This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
During January we covered the events from the Gospel Accounts that occurred prior to Jesus' conception. This involved John 1:1-5, Matthew 1:1-15, and Luke 1:1-79.
This month we covered the events from Jesus' conception through childhood. This involved Matthew 1:16-25, Matthew 2:1-23, and Luke 1:80; 2:1-52.
Here is the summary:
The circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth were: Joseph and Mary were married through an exchange of tokens but had not yet completed their Marriage Covenant. Joseph found out Mary was pregnant and chose to put her away privately...
An angel confirmed to Joseph that Mary had conceived of the Holy Spirit and the child's name was to be JESUS. Joseph did not put Mary away and he did not consummate the marriage until after the child was born.
Around the time JESUS was ready to be born, Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem because of a census. JESUS was born in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
An angel appeared to the nearby shepherds and told them the MESSIAH had been born...and gave directions to see JESUS. The shepherds believed the angel and found JESUS. The shepherds told everyone what the angel stated. Everyone except Mary wondered. Mary already knew this and put this information in her heart.
Jesus was born fourteen generations after the captivity...which was fourteen generations after David...which was fourteen generations after Abraham.
Magi came to Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews had been born so they could worship Him. Herod asked the chief priests where the MESSIAH would be born. The chief priests referenced Micah 5:2 to say the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem. Herod told the Magi to go to Bethlehem and asked them to tell him exactly where the MESSIAH was so he could worship Him.
Joseph and Mary named Him JESUS during His circumcision on the eighth day and went to Jerusalem to fulfill The Law according to dedicating the first born. While Mary and Joseph were in Jerusalem, there was a man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, stated Jesus was the Messiah and that He would reach out to the Gentiles. Simeon stated one purpose for the Messiah's suffering was for people to reveal what was in their hearts. Anna confirmed Simeon's testimony concerning Jesus. Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth in Galilee when they fulfilled everything necessary concerning a first born son according to The Law.
The star/angel led the Magi to Nazareth where they found Jesus. These Wise Men rejoiced when they found Jesus. They brought him gifts and were warned by God in a dream to not return to Herod. Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt because he was warned in a dream that Herod would seek to destroy Jesus. Herod had all the male children killed that were in Bethlehem that were two years and younger.
After Herod died, an angel told Joseph to return to Israel. Joseph settled in Nazareth. Jesus was raised according to The Law and participated in His first passover at twelve years old. He stayed in Jerusalem when Joseph and Mary left.
At twelve years old, Jesus was able to teach Torah teachers as if Jesus was a Master Torah teacher. Twelve year old Jesus was a Master Torah teacher. He answered Mary's Questions with two Questions pointing to His Divine Nature and no one understood His answers. Mary kept these sayings in her heart. Jesus continued to grow in all the qualities that are admirable.
CONCLUSION
Matthew 1:16-25, Matthew 2:1-23, and Luke 1:80; 2:1-52 covered the events from Jesus' conception through childhood.
Next month, we will cover the events that occurred just before Jesus' began His Public Ministry.
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Luke 2:48-52; 1:80
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:46-47. Here was the conclusion:
At twelve years old, Jesus was able to teach Torah teachers as if Jesus was a Master Torah teacher.
Luke 2
"48 And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing."
(Mary and Joseph were astonished to see Jesus teaching the Torah teachers. However, Mary turned the moment to herself: why did You do this to us? Mary saw herself as the victim.)
"49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house?"
(Wow! As we saw in the previous post, Master Torah teachers are able to answer a Question with a Question. Take a moment to re-experience this scene: Mary saw Jesus answering the Questions of the Torah teachers with Questions in a masterful way. In front of all these Torah teachers, Mary asked Jesus a Question. Would Jesus answer Mary with a Statement? No. Jesus answered Mary with two Questions: Why did you get stressed when you couldn't find Me? Didn't you know I must be in My Father's house?)
"50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them."
(Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus' answer! It looked as if of all the Questions asked that day in the temple, Jesus answered them all masterfully with Questions...and the ONLY answer that Jesus gave for which people didn't understand was the two Questions He asked Mary and Joseph in response to Mary's Questions. Twelve year old Jesus was TRULY a Master Torah teacher. Notice, Jesus' answer to Mary's Questions, not the Torah teachers' Questions, resulted in Jesus speaking Messianic prophecy: Jesus stated INDIRECTLY that He was the Son of God.)
"51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."
(Jesus went with them to Nazareth and "was subject unto them"...Jesus was an obedient and respectful Son. Mary kept all these sayings in her heart so that she would eventually understand them. Notice, it was mentioned that Joseph did not do this. Perhaps it was not mentioned because Joseph did not appear to be alive during the next chronological portions of the Gospel Accounts.)
"52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
(Jesus continued to grow in all the qualities that are admirable. That verse will have to serve as the transition that covered seventeen years of this chronological narrative. In fact, Luke 1:80 stated the same thing...)
Luke 1
"80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel."
(Next month, we will cover the events that immediately preceded Jesus' "showing unto Israel".)
CONCLUSION
Twelve year old Jesus was a Master Torah teacher. He answered Mary's Questions with two Questions pointing to His Divine Nature and no one understood His answers. Mary kept these sayings in her heart. Jesus continued to grow in all the qualities that are admirable.
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In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:46-47. Here was the conclusion:
At twelve years old, Jesus was able to teach Torah teachers as if Jesus was a Master Torah teacher.
Luke 2
"48 And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing."
(Mary and Joseph were astonished to see Jesus teaching the Torah teachers. However, Mary turned the moment to herself: why did You do this to us? Mary saw herself as the victim.)
"49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house?"
(Wow! As we saw in the previous post, Master Torah teachers are able to answer a Question with a Question. Take a moment to re-experience this scene: Mary saw Jesus answering the Questions of the Torah teachers with Questions in a masterful way. In front of all these Torah teachers, Mary asked Jesus a Question. Would Jesus answer Mary with a Statement? No. Jesus answered Mary with two Questions: Why did you get stressed when you couldn't find Me? Didn't you know I must be in My Father's house?)
"50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them."
(Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus' answer! It looked as if of all the Questions asked that day in the temple, Jesus answered them all masterfully with Questions...and the ONLY answer that Jesus gave for which people didn't understand was the two Questions He asked Mary and Joseph in response to Mary's Questions. Twelve year old Jesus was TRULY a Master Torah teacher. Notice, Jesus' answer to Mary's Questions, not the Torah teachers' Questions, resulted in Jesus speaking Messianic prophecy: Jesus stated INDIRECTLY that He was the Son of God.)
"51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."
(Jesus went with them to Nazareth and "was subject unto them"...Jesus was an obedient and respectful Son. Mary kept all these sayings in her heart so that she would eventually understand them. Notice, it was mentioned that Joseph did not do this. Perhaps it was not mentioned because Joseph did not appear to be alive during the next chronological portions of the Gospel Accounts.)
"52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
(Jesus continued to grow in all the qualities that are admirable. That verse will have to serve as the transition that covered seventeen years of this chronological narrative. In fact, Luke 1:80 stated the same thing...)
Luke 1
"80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel."
(Next month, we will cover the events that immediately preceded Jesus' "showing unto Israel".)
CONCLUSION
Twelve year old Jesus was a Master Torah teacher. He answered Mary's Questions with two Questions pointing to His Divine Nature and no one understood His answers. Mary kept these sayings in her heart. Jesus continued to grow in all the qualities that are admirable.
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Monday, February 27, 2012
Luke 2:46-47
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:40-45. Here was the conclusion:
Jesus was raised according to The Law and participated in His first passover at twelve years old. He stayed in Jerusalem when Joseph and Mary left.
Luke 2
"46 And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:"
(Mary and Joseph eventually found Jesus in the temple. Not only was Jesus sitting in the midst of the teachers (scribes), but Jesus was HEARING THEM and asking them Questions. There are two huge implications...)
