2 Sam 7:16 and many other verses-AND THINE HOUSE AND THY KINGDOM SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR EVER BEFORE THEE: THY THRONE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR EVER. The verse continues as the angel speaks—
FEAR NOT TO TAKE (TO) THEE MARY (YOUR) WIFE (or do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife-NIV):
FOR THAT WHICH IS CONCEIVED IN HER IS (FROM) THE HOLY GHOST (or Holy Spirit). Joseph understood and believed in the Holy Ghost.

Mt 1:21.    AND SHE SHALL (GIVE BIRTH TO) (or bear)
A SON. The angel identifies to Joseph that the baby yet to be born will be a son, not a daughter—
AND (YOU) (which is Joseph)—
(SHALL) CALL HIS NAME JESUS (or Yeshua, [which means ‘Adonai saves’,-JNT]: Joseph is being told what to name the son. This name means Adonai saved, or Jehovah saves.” The very basis for the Gospel is in the name of Jesus.
Both Mary and Joseph have now been told what the Son’s name shall be. The verse continues—
FOR (it is) HE
(Who) SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE
FROM THEIR SINS. Note, it says “HE” shall save. Man cannot save himself. Religions cannot save. Trying to be good cannot save a person. The church cannot save a person. Following certain rules cannot save a person. Being religious cannot save a person. It is only Jesus that can save a person from their sins.
The reason that He shall be called Jesus, even the reason Jesus would be born of the virgin Mary was to save people from their sins. It is noted that the angel did not tell Joseph that Jesus shall save His people from Rome or other things, but from their sins. The message given to Joseph about Jesus was the purpose of His first coming—to save people from their sins.
This is a somewhat different message than was given to Mary by the angel. Note Lk 1:32, 33-HE SHALL BE GREAT, AND SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF THE HIGHEST. The purpose given to Mary concerned that He would be great and would be called the Son of the Highest, but then the message went on to what would transpire when Jesus returned for His second coming. The verse continues—AND THE LORD GOD SHALL GIVE UNTO HIM THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER (or forefather) DAVID. AND HE SHALL REIGN OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOR EVER; AND OF HIS KINGDOM THERE SHALL BE NO END (or His kingdom will never end-NIV). At that time, it was not clearly understood that Jesus must die, rise from the dead, ascend up to be with His Father, sit on the right hand of God the Father, and then return after an unspecified amount of time to this earth at the time of the Battle of Armageddon.
Joseph undoubtedly would never have believed Mary about how she became pregnant. An angel of the Lord had to tell him. As a result of what was told to Joseph and Mary, a more complete picture comes forth. Both the first and second coming of Jesus are revealed. The first coming was as God’s Lamb to accomplish His people being saved from their sins. The second coming is that He shall reign as King of Kings. It is soon to come for Israel is now back in their land.
Jesus shall save His people from their sins.

SIN—WHAT IS IT?

