Fourth Sunday of Advent: Year- A
First
Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14: The maiden is with child.
Second
Reading: Romans 1:1-7: Jesus Christ, descendant of
David, Son of God.
The
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25: Jesus is born of Mary who
was betrothed to Joseph, son of David.
Jesus’ Divine Birth: Unusual Events, Mt 1:18-25
The
coming of God’s Son into the world was the most phenomenal events in all of
history. It necessitated and caused some very unusual events.
1.
His birth was of the Spirit (v.18)
2.
His birth created a predicament (v.18-19)
a.
Joseph’s predicament: Mary was pregnant before marriage
b.
Joseph’s character and solution
1) Character: A righteous man
2) Solution: Not expose Mary
3.
His birth necessitated a special revelation (v.20-21)
a.
To give assurance
1) He was chosen
2) He was not to fear
b.
To guide: In taking Mary to be his wife
c.
To explain: The child of the Spirit
d.
To reveal the Child’s destiny
1) His name: Jesus
2) His mission: To save
4.
His birth was a fulfilment of prophecy (v.22-23)
a.
Predicting His virgin birth
b.
Predicting His name: Immanuel
5.
His birth brought about a great obedience (v.24-25)
Thought: God
chose the name of His Son, Jesus (iesous): Saviour; He will save. The Hebrew
form is Joshua (yasha), meaning Jehova is salvation; He is Saviour. The idea is
that of deliverance, of being saved from some terrible disaster that leads to
perishing (Jn 3:16; Rom 8:3; Gal 1:4; Heb 2:14-18;7:25). Jesus’ mission was to
save and His purpose for living. God gave Him mission-the purpose for every
person’s life who looks to God as Jesus looked (Mt 20:28; Lk 19:10; Jn 20:21).
God met
Joseph when he took time to get alone and to think. The right frame of mind is
essential in order to hear and receive the message of God.
The believer
who gets alone with God and think through the trails confronting him will be
met by God. God will give assurance and guide the believer (Mt 6:33; Ph 4:6-7;
Jn 16:13; Rom 8:13; 13:5).
No comments:
Post a Comment