(Jesus hearing them meant the scribes (Torah teachers) were specifically talking to Jesus. They considered Jesus worthy of being spoken to. Second, Jesus asked them questions. The Torah teachers taught through Questions. We've seen that God approached Adam and Eve...and Cain through Questions. Here are links to those posts:
Adam and Eve - Genesis 3:8-11
Cain - Genesis 4:1-5)
(We covered the following in the post titled, "Human Thinking Model: Questions vs. Statements":
Notice, the only stimulus that makes it to the Conscious Brain is the one that made it through the nucleus basalis (the square between the Unconscious Brain and Conscious Brain. We saw the nucleus basalis is the doorway to the Conscious Brain.
When the stimulus is a Statement, the individual can close the nucleus basalis preventing the Statement from making it to the Conscious Brain.
The first effect of this is that the individual will not respond to the Statement with Words. If the individual does respond at all, it will be with Emotions and Actions.
The second effect is that the individual will not Remember the Statement. If you have ever had someone tell you they don't Remember a Statement you made towards them, it could be because they chose to close their nucleus basalis.
The way to get your information to their Conscious Brain is to put the information in the form of a Question. Questions have to be processed in the Conscious Brain. People respond to Questions with Words...which are an effect of a stimulus reaching the Conscious Brain.)
(Teaching through asking Questions gives up control and allows the student to own their answers. It takes a person with an excellent thought process to be able to teach through Questions instead of Statements.)
"47 and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."
(ALL that heard Jesus' teachings to the Torah teachers were amazed with His Understanding and His answers. Jesus taught like a Master Torah teacher!)
CONCLUSION
At twelve years old, Jesus was able to teach Torah teachers as if Jesus was a Master Torah teacher.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:40-45. Here was the conclusion:
Jesus was raised according to The Law and participated in His first passover at twelve years old. He stayed in Jerusalem when Joseph and Mary left.
Luke 2
"46 And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:"
(Mary and Joseph eventually found Jesus in the temple. Not only was Jesus sitting in the midst of the teachers (scribes), but Jesus was HEARING THEM and asking them Questions. There are two huge implications...)
(Jesus hearing them meant the scribes (Torah teachers) were specifically talking to Jesus. They considered Jesus worthy of being spoken to. Second, Jesus asked them questions. The Torah teachers taught through Questions. We've seen that God approached Adam and Eve...and Cain through Questions. Here are links to those posts:
Adam and Eve - Genesis 3:8-11
Cain - Genesis 4:1-5)
(We covered the following in the post titled, "Human Thinking Model: Questions vs. Statements":
Notice, the only stimulus that makes it to the Conscious Brain is the one that made it through the nucleus basalis (the square between the Unconscious Brain and Conscious Brain. We saw the nucleus basalis is the doorway to the Conscious Brain.
When the stimulus is a Statement, the individual can close the nucleus basalis preventing the Statement from making it to the Conscious Brain.
The first effect of this is that the individual will not respond to the Statement with Words. If the individual does respond at all, it will be with Emotions and Actions.
The second effect is that the individual will not Remember the Statement. If you have ever had someone tell you they don't Remember a Statement you made towards them, it could be because they chose to close their nucleus basalis.
The way to get your information to their Conscious Brain is to put the information in the form of a Question. Questions have to be processed in the Conscious Brain. People respond to Questions with Words...which are an effect of a stimulus reaching the Conscious Brain.)
(Teaching through asking Questions gives up control and allows the student to own their answers. It takes a person with an excellent thought process to be able to teach through Questions instead of Statements.)
"47 and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."
(ALL that heard Jesus' teachings to the Torah teachers were amazed with His Understanding and His answers. Jesus taught like a Master Torah teacher!)
CONCLUSION
At twelve years old, Jesus was able to teach Torah teachers as if Jesus was a Master Torah teacher.
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Friday, February 24, 2012
Luke 2:40-45
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:15,19-23. Here was the conclusion:
After Herod died, an angel told Joseph to return to Israel. Joseph settled in Nazareth.
Luke 2
"40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
(This verse marked the passing of time from Jesus' being taken into Egypt until His return and reaching the age of twelve years old. Jesus was filled with Wisdom. Wisdom is the making of a good decision (action). Wisdom is a Right HOW. Notice, the grace of God was upon him. This cannot mean "unmerited favor". First, any favor Jesus had was merited...He was fully God. Second, "unmerited favor" is given in response to sin. If a person believes grace is "unmerited favor", then he would interpret this verse as proving Jesus sinned. Jesus did not sin. "Unmerited favor" is a man-made doctrine created by Martin Luther and it does not exist according to the Bible. Grace is "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life". The reflection in the life is Wisdom.)
"41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;"
(These two verses showed that Jesus was raised according to The Law. Remember, a boy born in Israel memorized the Torah until he was twelve years old. At twelve, he was supposed to begin memorizing the rest of the Old Testament and looking for a Rabbi to study under. At fifteen years old, he was supposed to begin studying under a Rabbi until he "graduated" at thirty years old. If a Rabbi did not accept him, he usually learned his father's trade. Twelve years old was the first time a boy could participate in the passover in Jerusalem.)
"43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;
44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance:
45 and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him."
(Mary and Joseph returned towards Nazareth. Even though they didn't see Jesus come with them, they assumed he was with the rest of the people in their group. At twelve years old, Jesus was considered to be responsible for Himself...and His parents treated Him this way. However, after a day's journey they realized Jesus was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem to look for Him.)
CONCLUSION
Jesus was raised according to The Law and participated in His first passover at twelve years old. He stayed in Jerusalem when Joseph and Mary left.
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In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:15,19-23. Here was the conclusion:
After Herod died, an angel told Joseph to return to Israel. Joseph settled in Nazareth.
Luke 2
"40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
(This verse marked the passing of time from Jesus' being taken into Egypt until His return and reaching the age of twelve years old. Jesus was filled with Wisdom. Wisdom is the making of a good decision (action). Wisdom is a Right HOW. Notice, the grace of God was upon him. This cannot mean "unmerited favor". First, any favor Jesus had was merited...He was fully God. Second, "unmerited favor" is given in response to sin. If a person believes grace is "unmerited favor", then he would interpret this verse as proving Jesus sinned. Jesus did not sin. "Unmerited favor" is a man-made doctrine created by Martin Luther and it does not exist according to the Bible. Grace is "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life". The reflection in the life is Wisdom.)
"41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;"
(These two verses showed that Jesus was raised according to The Law. Remember, a boy born in Israel memorized the Torah until he was twelve years old. At twelve, he was supposed to begin memorizing the rest of the Old Testament and looking for a Rabbi to study under. At fifteen years old, he was supposed to begin studying under a Rabbi until he "graduated" at thirty years old. If a Rabbi did not accept him, he usually learned his father's trade. Twelve years old was the first time a boy could participate in the passover in Jerusalem.)
"43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;
44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance:
45 and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him."
(Mary and Joseph returned towards Nazareth. Even though they didn't see Jesus come with them, they assumed he was with the rest of the people in their group. At twelve years old, Jesus was considered to be responsible for Himself...and His parents treated Him this way. However, after a day's journey they realized Jesus was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem to look for Him.)
CONCLUSION
Jesus was raised according to The Law and participated in His first passover at twelve years old. He stayed in Jerusalem when Joseph and Mary left.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012
Matthew 2:14-15,19-23
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:16-18. Here was the conclusion:
Herod had all the male children killed that were in Bethlehem that were two years and younger.
The sentence before Matthew 2:16-18 was:
"14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;
15 and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son."
We will cover Herod's death in today's post...
Matthew 2
"19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
20 Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel."