It is disobedience to God. It is disobeying His Word. Sin is ultimately against God. It is doing things which we are not to do, and it is not doing things which we should do. It is not having a Christ-like attitude and not doing what Christ would do in every situation. It is speaking things that ought not to be spoken and not speaking things that are right. Sin is being stiff-necked, stubborn, and rebellious to correction from God’s Word. Sin is wrong response to God’s divine standards. It is rebelling against, falling short, or deviating from the ways that God has established. As it is written, Isa 30:21-THIS IS THE WAY, WALK YE IN IT. Sin is turning to the left or to the right-ref Deut 5:32, when God says to walk straight ahead or turn around. Sin is not walking IN ALL THE WAYS WHICH THE LORD GOD HATH COMMANDED YOU-ref Deut 5:33. Sin is not walking in the newness of life, not living and yielding unto God, and not obeying God from the heart. Sin is not yielding your bodies servants to righteousness unto holiness. Sin is not bringing forth fruit unto God or being conformed to the image of His Son. Sin is walking after the flesh and after self. Sin is not being ashamed of your past fruits or deeds-ref Ro 6. It is missing God’s mark but even more.
When a person follows self, they (or what the Bible calls the old man) is the center of their own universe. When a person follows Jesus, Jesus becomes the center of their universe.
Man’s very nature wants to deny what sin is. Some men’s consciences are so corrupt that it is as if they are seared with a hot iron. They can do the most hideous acts and yet wipe their mouth and say, “I’ve done no wrong. I am not a sinner” They feel no shame or guilt no matter what they do. Man’s corrupt heart and thinking wants to deny he did, or does, anything wrong. He wants to accuse and point fingers at others and justify himself. Man’s very nature from birth is wicked from the fall of Adam. People’s very nature is wrapped up in self, not in God. A child does not have to be taught to lie and disobey his parents. It is natural. Rather a child needs to be taught to be truthful and obey his parents. Which keeps a child in check? Is it because he loves his parents, or is it the fear of being spanked? It is by the fear of God that men depart from evil-ref Pv 16:6, not by the love of God. Those people that do not fear God as they ought, or refuse to believe it is God that chastens them when they do wrong, often continue to do wrong. As it is written, THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES-Ro 1:18. Not only do people sin against God’s Word, but they usually think nothing about breaking some of their own laws. Example, do people consider it wrong to break the speed limits, run red lights, or not come to a complete stop at stop signs? Does man consider it wrong to curse God’s name, or listen to others doing it, even in the movies or on television? Do most people consider it wrong to lie in every situation or just in some situations? Man is so corrupt in his thinking that he says he believes in God, and he believes that God cannot lie, yet he refuses to believe all that God said in His Word. Many claim they believe in God, but do not believe that God created all things. They choose to believe in evolution, which has been proven to be false. Man will justify, do and believe that which is right in his own eyes. Pv 21:2; 16:2-EVERY WAY OF A MAN IS RIGHT (and clean) IN HIS OWN EYES. He does this even though God’s Word tells him: Jere 17:9-THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT? Ro 3:23-FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. Ro 3:10-THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE. Isa 64:6-WE ARE ALL AS AN UNCLEAN THING, AND ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE AS FILTHY RAGS; AND WE ALL DO FADE AS A LEAF; AND OUR INIQUITIES, LIKE THE WIND, HAVE TAKEN US AWAY.
Mankind by nature is spiritually dead. People are by nature the servants or slaves of sin, and of their own lusts, and warped desires. All need redemption. All need to repent. All need to acknowledge their sin, confess their sins, deny self and surrender their will to God’s will. All need Jesus for without Jesus, only eternal damnation lies ahead. Jesus came to save His people from their sins. Few in a lukewarm, financially prosperous, comfort-seeking, and pleasure-filled society will do this. Few will give up and forsake all now in order to obtain eternity with Jesus later.
Many use the Satan-motivated sayings, “These Scriptures do not really mean what they say,” or “That is your interpretation, and it is wrong,” or “You don’t understand my situation.” By saying these things, they nullify the authority and ability of their preacher to correct them from the error of their own ways. In believing these lies, they discredit any God-given counsel that might come through their minister. In other words, before their minister can open his mouth to speak one word of correction to help them from God’s Word, they have already deemed in their own wicked heart that that correction cannot be correct as he could not possibly understand their situation. But what they are really saying is that they do not want God and His Word to reign over them.   What they are really showing is that they themselves are very worldly and have little or no real relationship with God. They will probably perish unless they come to true repentance, but few will believe this also, because the darkness of their own heart blinds their understanding.
It is written Mt 7:20-WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM. A mature believer is to be known by their Christ-like attitude and overcoming sin in their daily lives. A mature believer is known by his humble, childlike, no excuse, no self-justification, and repentant attitude toward all correction from God, from His Word; from those He speaks through, including His servants that He has ordained to be over us. The more a person understands God, the more broken and humbled he becomes. The closer a person gets to God, the more sinful he can see himself when viewed in light of God’s Word and God’s holiness, even as clean white clothes look good in a dim light, but when viewed in a bright light, one can see all the dirt. The lukewarm, Laodicean church of today has a very dim light indeed when looking to see sin and God’s truth. The more sinful a person sees himself, the more he loves God as he understands the wonderful merciful, loving kindness of God called grace. Grace came as a result of the bloody sacrifice, but glorious resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus came to save people from their sins. A person must put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. It must be the Jesus Christ of the Bible, not another Christ. A person must repent. After a person comes to Christ in trust and repentance, then he is commanded to be baptized as it is written. He is born-again and no longer comes under the law of sin and of death, but now comes under the law of liberty. The person receives God’s Spirit by faith-ref Gal 3:2 to help him overcome sin. Ref. Mt 1:21-This was all done according to God’s plan, as written over 700 years previously—

