The Birth of Jesus Foretold (Matthew 1:20-23)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
25 December 2022
Before Jesus Christ was born prophets foretold his coming. No other human being has had such a prophetic introduction life.
Consider aspects of these prophecies.
Jesus was born of the lineage of David. This had to be. God chose David's lineage to bring forth Jesus. The angel spoke to Joseph, David's earthly father, and called him "son of David," the same title given to Jesus.
Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit came upon Mary and she conceived. Jesus did not inherit a fallen nature. The Holy Spirit brought about the conception and the child so conceived was holy. Jesus had no original sin.
The Saviour had to be a boy. This was God's ordained way. The angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary would bring forth a son. The Bible upholds male leadership and it was a man, the man Christ Jesus who leads people to heaven. The Saviour must be male. Adam the man fell in Eden. Jesus the man triumphed at Calvary.
Before he was born Mary's child was given two names—Jesus and Immanuel. Jesus means Saviour. He came to save sinners from their sins. His name is Immanuel meaning God with us. Jesus did not come to be against us but to be with us.
Jesus came with a clear mission—to save people from their sins. This he did when he died on the cross in the place of sinners. His death accomplished salvation. He died effectively for his people. In the Old Testament the people of Israel were the chosen people. In the New Testament the believing church is the chosen of God. Jesus accomplished exactly what he came to do—to save his people. Salvation has been accomplished.
Salvation from sin is God's priority. But tragically it is not recognised as a priority by most people. It takes a work of the Holy Spirit to awaken people to their sins. When someone comes to faith in Christ all earthly needs shall be met. Seek first God's kingdom and all the necessary things of life shall be given to you.
Praise God for Christmas. When the birth of Jesus was revealed to Joseph he did as the angel directed. Like Joseph we should obey the Lord. Christmas is God's revelation to us and revelation is to be received not spurned.
Jesus’s birth was prophesied. His prophecies have been fulfilled. It is for us to receive prophecy and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.