(Again, an angel told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt...and an angel told Joseph to bring Mary and Joseph back to Israel once Herod died. Verse 21 called Jesus "the young child". At most, Jesus would have been in Egypt ten years.)
(Notice, this passage was the fulfillment of what was stated previously in Matthew 2:15.
"14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;
15 and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son.")
(Verse 15 was a reference to the prophecy in Hosea 11:1.
"1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.")
"22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned of God in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee,"
(Joseph saw that Herod's son was ruling over Judaea, so he withdrew to the north...)
"23 and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene.:
(Notice, this was spoken of by the prophets...not written. There was no written documentation of this prophecy.)
CONCLUSION
After Herod died, an angel told Joseph to return to Israel. Joseph settled in Nazareth.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:16-18. Here was the conclusion:
Herod had all the male children killed that were in Bethlehem that were two years and younger.
The sentence before Matthew 2:16-18 was:
"14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;
15 and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son."
We will cover Herod's death in today's post...
Matthew 2
"19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
20 Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel."
(Again, an angel told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt...and an angel told Joseph to bring Mary and Joseph back to Israel once Herod died. Verse 21 called Jesus "the young child". At most, Jesus would have been in Egypt ten years.)
(Notice, this passage was the fulfillment of what was stated previously in Matthew 2:15.
"14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;
15 and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son.")
(Verse 15 was a reference to the prophecy in Hosea 11:1.
"1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.")
"22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned of God in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee,"
(Joseph saw that Herod's son was ruling over Judaea, so he withdrew to the north...)
"23 and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene.:
(Notice, this was spoken of by the prophets...not written. There was no written documentation of this prophecy.)
CONCLUSION
After Herod died, an angel told Joseph to return to Israel. Joseph settled in Nazareth.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Matthew 2:16-18
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:13-14. Here was the conclusion:
Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt because he was warned in a dream that Herod would seek to destroy Jesus.
Matthew 2
"16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men."
(When Herod realized that the Magi did not return to him and tell him where Jesus was located, he had all the children in Bethlehem killed that were two years old and under. Notice, it was less than two years from the time the Magi stated they first saw the star and the time that Herod realized the Magi wouldn't return. Second, Herod didn't want to take a risk that the child was slightly older than what He ought to be, so Herod could have added some time. Regardless, Jesus was less than two years old when Herod gave this order. Not only was Jesus no longer in Bethlehem, but God warned Joseph that Herod would be looking for Jesus prior to the time that Herod did look. So, Joseph had been warned and got Mary and Joseph into Egypt before Herod gave this order.)
"17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18 A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not."
(Matthew referenced Jeremiah 31:15 "15 Thus saith Jehovah: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuseth to be comforted for her children, because they are not.")
CONCLUSION
Herod had all the male children killed that were in Bethlehem that were two years and younger.
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In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:13-14. Here was the conclusion:
Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt because he was warned in a dream that Herod would seek to destroy Jesus.
Matthew 2
"16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men."
(When Herod realized that the Magi did not return to him and tell him where Jesus was located, he had all the children in Bethlehem killed that were two years old and under. Notice, it was less than two years from the time the Magi stated they first saw the star and the time that Herod realized the Magi wouldn't return. Second, Herod didn't want to take a risk that the child was slightly older than what He ought to be, so Herod could have added some time. Regardless, Jesus was less than two years old when Herod gave this order. Not only was Jesus no longer in Bethlehem, but God warned Joseph that Herod would be looking for Jesus prior to the time that Herod did look. So, Joseph had been warned and got Mary and Joseph into Egypt before Herod gave this order.)
"17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18 A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not."
(Matthew referenced Jeremiah 31:15 "15 Thus saith Jehovah: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuseth to be comforted for her children, because they are not.")
CONCLUSION
Herod had all the male children killed that were in Bethlehem that were two years and younger.
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Matthew 2:13-14
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:10-12. Here was the conclusion:
The Wise Men rejoiced when they found Jesus. They brought him gifts and were warned by God in a dream to not return to Herod.
Matthew 2
"13 Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
(Matthew 2:1 implied the Wise Men came to Herod AFTER Jesus' birth. Matthew 2:12 implied the Wise Men left immediately after Jesus was seen by the Wise Men...but didn't state the location.)
(Now we see that Matthew 2:13 implied Joseph was warned to leave for Egypt immediately after the Wise Men saw Jesus. This would reinforce that Jesus' star was an angel and the angel stayed over Jesus until the Wise Men showed up...and then, perhaps, warned Joseph.)
"14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;"
(Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt.)
CONCLUSION
Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt because he was warned in a dream that Herod would seek to destroy Jesus.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:10-12. Here was the conclusion:
The Wise Men rejoiced when they found Jesus. They brought him gifts and were warned by God in a dream to not return to Herod.
Matthew 2
"13 Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
(Matthew 2:1 implied the Wise Men came to Herod AFTER Jesus' birth. Matthew 2:12 implied the Wise Men left immediately after Jesus was seen by the Wise Men...but didn't state the location.)
(Now we see that Matthew 2:13 implied Joseph was warned to leave for Egypt immediately after the Wise Men saw Jesus. This would reinforce that Jesus' star was an angel and the angel stayed over Jesus until the Wise Men showed up...and then, perhaps, warned Joseph.)
"14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;"
(Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt.)
CONCLUSION
Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt because he was warned in a dream that Herod would seek to destroy Jesus.
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Monday, February 20, 2012
Matthew 2:10-12
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:9. Here was the conclusion:
The star/angel led the Magi to Nazareth where they found Jesus.
Matthew 2
"10 And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
(The Magi rejoiced!)
"11 And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."
(Some people see the words "house" and "young child" in this verse and state these events occurred two years after Jesus' birth. The thought being that Mary and Joseph were back in Nazareth at their house. The points that would appear to support this were that:
1) Mary and Joseph were only in Bethlehem for the census
2) Herod eventually had all the children two years and under killed.)
(The points that would appear to support JESUS still being a baby were that:
1) that the angel could have kept Mary and Joseph there until the Magi showed up
2) Herod wouldn't have waited two years to kill the children
3) that the shepherds wouldn't have kept quiet about these events for two years.)
(There was a third option: The Magi found Jesus after Mary and Joseph fulfilled The Law concerning a first born son.)
(Isaiah 60:6 stated: "6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praises of Jehovah." Matthew 2:11 can be seen as the fulfillment of prophecy from Isaiah 60:6...which spoke of a triumphant Christ. However, myrrh was also brought to Jesus which spoke of a crucified Christ because of its use during burial...hence the omission from Isaiah 60:6.)
"12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
(The Magi were warned of God in a dream...just like Joseph. This showed that the Magi were believers in God. Again, it would be difficult to believe that Herod would have waited two years from the time of his meeting the Magi before taking any action.)
CONCLUSION
The Wise Men rejoiced when they found Jesus. They brought him gifts and were warned by God in a dream to not return to Herod.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:9. Here was the conclusion:
The star/angel led the Magi to Nazareth where they found Jesus.
Matthew 2
"10 And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
(The Magi rejoiced!)
"11 And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."
(Some people see the words "house" and "young child" in this verse and state these events occurred two years after Jesus' birth. The thought being that Mary and Joseph were back in Nazareth at their house. The points that would appear to support this were that:
1) Mary and Joseph were only in Bethlehem for the census
2) Herod eventually had all the children two years and under killed.)
(The points that would appear to support JESUS still being a baby were that:
1) that the angel could have kept Mary and Joseph there until the Magi showed up
2) Herod wouldn't have waited two years to kill the children
3) that the shepherds wouldn't have kept quiet about these events for two years.)
(There was a third option: The Magi found Jesus after Mary and Joseph fulfilled The Law concerning a first born son.)