Mt 1:22.    NOW ALL THIS (HAPPENED) (or took place),
THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED
WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD BY
THE PROPHET, SAYING,

Mt 1:23.    BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL (CONCEIVE),
AND SHALL (GIVE BIRTH TO) (or bear) A SON,
AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME EMMANUEL,
WHICH BEING (TRANSLATED) IS,
GOD (is) WITH US. Ref Isa 7:14-THEREFORE THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL GIVE YOU A SIGN; BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON, AND SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL. Immanuel is referring to such as God, Jehovah, the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of God, etc. He is deity. He is very God and also very man. He is the second person of the Trinity, yet is such a perfect representation of the Father that Jesus said, Jn 14:9-HE THAT HATH SEEN ME HATH SEEN THE FATHER. Yet Jesus was also sent in the likeness of sinful flesh-ref Ro 8:3, but he was not sinful. He was MADE IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN-Phili 2:7.
It also was the beginning of the fulfillment of Gen 3:15-AND I WILL PUT ENMITY BETWEEN THEE (which is Satan) AND THE WOMAN, AND BETWEEN THY SEED (the seed of Satan) AND HER SEED; IT (the seed of the woman) SHALL BRUISE THY HEAD, AND THOU (which is Satan) SHALT BRUISE HIS HEEL (the seed of the woman-which is Jesus).

It also was the beginning of the fulfillment of Gen 49:10 and many other Old Testament Scriptures. It is written, Gen 49:10-THE SCEPTRE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH, NOR A LAWGIVER FROM BETWEEN HIS FEET, UNTIL SHILOH (or the Messiah) COME; AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE.

Mt 1:24.    THEN JOSEPH BEING RAISED (or awoke, or arose)
FROM SLEEP
DID AS THE ANGEL OF THE LORD HAD (TOLD) (or commanded)
HIM. Joseph believed what the angel had told him in the dream. He had a full recollection of all that was said to him. The verse continues—
AND (he) TOOK (Mary)
(TO) HIM (as) HIS WIFE. It appears that soon afterwards Joseph took Mary into his own house as his wife before the waiting period was over, but they did not have intimate relations. There may have been gossip about the situation.
It appears that when they went to Bethlehem, they were still not married-ref Lk 2:5; however, this may not be referring to marriage, but rather that they had not been intimate. In other words it appears the marriage ceremony had taken place, but the marriage was not consummated until sometime after Jesus had been born.

Lk 2:1.    AND IT CAME TO PASS. Luke uses this phrase more than any other New Testament
writer. The verse continues—
IN THOSE DAYS,
THAT THERE WENT OUT A DECREE FROM CAESAR AUGUSTUS,
THAT ALL THE (Roman) WORLD (or Empire)
SHOULD BE TAXED (or a census should be taken-NASB). All this is happening so the Scriptures could be
fulfilled. The whole Roman empire was to be taxed God, through Caesar Augustus, set up the decree at exactly the right time and in exactly the right way to cause Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem at exactly the right time. Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem according to the Scriptures. It is written, Micah 5:2-BUT THOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH, THOUGH THOU BE LITTLE AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, YET OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME FORTH UNTO ME THAT IS TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL; WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING.
Thus God sets up a situation through Caesar that would accomplish this.
Caesar Augustus, it is estimated, ruled the Roman empire from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. Estimates of the exact year that Jesus was born vary from about 5 B.C. to about 1 B.C. Also calendar changes or variations since that time make it difficult to pinpoint exactly what year it is right now in proportion to those dates. Some believe the calendar used in the United States could be off from 1 to 4 years.
It is thought that at this time the Roman empire extended further than at any time previously or after. It is reported that Jerusalem had fallen to Rome about 60 years before the birth of Jesus.

Lk 2:2.    (AND THIS TAXING [or census, or registration] [the first of its kind-JNT]
WAS FIRST MADE WHEN CYRENIUS [or Quirinius]
WAS GOVERNOR OF SYRIA.) There is also controversy and uncertainty as to what the exact dates were when Cyrenius was governor.

Lk 2:3.    AND ALL WENT TO BE TAXED (or to register for the census-NASB), EVERY
ONE INTO HIS OWN CITY (or town). This is referring to the city of their ancestry.