(Isaiah 60:6 stated: "6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praises of Jehovah." Matthew 2:11 can be seen as the fulfillment of prophecy from Isaiah 60:6...which spoke of a triumphant Christ. However, myrrh was also brought to Jesus which spoke of a crucified Christ because of its use during burial...hence the omission from Isaiah 60:6.)
"12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
(The Magi were warned of God in a dream...just like Joseph. This showed that the Magi were believers in God. Again, it would be difficult to believe that Herod would have waited two years from the time of his meeting the Magi before taking any action.)
CONCLUSION
The Wise Men rejoiced when they found Jesus. They brought him gifts and were warned by God in a dream to not return to Herod.
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Friday, February 17, 2012
Matthew 2:9
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:36-39. Here was the conclusion:
Anna confirmed Simeon's testimony concerning Jesus. Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth in Galilee when they fulfilled everything necessary concerning a first born son according to The Law.
Matthew 2
"9 And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was."
(Clearly, this was not a star like the sun. It makes much more sense that this was an angel. Revelation 9:1 stated that a star fell from heaven and was given the key to the bottomless pit. Revelation 22:16 stated Jesus called Himself the bright and morning star. The word for star in both of those passages was the same word as used in Matthew 2.)
(Verse 9 can be the source of confusion for the chronology in this story. Here is a recap of the chronology of this story:
-The Wise Men left Herod and followed the star: Matthew 2:7-8
-Joseph and Mary waited in Bethlehem eight days until Jesus was circumcised: Luke 2:21
-Joseph and Mary then went to Jerusalem to dedicate Jesus: Luke 2:22-24
-Simeon testified Jesus was the Messiah: Luke 2:32
-Anna testified Jesus was the Messiah: Luke 2:38
-Joseph and Mary then went to Nazareth in Galilee: Luke 2:39)
(Now we see that the Magi found Jesus in Nazareth.)
CONCLUSION
The star/angel led the Magi to Nazareth where they found Jesus.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:36-39. Here was the conclusion:
Anna confirmed Simeon's testimony concerning Jesus. Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth in Galilee when they fulfilled everything necessary concerning a first born son according to The Law.
Matthew 2
"9 And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was."
(Clearly, this was not a star like the sun. It makes much more sense that this was an angel. Revelation 9:1 stated that a star fell from heaven and was given the key to the bottomless pit. Revelation 22:16 stated Jesus called Himself the bright and morning star. The word for star in both of those passages was the same word as used in Matthew 2.)
(Verse 9 can be the source of confusion for the chronology in this story. Here is a recap of the chronology of this story:
-The Wise Men left Herod and followed the star: Matthew 2:7-8
-Joseph and Mary waited in Bethlehem eight days until Jesus was circumcised: Luke 2:21
-Joseph and Mary then went to Jerusalem to dedicate Jesus: Luke 2:22-24
-Simeon testified Jesus was the Messiah: Luke 2:32
-Anna testified Jesus was the Messiah: Luke 2:38
-Joseph and Mary then went to Nazareth in Galilee: Luke 2:39)
(Now we see that the Magi found Jesus in Nazareth.)
CONCLUSION
The star/angel led the Magi to Nazareth where they found Jesus.
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Thursday, February 16, 2012
Luke 2:36-39
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:33-35. Here was the conclusion:
Simeon stated one purpose for the Messiah's suffering was for people to reveal what was in their hearts.
Luke 2
"36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
37 and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day."
(While Joseph and Mary were in Jerusalem for Jesus' Dedication, they not only met Simeon, but also Anna. She was a prophetess who had been married for seven years (again Marriage was equated with sexual intercourse) and widowed for eighty-four years. She had lived ninety-one years past when she got married...so she was over 100 years old. She did not leave the temple, but worshipped with fasting and supplications day and night.)
"38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."
(When Simeon spoke of Jesus being the Messiah, Anna confirmed what Simeon has stated. This was another example in the Bible of confirmation coming from the mouths of Two Witnesses: Simeon and Anna.)
"39 And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth."
(Once Joseph and Mary had fulfilled The Law relative to their first born son, they returned to Nazareth in Galilee. This verse implied that Joseph and Mary went from Bethlehem to Jerusalem in order to make sure they fulfilled their responsibility...and that Jesus was in Nazareth only after He was dedicated to God. It would be at this point that the Wise Men found Jesus in Nazareth.)
CONCLUSION
Anna confirmed Simeon's testimony concerning Jesus. Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth in Galilee when they fulfilled everything necessary concerning a first born son according to The Law.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:33-35. Here was the conclusion:
Simeon stated one purpose for the Messiah's suffering was for people to reveal what was in their hearts.
Luke 2
"36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
37 and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day."
(While Joseph and Mary were in Jerusalem for Jesus' Dedication, they not only met Simeon, but also Anna. She was a prophetess who had been married for seven years (again Marriage was equated with sexual intercourse) and widowed for eighty-four years. She had lived ninety-one years past when she got married...so she was over 100 years old. She did not leave the temple, but worshipped with fasting and supplications day and night.)
"38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."
(When Simeon spoke of Jesus being the Messiah, Anna confirmed what Simeon has stated. This was another example in the Bible of confirmation coming from the mouths of Two Witnesses: Simeon and Anna.)
"39 And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth."
(Once Joseph and Mary had fulfilled The Law relative to their first born son, they returned to Nazareth in Galilee. This verse implied that Joseph and Mary went from Bethlehem to Jerusalem in order to make sure they fulfilled their responsibility...and that Jesus was in Nazareth only after He was dedicated to God. It would be at this point that the Wise Men found Jesus in Nazareth.)
CONCLUSION
Anna confirmed Simeon's testimony concerning Jesus. Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth in Galilee when they fulfilled everything necessary concerning a first born son according to The Law.
Next Post
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Luke 2:33-35
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:25-32. Here was the conclusion:
While Mary and Joseph were in Jerusalem, there was a man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, stated Jesus was the Messiah and that He would reach out to the Gentiles.
Luke 2
"33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;"
(This was another example of confirmation, coming through a person via the Holy Spirit, about Jesus being the Messiah. Mary and Joseph marvelled at this latest confirmation.)
(Notice, the Holy Spirit and angels played a HUGE role before JESUS was able to speak for Himself:
-John the Baptist's father was visited by an angel
-Mary was visited by an angel
-John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit
-John the Baptist's mother was filled with the Holy Spirit when she heard Mary's voice
-John the Baptist's father was filled with the Holy Spirit when he agreed to naming his son John.
-Joseph was visited by an angel during a dream
-The shepherds were visited by an angel
-The Magi were warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod
-Simeon, via the Holy Spirit, confessed Jesus as Messiah)
"34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;
35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."
(Simeon blessed them...and then specifically spoke to Mary. Would Joseph be dead before Jesus began His Public Ministry? The word to Mary concerned the suffering Jesus and even her would feel so that peoples' hearts would be revealed. One of the purposes for Jesus' suffering was to get people to state their will about what they believed concerning Jesus: Was He the Son of God or not?)
CONCLUSION
Simeon stated one purpose for the Messiah's suffering was for people to reveal what was in their hearts.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:25-32. Here was the conclusion:
While Mary and Joseph were in Jerusalem, there was a man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, stated Jesus was the Messiah and that He would reach out to the Gentiles.
Luke 2
"33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;"
(This was another example of confirmation, coming through a person via the Holy Spirit, about Jesus being the Messiah. Mary and Joseph marvelled at this latest confirmation.)
(Notice, the Holy Spirit and angels played a HUGE role before JESUS was able to speak for Himself:
-John the Baptist's father was visited by an angel
-Mary was visited by an angel
-John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit
-John the Baptist's mother was filled with the Holy Spirit when she heard Mary's voice
-John the Baptist's father was filled with the Holy Spirit when he agreed to naming his son John.
-Joseph was visited by an angel during a dream
-The shepherds were visited by an angel
-The Magi were warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod
-Simeon, via the Holy Spirit, confessed Jesus as Messiah)
"34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;
35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."
(Simeon blessed them...and then specifically spoke to Mary. Would Joseph be dead before Jesus began His Public Ministry? The word to Mary concerned the suffering Jesus and even her would feel so that peoples' hearts would be revealed. One of the purposes for Jesus' suffering was to get people to state their will about what they believed concerning Jesus: Was He the Son of God or not?)
CONCLUSION
Simeon stated one purpose for the Messiah's suffering was for people to reveal what was in their hearts.
Next Post
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Luke 2:25-32
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:21-24. Here was the conclusion:
Joseph and Mary named Him JESUS during His circumcision on the eighth day and went to Jerusalem to fulfill The Law according to dedicating the first born.
Luke 2
"25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him."
(The Holy Spirit was on a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. This verse said he was looking for "the consolation of Israel". He was looking for the Messiah.)
"26 And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ."
(The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Messiah before he died. We can't say for sure whether his looking for the Messiah caused him to get this message from the Holy Spirit or whether having the Holy Spirit upon him caused him to want to look for the Messiah. The point was that while Mary and Joseph were in Jerusalem, there was a man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died.)
"27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,"
(The Holy Spirit led Simeon when he encountered Jesus.)
"28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,"
(Simeon held the little child and blessed God with the following...)
"29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,"
(Simeon asked God to let him die in peace because he had seen the Messiah with his own eyes. This was Simeon's confession of faith.)
"31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel."
(Simeon also recognized, by the Holy Spirit, that the Messiah would reach out to the Gentiles.)
CONCLUSION
While Mary and Joseph were in Jerusalem, there was a man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, stated Jesus was the Messiah and that He would reach out to the Gentiles.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:21-24. Here was the conclusion:
Joseph and Mary named Him JESUS during His circumcision on the eighth day and went to Jerusalem to fulfill The Law according to dedicating the first born.
Luke 2
"25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him."
(The Holy Spirit was on a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. This verse said he was looking for "the consolation of Israel". He was looking for the Messiah.)
"26 And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ."
(The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Messiah before he died. We can't say for sure whether his looking for the Messiah caused him to get this message from the Holy Spirit or whether having the Holy Spirit upon him caused him to want to look for the Messiah. The point was that while Mary and Joseph were in Jerusalem, there was a man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died.)
"27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,"
(The Holy Spirit led Simeon when he encountered Jesus.)
"28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,"
(Simeon held the little child and blessed God with the following...)
"29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,"
(Simeon asked God to let him die in peace because he had seen the Messiah with his own eyes. This was Simeon's confession of faith.)
"31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel."
(Simeon also recognized, by the Holy Spirit, that the Messiah would reach out to the Gentiles.)
CONCLUSION
While Mary and Joseph were in Jerusalem, there was a man who was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, stated Jesus was the Messiah and that He would reach out to the Gentiles.
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Monday, February 13, 2012
Luke 2:21-24
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:7-8. Here was the conclusion:
Herod told the Magi to go to Bethlehem and asked them to tell him exactly where the MESSIAH was so he could worship Him.
There was another event that occurred around this time that causes people confusion when it comes to chronology. We are going to begin covering that event in this post and eventually determine its chronology.
Luke 2:21
"21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
(Joseph and Mary had Jesus circumcised on the eighth day and formally named Him JESUS...just like the angel told them.)
"22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
(Jesus was brought to Jerusalem after His circumcision. This implied that Jesus was not moved from Bethlehem until his circumcision...and then Jesus was taken to Jerusalem. Verse 23 quoted the following passages from The Torah:
"1 And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Sanctify unto me all the first-born, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine." Exodus 13:1-2
"15 Everything that openeth the womb, of all flesh which they offer unto Jehovah, both of man and beast shall be thine: nevertheless the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem." Numbers 18:15)
(Joseph and Mary were poor because they did this redemption according to the provision given for people who were poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons...instead of with a lamb.)
CONCLUSION
Joseph and Mary named Him JESUS during His circumcision on the eighth day and went to Jerusalem to fulfill The Law according to dedicating the first born.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:7-8. Here was the conclusion:
Herod told the Magi to go to Bethlehem and asked them to tell him exactly where the MESSIAH was so he could worship Him.
There was another event that occurred around this time that causes people confusion when it comes to chronology. We are going to begin covering that event in this post and eventually determine its chronology.
Luke 2:21
"21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
(Joseph and Mary had Jesus circumcised on the eighth day and formally named Him JESUS...just like the angel told them.)
"22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
(Jesus was brought to Jerusalem after His circumcision. This implied that Jesus was not moved from Bethlehem until his circumcision...and then Jesus was taken to Jerusalem. Verse 23 quoted the following passages from The Torah:
"1 And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Sanctify unto me all the first-born, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine." Exodus 13:1-2
"15 Everything that openeth the womb, of all flesh which they offer unto Jehovah, both of man and beast shall be thine: nevertheless the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem." Numbers 18:15)
(Joseph and Mary were poor because they did this redemption according to the provision given for people who were poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons...instead of with a lamb.)
CONCLUSION
Joseph and Mary named Him JESUS during His circumcision on the eighth day and went to Jerusalem to fulfill The Law according to dedicating the first born.
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Friday, February 10, 2012
Matthew 2:7-8
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:1-6. Here was the conclusion:
Magi came to Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews had been born so they could worship Him. Herod asked the chief priests where the MESSIAH would be born. The chief priests referenced Micah 5:2 to say the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2
"7 Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared."
(Herod met with the Magi privately to find out exactly what time the star (angel?) had appeared.)
"8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him."
(Apparently, Herod shared with the Magi that the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem. Herod attempted to "trade" with the Magi. He told them where the MESSIAH was born, so he wanted the Magi to tell him exactly where the MESSIAH was located. Herod stated he wanted to know this so he could worship the MESSIAH...just like the Magi desired.)
CONCLUSION
Herod told the Magi to go to Bethlehem and asked them to tell him exactly where the MESSIAH was so he could worship Him.
There was another event that occurred around this time that causes people confusion when it comes to chronology. We are going to cover that event next and then determine its chronology.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:1-6. Here was the conclusion:
Magi came to Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews had been born so they could worship Him. Herod asked the chief priests where the MESSIAH would be born. The chief priests referenced Micah 5:2 to say the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2
"7 Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared."
(Herod met with the Magi privately to find out exactly what time the star (angel?) had appeared.)
"8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him."
(Apparently, Herod shared with the Magi that the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem. Herod attempted to "trade" with the Magi. He told them where the MESSIAH was born, so he wanted the Magi to tell him exactly where the MESSIAH was located. Herod stated he wanted to know this so he could worship the MESSIAH...just like the Magi desired.)
CONCLUSION
Herod told the Magi to go to Bethlehem and asked them to tell him exactly where the MESSIAH was so he could worship Him.
There was another event that occurred around this time that causes people confusion when it comes to chronology. We are going to cover that event next and then determine its chronology.
Next Post
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Matthew 2:1-6
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 1:16-17, 25. Here was the conclusion:
Jesus was born fourteen generations after the captivity...which was fourteen generations after David...which was fourteen generations after Abraham.
MATTHEW 2
"1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,"
(The Greek word for "Wise-men" was magoi...which was why they were also called Magi. These men were very educated and well armed. This verse implied this event occurred AFTER JESUS was born.)
"2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
(They asked people where the King of the Jews was born. This question made people aware of this event. Some experts believe "his star" meant "His angel". These Magi wanted to worship Jesus...which meant they were believers and may have allowed them to see the angel.)
"3 And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
(Herod and the people may have been troubled because an armed group of Magi came to find the King of the Jews. People may have been threatened, whether it was Herod who feared for his kingship or the people who feared they would have to go to battle.)
"4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born."