Lk 2:4.    AND JOSEPH ALSO WENT UP FROM GALILEE,
OUT OF THE (TOWN) OF NAZARETH,
INTO (JUDEA),
(TO) THE CITY OF DAVID,
WHICH IS CALLED BETHLEHEM. Bethlehem was only a small town located not far from Jerusalem. It means “house of bread”. Jesus is the bread of life. The verse continues—
(BECAUSE HE WAS OF THE HOUSE AND LINEAGE [or family] OF DAVID:). Joseph was of the family of David, who was from Bethlehem; thus, this is where he was required to go. The distance would have been 66 to 90 miles, depending on which way they traveled.

Lk 2:5.    TO BE TAXED (or in order to register-NASB) (along)
WITH MARY HIS ESPOUSED WIFE (or who was engaged to him-NASB).
BEING (PREGNANT) WITH (a) CHILD. She went with Joseph. This verse indicates they were not married.

Mt 1:24-makes it clear that soon afterwards Joseph took Mary into his own house as his wife before the waiting period was over, but they did not have intimate relations. There may have been gossip about the situation.
It appears that when they went to Bethlehem, they were still not married-ref Lk 2:5; however, this may not be referring to marriage, but rather that they had not been intimate. In other words it appears the marriage ceremony had taken place, but the marriage was not consummated until sometime after Jesus had been born.
Mary was about 9 months pregnant. She was about to have a child. A trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was long and difficult. Yet this was all in the will of God, so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled.

Lk 2:6.    AND SO IT WAS, THAT, WHILE THEY WERE THERE,
THE DAYS WERE (COMPLETED)
THAT SHE SHOULD (GIVE BIRTH). The date of the birth is arguable. Some believe it is probable that the birth of Jesus took place in September or October.

Mt 1:25.    AND KNEW HER NOT (or he did not have sexual relations-JNT, or union with her)
TILL SHE HAD BROUGHT FORTH (or given birth to)
HER FIRSTBORN SON. It may have been a great temptation for Joseph to abstain all this time, yet he was a righteous man. The verse continues—
AND HE CALLED (or gave Him)
HIS NAME JESUS. Joseph obeyed God.

Lk 2:7.    AND SHE (GAVE BIRTH TO) HER FIRSTBORN (child, a)
SON. The word “firstborn” indicates that she had no children. Jesus was the first. Other children would come afterward. Jesus had four half brothers at a later date. Their names were James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. He also had sisters-ref Mt 13:55,56. It was foretold that there would be other children, in Ps 69:8-I AM BECOME A STRANGER UNTO MY BRETHREN, AND AN ALIEN UNTO MY MOTHER'S CHILDREN. His brothers are also mentioned in Jn 7:3-5 when they tempted Him. They did not believe in Him until after the resurrection-ref Acts 1:14. Gal 1:19 mentions James, the Lord’s brother.
There is no mention that there was a midwife to help deliver the babe.

“FIRSTBORN” IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Ro 8:29-FOR WHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, HE ALSO DID PREDESTINATE TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
Col 1:15-WHO IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, THE FIRSTBORN OF EVERY CREATURE:
Col 1:18-AND HE IS THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH: WHO IS THE BEGINNING,
THE FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD; THAT IN ALL THINGS HE MIGHT HAVE THE PREEMINENCE.
Heb 12:23-TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN, AND TO GOD THE JUDGE OF ALL, AND TO THE SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT.
Also Mt 1:25; Lk 2:7 and Heb 11:28.
The verse continues—
AND WRAPPED HIM IN SWADDLING CLOTHES, (or strips of cloths) which some say was the custom of their time. Others believe this shows how poor they were in that they only had strips of cloth to wrap the baby in. The verse continues—
AND LAID HIM IN A (FEEDING TROUGH); (or a place where livestock fed). Jesus was born in a stable for animals, had an animal feeding trough for a bed, and was wrapped with strips of cloth. The verse continues—
BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ROOM (or space)
FOR THEM IN THE INN. If they would have been rich, undoubtedly, they would have made room for them at the inn. Whether the stable was in the open air, a cave, or other enclosure is not known. The fact that the inn was filled indicates that there were probably many animals present in the stable. All of these things seem to indicate that Joseph and Mary were poor, but Mary was highly favored with God. Joseph was a righteous man and was of a royal line. Jesus is God, yet despite all this they could not get a room at the inn. Jesus was born in a feeding trough. He had a very humble beginning. His first bed was this trough. The very birth of Jesus teaches us not to seek for worldly glory or riches.
Gal 4:4-BUT WHEN THE FULNESS OF THE TIME WAS COME, GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON, MADE OF A WOMAN, MADE UNDER THE LAW. God chose not to give us that date that Jesus was born.
Jesus is the Word. The birth, life and death of Jesus goes like this. There was no place at the inn for Jesus to be born. During His ministry, He had no place to lay his head-ref Mt 8:20; and His own received Him not-Jn 1:11. The world knew Him not-Jn 1:10. As Jesus preached, many of his own disciples turned back from Him. He was betrayed by one of the twelve apostles. Most of the people rejected Him. Most of the religious leaders rejected Him. The people hated him so much that they wanted Barnabas released, but Jesus, who had done no sin, they wanted killed. Then when He died it was through being hung on a cross; as it IS WRITTEN, CURSED IS EVERY ONE THAT HANGETH ON A TREE-Gal 3:13. Then when He rose from the dead, people lied about it saying that His disciples stole Him away-ref Mt 28:13. Even today most refuse to believe the Bible or obey it. Many try to discredit it by saying—it was only written by men, it is not true, and it cannot be understood.
The greatest event in the history of Earth was happening—the birth of Jesus Christ. God had come to this earth in human form, and yet the world did not even know it happened. Furthermore, even today, though much of the world celebrates Christmas—the date that celebrates the birth of Jesus—yet Jesus Christ, Who is God, has been replaced with a fantasy figure named Santa Claus—God forbid.

JESUS IN THE REVELATION

In the Revelation, it is written:

Rev 12:2-AND SHE (the woman-Israel) (was pregnant) BEING WITH CHILD (and) CRIED (or screamed), TRAVAILING IN BIRTH, AND PAINED (or in agony of labor) TO BE DELIVERED (or to give birth to the Messiah).
Isaiah confirms this, as it is written, BEFORE SHE (Israel) TRAVAILED, SHE BROUGHT FORTH; BEFORE
HER PAIN CAME, SHE WAS DELIVERED OF A MAN CHILD-Isa 66:7,8. Also note ref Ro 9:4,5. The Roman Catholics have mistakenly confused the woman with Mary. No where in the Bible is Mary ever pictured as being clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet or having a crown of twelve stars upon her head. No where is she ever depicted as fulfilling Rev 12:6.
Rev 12:5-AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH A MAN CHILD (or son) (Whose name was Jesus). Isa 66:7 had said, SHE WAS DELIVERED OF A MAN CHILD. The One WHO WAS TO RULE ALL NATIONS. This will take place during the Millennium. Jesus will rule WITH A ROD OF IRON (or iron scepter).
Jesus will deal with sin severely.

Lk 2:8.    AND THERE WERE IN THE SAME COUNTRY (or countryside, or region nearby)
SHEPHERDS (STAYING OUT) IN THE FIELD,
KEEPING WATCH OVER (or guarding)
THEIR FLOCK BY NIGHT. It may be said that these were destined to become the first preachers of a sort. This is symbolic of Jesus watching over us, as well as a faithful minister watching over his flock to insure that the wolves do not come and kill them. It is during the night that the wolves are more likely to attack.
It is reported that it was not the custom to keep flocks of sheep out at night from our October or November to after Passover in our March or April. December 25th does not appear to be the birth of Christ.

Lk 2:9.    AND, LO, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD (suddenly)
(STOOD BEFORE) THEM. These faithful shepherds are the first to hear the glad tidings of the birth of Christ. The verse continues—
AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE (AROUND) THEM. This would seem to indicate that although it was night, all of a sudden, there was great light present. The verse continues—
AND THEY WERE (GREATLY) AFRAID.

Lk 2:10.    AND THE ANGEL SAID (TO) THEM,
(DO NOT BE AFRAID-NIV). Such words as these are often used when an angel appears to someone. The shepherds were being reassured that they need not be afraid. The verse continues—
FOR, BEHOLD, I BRING YOU GOOD (NEWS). The news of the birth is indeed good news. The verse continues—
OF GREAT JOY. The birth of Jesus is indeed an event of great joy to people. The verse continues—
WHICH SHALL BE TO ALL PEOPLE. Jesus, even the Word, is for people throughout the world. He is for the Jews, but also for people from the east to the west. There is only one Gospel and one Messiah, and only one way to enter heaven. However, how can this Good News do anyone any good, if people do not know about it. It needs to be proclaimed. It is for all people.