(Herod understood what King of the Jews meant: the Christ...the MESSIAH. Herod asked where the MESSIAH should be born...)
"5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel."
(The chief priests and scribes referenced Micah 5:2 to say the MESSIAH was supposed to be born in Bethlehem.)
CONCLUSION
Magi came to Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews had been born so they could worship Him. Herod asked the chief priests where the MESSIAH would be born. The chief priests referenced Micah 5:2 to say the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 1:16-17, 25. Here was the conclusion:
Jesus was born fourteen generations after the captivity...which was fourteen generations after David...which was fourteen generations after Abraham.
MATTHEW 2
"1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,"
(The Greek word for "Wise-men" was magoi...which was why they were also called Magi. These men were very educated and well armed. This verse implied this event occurred AFTER JESUS was born.)
"2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
(They asked people where the King of the Jews was born. This question made people aware of this event. Some experts believe "his star" meant "His angel". These Magi wanted to worship Jesus...which meant they were believers and may have allowed them to see the angel.)
"3 And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
(Herod and the people may have been troubled because an armed group of Magi came to find the King of the Jews. People may have been threatened, whether it was Herod who feared for his kingship or the people who feared they would have to go to battle.)
"4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born."
(Herod understood what King of the Jews meant: the Christ...the MESSIAH. Herod asked where the MESSIAH should be born...)
"5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel."
(The chief priests and scribes referenced Micah 5:2 to say the MESSIAH was supposed to be born in Bethlehem.)
CONCLUSION
Magi came to Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews had been born so they could worship Him. Herod asked the chief priests where the MESSIAH would be born. The chief priests referenced Micah 5:2 to say the MESSIAH would be born in Bethlehem.
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Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Matthew 1:16-17, 25
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:15-20. Here was the conclusion:
The shepherds believed the angel and found JESUS. The shepherds told everyone what the angel stated. Everyone except Mary wondered. Mary already knew this and put this information in her heart.
Now that we have seen Jesus was born, let's go back to Matthew 1 and conclude the lineage of Christ...
Matthew 1:16-17
"16 and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ."
(Mary was a virgin and Matthew's genealogy blatantly stated that Joseph was the husband of Mary. Mary was the fifth woman referenced in the lineage of Christ. The women, in order, referenced in the lineage of Christ were: a daughter-in-law who would have violated Leviticus 20:12 by having intercourse with her father-in-law (Tamar), a prostitute (Rahab), a widower (Ruth), an adulteress (Bathsheba), and a virgin.)
"17 So all the generations from Abraham unto David are fourteen generations; and from David unto the carrying away to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon unto the Christ fourteen generations."
(There were fourteen generations from Abraham (father of the Jews) unto David (father of the Messianic Covenant)...and fourteen generations from David (Israel's second king) until captivity (when Israel no longer had kings)...and fourteen generations from captivity until Christ. This was a helpful framework to follow when reading the Bible: notice whether the event happened from Abraham unto David...or from David unto the captivity...or from the captivity unto Christ. Let's wrap up Matthew chapter 1 with the final verse of the chapter...)
"25 and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS."
(Joseph didn't consummate the Marriage Covenant with Mary until after JESUS was born.)
CONCLUSION
Jesus was born fourteen generations after the captivity...which was fourteen generations after David...which was fourteen generations after Abraham.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:15-20. Here was the conclusion:
The shepherds believed the angel and found JESUS. The shepherds told everyone what the angel stated. Everyone except Mary wondered. Mary already knew this and put this information in her heart.
Now that we have seen Jesus was born, let's go back to Matthew 1 and conclude the lineage of Christ...
Matthew 1:16-17
"16 and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ."
(Mary was a virgin and Matthew's genealogy blatantly stated that Joseph was the husband of Mary. Mary was the fifth woman referenced in the lineage of Christ. The women, in order, referenced in the lineage of Christ were: a daughter-in-law who would have violated Leviticus 20:12 by having intercourse with her father-in-law (Tamar), a prostitute (Rahab), a widower (Ruth), an adulteress (Bathsheba), and a virgin.)
"17 So all the generations from Abraham unto David are fourteen generations; and from David unto the carrying away to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon unto the Christ fourteen generations."
(There were fourteen generations from Abraham (father of the Jews) unto David (father of the Messianic Covenant)...and fourteen generations from David (Israel's second king) until captivity (when Israel no longer had kings)...and fourteen generations from captivity until Christ. This was a helpful framework to follow when reading the Bible: notice whether the event happened from Abraham unto David...or from David unto the captivity...or from the captivity unto Christ. Let's wrap up Matthew chapter 1 with the final verse of the chapter...)
"25 and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS."
(Joseph didn't consummate the Marriage Covenant with Mary until after JESUS was born.)
CONCLUSION
Jesus was born fourteen generations after the captivity...which was fourteen generations after David...which was fourteen generations after Abraham.
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Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Luke 2:15-20
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:8-14. Here was the conclusion:
An angel appeared to the nearby shepherds and told them the MESSIAH had been born...and gave directions to see JESUS.
Luke 2
"15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."
(The shepherds had faith! They believed the angels and went to look for the MESSIAH that was born.)
"16 And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child."
(The shepherds confirmed the angel was right...and then they shared what they heard about JESUS from the angel (from the previous post):
"10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:
11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.")
"18 And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds."
(Everyone wondered at this, except Mary...)
"19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart."
(Mary didn't wonder because Gabriel had already stated JESUS was the Son of God...MESSIAH. We saw in Luke 1:47 that Mary already knew this. Mary put this information in her heart as an effect of her decisions/actions...along with the previous information from Gabriel.)
"20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them."
(The shepherds returned to their flocks glorifying and praising God.)
CONCLUSION
The shepherds believed the angel and found JESUS. The shepherds told everyone what the angel stated. Everyone except Mary wondered. Mary already knew this and put this information in her heart.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:8-14. Here was the conclusion:
An angel appeared to the nearby shepherds and told them the MESSIAH had been born...and gave directions to see JESUS.
Luke 2
"15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."
(The shepherds had faith! They believed the angels and went to look for the MESSIAH that was born.)
"16 And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child."
(The shepherds confirmed the angel was right...and then they shared what they heard about JESUS from the angel (from the previous post):
"10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:
11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.")
"18 And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds."
(Everyone wondered at this, except Mary...)
"19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart."
(Mary didn't wonder because Gabriel had already stated JESUS was the Son of God...MESSIAH. We saw in Luke 1:47 that Mary already knew this. Mary put this information in her heart as an effect of her decisions/actions...along with the previous information from Gabriel.)
"20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them."
(The shepherds returned to their flocks glorifying and praising God.)
CONCLUSION
The shepherds believed the angel and found JESUS. The shepherds told everyone what the angel stated. Everyone except Mary wondered. Mary already knew this and put this information in her heart.
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Monday, February 06, 2012
Luke 2:8-14
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:1-7. Here was the conclusion:
Around the time JESUS was ready to be born, Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem because of a census. JESUS was born in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
Luke 2
"8 And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock."
(This verse showed that JESUS' birth did not occur during winter. The shepherds wouldn't be outside during the winter with their sheep.
"9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid."
(The shepherds saw the angel and the glory of the Lord...and it made them afraid.)
"10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:"
(The angel stated to "Be not afraid". Notice, when angels appeared in the Bible, they told people NOT to be afraid. Demons didn't and don't state this to people. The angel gave the reason not to be afraid: the angel was bringing good tidings. The demons won't give a reason. In fact, the angel gave more information...)
"11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."
(The MESSIAH had been born!)
"12 And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger."
(The angel supported his claim with a sign...that the shepherds would only know if they had faith in the angel. We've seen that Zacharias didn't believe Gabriel. We've seen Mary did believe Gabriel. Would the shepherds believe the angel?)
"13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased."
(There was another sign: a heavenly host praising God.)
CONCLUSION
An angel appeared to the nearby shepherds and told them the MESSIAH had been born...and gave directions to see JESUS.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Luke 2:1-7. Here was the conclusion:
Around the time JESUS was ready to be born, Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem because of a census. JESUS was born in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
Luke 2
"8 And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock."
(This verse showed that JESUS' birth did not occur during winter. The shepherds wouldn't be outside during the winter with their sheep.
"9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid."
(The shepherds saw the angel and the glory of the Lord...and it made them afraid.)
"10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:"
(The angel stated to "Be not afraid". Notice, when angels appeared in the Bible, they told people NOT to be afraid. Demons didn't and don't state this to people. The angel gave the reason not to be afraid: the angel was bringing good tidings. The demons won't give a reason. In fact, the angel gave more information...)
"11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."
(The MESSIAH had been born!)
"12 And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger."
(The angel supported his claim with a sign...that the shepherds would only know if they had faith in the angel. We've seen that Zacharias didn't believe Gabriel. We've seen Mary did believe Gabriel. Would the shepherds believe the angel?)
"13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased."
(There was another sign: a heavenly host praising God.)
CONCLUSION
An angel appeared to the nearby shepherds and told them the MESSIAH had been born...and gave directions to see JESUS.
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Friday, February 03, 2012
Luke 2:1-7
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 1:20-25. Here was the conclusion:
An angel confirmed to Joseph that Mary had conceived of the Holy Spirit and the child's name was to be JESUS. Joseph did not put Mary away and he did not consummate the marriage until after the child was born.
It is now time to begin looking at the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth from Luke's Gospel Account...
Luke 2
"1 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled."
(This was Caius Octavius. He was the adopted son and successor of Julius Caesar. He reigned from 29 BC to 14 AD. We have seen from Luke 1:5 that the birth of John the Baptist occurred around 4 BC...and that Mary was impregnated around or just after John's birth.)
"2 This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria."
(There is disagreement about this verse. Quirinius was a Roman consul in 12 BC which would have qualified him to be governor. However, from 12 BC to 4 AD the names of the governors were not recorded or named. It is known that Quirinius was governor around ten years after Christ's birth. This did not mean Quirinius wasn't governor during Jesus' birth. Also, the Greek word for "first" in verse 2 was protos which can also be interpreted as "before"...meaning this enrolment may have been the one that was before Quirinius was governor.)
"3 And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5 to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child."
(Remember, Joseph and Mary were in Nazareth. However, since both Joseph and Mary were of David's lineage, they went to Bethlehem because David was raised there according to I Samuel 20:6.)
"6 And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered."
(This census occurred around the time Mary delivered.)
"7 And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
(Mary and Joseph were away from home and needed a place to stay. There was no room for them in the inn. Whether it was due to the census or a holiday, the inn was full of travelers. Some sources state this occurred around The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)...which would be in September. A manger was the place where animals were kept.)
CONCLUSION
Around the time JESUS was ready to be born, Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem because of a census. JESUS was born in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 1:20-25. Here was the conclusion:
An angel confirmed to Joseph that Mary had conceived of the Holy Spirit and the child's name was to be JESUS. Joseph did not put Mary away and he did not consummate the marriage until after the child was born.
It is now time to begin looking at the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth from Luke's Gospel Account...
Luke 2
"1 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled."
(This was Caius Octavius. He was the adopted son and successor of Julius Caesar. He reigned from 29 BC to 14 AD. We have seen from Luke 1:5 that the birth of John the Baptist occurred around 4 BC...and that Mary was impregnated around or just after John's birth.)
"2 This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria."
(There is disagreement about this verse. Quirinius was a Roman consul in 12 BC which would have qualified him to be governor. However, from 12 BC to 4 AD the names of the governors were not recorded or named. It is known that Quirinius was governor around ten years after Christ's birth. This did not mean Quirinius wasn't governor during Jesus' birth. Also, the Greek word for "first" in verse 2 was protos which can also be interpreted as "before"...meaning this enrolment may have been the one that was before Quirinius was governor.)
"3 And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5 to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child."
(Remember, Joseph and Mary were in Nazareth. However, since both Joseph and Mary were of David's lineage, they went to Bethlehem because David was raised there according to I Samuel 20:6.)
"6 And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered."
(This census occurred around the time Mary delivered.)
"7 And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
(Mary and Joseph were away from home and needed a place to stay. There was no room for them in the inn. Whether it was due to the census or a holiday, the inn was full of travelers. Some sources state this occurred around The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)...which would be in September. A manger was the place where animals were kept.)
CONCLUSION
Around the time JESUS was ready to be born, Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem because of a census. JESUS was born in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
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Thursday, February 02, 2012
Matthew 1:20-25
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 1:18-19. Here was the conclusion:
The circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth were: Joseph and Mary were married through an exchange of tokens but had not yet completed their Marriage Covenant. Joseph found out Mary was pregnant and chose to put her away privately...
The previous post actually concluded with the following comment:
Perhaps, one of the reasons God chose Joseph was because he would do this privately. Someone who would do this publicly may have done it immediately. Joseph doing this privately allowed God time to do what was in the next verse...
Matthew 1
"20 But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."
(Joseph must have been a thinking man (Conscious Brain) who was led by the Spirit. If he had reacted by his flesh (Amygdala), he would have made this public. It was AWESOME how the angel appeared in a dream WHILE Joesph was thinking. God intervened (through the angel) quickly because God knew Joseph was right and just and would have put Mary away...which would have been right in ANY OTHER marriage because she would have been an unbeliever/fornicator.)
"21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins."
(This was similar to the events surrounding the naming of John the Baptist. We have seen in Luke 1:31 that Gabriel first told Mary to name her Son from the Holy Spirit: JESUS. Here we see that this was confirmed to Joseph by an angel. Remember, in Luke 1:13 Zacharias was first told by an angel what to name his son...and then Luke 1:60 showed Elisabeth later confirmed this name.)
"22 Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us."
(Notice, Joseph was thinking on these things when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. There are three types of dreams: rehearsal, understanding/closure, and prophetic.)
(A rehearsal dream is one in which God takes the person through a situation to see how they would handle it without there being any damage. For example, a person could have a dream where someone they ought to forgive approaches them and rather than forgive, the dreamer beats the person. This ought to let the dreamer know they need to work on their actual feelings towards this person. This dream will repeat over time until the dreamer is able to forgive the person in the dream.)
(An understanding/closure dream is when the dreamer is aware of certain "stray" facts, during the uploading of information in the short term memory to the long term memory, and their conscious brain attempts to make a story out of the stray facts in order to make sense or bring closure to the information. The majority of dreams are of this type. Interpreting these dreams is based on determining the "stray" facts the person became aware of during their dreaming.)
(Prophetic dreams are dreams given by God to directly communicate revelatory information. Clearly this dream was prophetic. In fact, the angel quoted the sign from Isaiah 7 that Joseph's ancestor Ahaz refused to ask God for!)
"24 And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;
25 and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS."
(Joseph did NOT PUT Mary AWAY and he did NOT consummate the marriage until after the child was born. Joseph did obey the angel and call the child JESUS.)
CONCLUSION
An angel confirmed to Joseph that Mary had conceived of the Holy Spirit and the child's name was to be JESUS. Joseph did not put Mary away and he did not consummate the marriage until after the child was born.
Next Post
In the previous post, we covered Matthew 1:18-19. Here was the conclusion:
The circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth were: Joseph and Mary were married through an exchange of tokens but had not yet completed their Marriage Covenant. Joseph found out Mary was pregnant and chose to put her away privately...
The previous post actually concluded with the following comment:
Perhaps, one of the reasons God chose Joseph was because he would do this privately. Someone who would do this publicly may have done it immediately. Joseph doing this privately allowed God time to do what was in the next verse...