Lk 2:11.    FOR (TO) YOU (to the shepherds, to the Jews). The verse continues—
IS BORN THIS (very) DAY IN THE CITY (or town) OF DAVID. The town being referred to is Bethlehem. The verse continues—
A SAVIOR (or Deliverer). The angel now identifies what the Messiah is-He is the Savior. Jesus is not announced as a King, but as a Saviour. The wise men, which came looking for the King at a later date, are not presented in Luke’s Gospel. The verse continues—
WHICH IS CHRIST (or Messiah) (or Anointed)
THE LORD. Since this happened before He was circumcised, his name was not given to the shepherds. The babe was identified by saying he is Messiah, the Lord.
The birth of the long awaited Christ (or the Messiah) is being announced by the angels to the shepherds. Thousands of years before, after the fall of Adam, in Gen 3:15, God showed through the Scriptures that there would be a time when the Christ would come. Many of the writers of the Old Testament prophesied of such a time and more specifically gave information concerning His birth, life, death and even His resurrection. Finally, that long awaited day has arrived.
What was born was not a religion of rules, regulations, creeds, and sacraments, or a particular denomination, but a Person. The Messiah is the Word. The Messiah is God. Regretfully, man has turned Jesus into religion and denominations. God is seldom anymore feared in the assembly of the saints. Religion and denominations have turned Christ Jesus into another Gospel and another Jesus. He is God. He is the Word, and the Word is to be obeyed. He is to be loved. He is Christ, manifested in the flesh, but few understand, believe, or proclaim this.

Lk 2:12.    AND THIS SHALL BE A SIGN (TO) YOU (or here is how you will know-JNT). The shepherds are now told where to find the Messiah. The verse continues—
(YOU) SHALL FIND THE (BABY)
WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHES, (and)
LYING IN A (FEEDING TROUGH). The sign to the shepherds would be that they would find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough. The humble beginning that Jesus had was ordained of God.
It is a far cry from the beginnings many kings of the earth have. They are often born with much majesty and pomp in the best house and with many in attendance. The announcement of the birth of Christ by the angels was awesome, but what the shepherds were to find was humility—a baby lying in a feeding trough for animals.

Lk 2:13.    AND SUDDENLY
THERE WAS WITH THE ANGEL
A (GREAT COMPANY) OF THE HEAVENLY HOST. When the angel had finished his speaking, suddenly, or we might also say unexpectedly and immediately, a great company of the heavenly host joined in. One can only imagine how the area must have been lit up with the great company of the heavenly host. The heavenly host was probably there all along; however, suddenly they appeared so they could be seen and heard. The verse continues—
PRAISING GOD. If heavenly angels praise God, how much more should His saints, who have been forgiven and redeemed, praise Him? The verse continues—
AND SAYING,

Lk 2:14.    GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST (heaven). First, the heavenly host praise God and give Him glory. Many “so called” people that claim they are saved never praise God and give Him any glory, because they are not true believers. The verse continues—
AND ON EARTH PEACE,
GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN (or peace among people of good will-JNT, or peace to men on whom His
favor rests-NIV). The good news of the birth of Jesus meant peace and good will among people on whom God’s favor rests, those of good will.
Note the words used:
good news,
great joy,
glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace,
and good will to men.
How horrible it is, the world rejected this message. For the most part the world rejected Jesus.
While these words have been fulfilled, there will indeed be on earth peace and good will to men during the millennium.
It is noted that the first to be told about the birth of Jesus were the shepherds. They in turn would spread the Word among the people.
Eph 6:15 tells us-AND YOUR FEET SHOD (or fitted). Again we see another piece of the armor that God is telling us to have on. Our FEET are to be SHOD WITH THE PREPARATION (or readiness) OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. We should be ready and prepared. We are to stand on the “Rock,” the Gospel. We are to put on armor and be ready for the struggle, yet our message is “peace,” the GOSPEL OF PEACE. Indeed, peace on earth and good will toward men-ref Lk 2:14. We are to have peace, even in the midst of the struggle—the peace which passes all understanding-ref Phili 4:7.

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