Matthew 1
"20 But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."
(Joseph must have been a thinking man (Conscious Brain) who was led by the Spirit. If he had reacted by his flesh (Amygdala), he would have made this public. It was AWESOME how the angel appeared in a dream WHILE Joesph was thinking. God intervened (through the angel) quickly because God knew Joseph was right and just and would have put Mary away...which would have been right in ANY OTHER marriage because she would have been an unbeliever/fornicator.)
"21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins."
(This was similar to the events surrounding the naming of John the Baptist. We have seen in Luke 1:31 that Gabriel first told Mary to name her Son from the Holy Spirit: JESUS. Here we see that this was confirmed to Joseph by an angel. Remember, in Luke 1:13 Zacharias was first told by an angel what to name his son...and then Luke 1:60 showed Elisabeth later confirmed this name.)
"22 Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us."
(Notice, Joseph was thinking on these things when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. There are three types of dreams: rehearsal, understanding/closure, and prophetic.)
(A rehearsal dream is one in which God takes the person through a situation to see how they would handle it without there being any damage. For example, a person could have a dream where someone they ought to forgive approaches them and rather than forgive, the dreamer beats the person. This ought to let the dreamer know they need to work on their actual feelings towards this person. This dream will repeat over time until the dreamer is able to forgive the person in the dream.)
(An understanding/closure dream is when the dreamer is aware of certain "stray" facts, during the uploading of information in the short term memory to the long term memory, and their conscious brain attempts to make a story out of the stray facts in order to make sense or bring closure to the information. The majority of dreams are of this type. Interpreting these dreams is based on determining the "stray" facts the person became aware of during their dreaming.)
(Prophetic dreams are dreams given by God to directly communicate revelatory information. Clearly this dream was prophetic. In fact, the angel quoted the sign from Isaiah 7 that Joseph's ancestor Ahaz refused to ask God for!)
"24 And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;
25 and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS."
(Joseph did NOT PUT Mary AWAY and he did NOT consummate the marriage until after the child was born. Joseph did obey the angel and call the child JESUS.)
CONCLUSION
An angel confirmed to Joseph that Mary had conceived of the Holy Spirit and the child's name was to be JESUS. Joseph did not put Mary away and he did not consummate the marriage until after the child was born.
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Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Matthew 1:18-19
This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.
Last month, we looked at John 1:1-5, Matthew 1:1-15, and Luke 1:1-79 which covered the events prior to Jesus' conception.
This month, we will cover the events from Jesus' conception through childhood.
Matthew 1
"18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit."
("betrothed" is Strong's #3423 mnesteuo - "to give a souvenir")
(Matthew explained that Mary and Joseph were married (through exchange of tokens), but had not consummated the marriage. Matthew SPECIFICALLY stated that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit (which is the Spirit of God) BEGAT Jesus. This occurred ONLY after Mary and Joseph were married. So Joseph was occupying an office on behalf of God. If God had gotten Mary pregnant BEFORE Joseph became Mary's husband, it would make Mary married to God through the Holy Spirit.)
(According to the Bible, the Marriage Covenant is begun by one of three ways:
1. exchange of tokens
2. exchange of vows
3. covenantal sexual intercourse
According to the Bible, the Marriage Covenant is completed ("cut") by covenantal sexual intercourse. Today, we have a man-made doctrine of Marriage that is according to the government and church...and has only existed for around 250 years! If you have any questions concerning the Biblical Doctrine of Marriage, begin at the following link: Doctrine of Marriage.)
(Mary and Joseph were married through exchange of tokens, however, they had not completed their Marriage Covenant.)
"19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily."
(Joseph was SPECIFICALLY called Mary's husband. Joseph was stated to be a righteous man. In other versions he was stated to be a just man. Joseph occupied the office for God because he was recognized by God as righteous and just! Remember, Elisabeth and Zacharias (John the Baptist's parents) were also both stated as being righteous.)
(The fact that Joseph did not want to make a public example was why he wanted to put her away privately. Some commentaries state this was the practice. ACTUALLY, putting away was done publicly to make sure the person was put out of community.)
(According to the Bible, Divorce was the ending of the Marriage Covenant between two believers...with both believers remaining in the greater community and able to marry again. According to the Bible, Putting Away was the ending of the Marriage Covenant between a believer and an unbeliever...with the unbeliever being put out of community and unable to marry again within community.)
(Joseph was going to put Mary away, not divorce her. He wanted to remove her from community, which was right and just to do. He did not have sex with her because he was righteous and just. He would not divorce her because in his eyes she must be still married to someone else, otherwise she would have a bill of divorcement. If you want more details on Joseph and Mary relative to these verses, click the following link: Joseph and Mary.)
(Perhaps, one of the reasons God chose Joseph was because he would do this privately. Someone who would do this publicly may have done it immediately. Joseph doing this privately allowed God time to do what was in the next verse...)
CONCLUSION
The circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth were: Joseph and Mary were married through an exchange of tokens but had not yet completed their Marriage Covenant. Joseph found out Mary was pregnant and chose to put her away privately...
Next Post
Last month, we looked at John 1:1-5, Matthew 1:1-15, and Luke 1:1-79 which covered the events prior to Jesus' conception.
This month, we will cover the events from Jesus' conception through childhood.
Matthew 1
"18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit."
("betrothed" is Strong's #3423 mnesteuo - "to give a souvenir")
(Matthew explained that Mary and Joseph were married (through exchange of tokens), but had not consummated the marriage. Matthew SPECIFICALLY stated that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit (which is the Spirit of God) BEGAT Jesus. This occurred ONLY after Mary and Joseph were married. So Joseph was occupying an office on behalf of God. If God had gotten Mary pregnant BEFORE Joseph became Mary's husband, it would make Mary married to God through the Holy Spirit.)
(According to the Bible, the Marriage Covenant is begun by one of three ways:
1. exchange of tokens
2. exchange of vows
3. covenantal sexual intercourse
According to the Bible, the Marriage Covenant is completed ("cut") by covenantal sexual intercourse. Today, we have a man-made doctrine of Marriage that is according to the government and church...and has only existed for around 250 years! If you have any questions concerning the Biblical Doctrine of Marriage, begin at the following link: Doctrine of Marriage.)
(Mary and Joseph were married through exchange of tokens, however, they had not completed their Marriage Covenant.)
"19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily."
(Joseph was SPECIFICALLY called Mary's husband. Joseph was stated to be a righteous man. In other versions he was stated to be a just man. Joseph occupied the office for God because he was recognized by God as righteous and just! Remember, Elisabeth and Zacharias (John the Baptist's parents) were also both stated as being righteous.)
(The fact that Joseph did not want to make a public example was why he wanted to put her away privately. Some commentaries state this was the practice. ACTUALLY, putting away was done publicly to make sure the person was put out of community.)
(According to the Bible, Divorce was the ending of the Marriage Covenant between two believers...with both believers remaining in the greater community and able to marry again. According to the Bible, Putting Away was the ending of the Marriage Covenant between a believer and an unbeliever...with the unbeliever being put out of community and unable to marry again within community.)
(Joseph was going to put Mary away, not divorce her. He wanted to remove her from community, which was right and just to do. He did not have sex with her because he was righteous and just. He would not divorce her because in his eyes she must be still married to someone else, otherwise she would have a bill of divorcement. If you want more details on Joseph and Mary relative to these verses, click the following link: Joseph and Mary.)
(Perhaps, one of the reasons God chose Joseph was because he would do this privately. Someone who would do this publicly may have done it immediately. Joseph doing this privately allowed God time to do what was in the next verse...)
CONCLUSION
The circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth were: Joseph and Mary were married through an exchange of tokens but had not yet completed their Marriage Covenant. Joseph found out Mary was pregnant and chose to put her away privately...
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