Wednesday, April 16 – Matthew 1, 2; Luke 2 – Additional Reading: The Desire of Ages, Chapter 4, “Unto You a Savior”

1. What does the title “Son of David” mean? (Matthew 1:1)

2. Name two Messianic prophecies fulfilled in the birth story of Jesus.

3. Which prophet predicted the place of Jesus’ birth? (Matthew 2:5–6)

4. What was the purpose of Jesus’ family going to the temple when He was 12 years old? (Luke 2:42)

We are reading the beautiful story of Jesus’ birth. The inspired Gospel writers waste no time establishing Jesus’ credentials as the promised Messiah, the personal fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This is the purpose of the genealogies. Matthew traces his genealogy through Joseph. Significantly, Matthew opens with: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1).

It was prophesied that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and sit on his throne. Matthew shows that Jesus is the “Son of David” they were waiting for. In the words of the prophet Nathan to David: “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son.” (2 Samuel 7:12–14)

It is worth noting that in Matthew’s genealogy, among mostly men, four women are included, all with known stories, two of them not even Israelites: Tamar (Genesis 38), Rahab (Joshua 2, 6), Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth), and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Their inclusion testifies to God’s redemptive purpose and the gospel’s inclusive power. Unlike human cultures, God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). By the way, many of the men listed also made serious mistakes.

Messianic prophecies fulfilled in today’s reading include:

1. Matthew 1:22–23 cites Isaiah 7:14 regarding the virgin birth.

2. Matthew 2:5–6 references Micah 5:2, which prophesies that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of Judea.

3. Matthew 2:14–15 quotes Hosea 11:1 about the family’s flight to Egypt: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

4. Matthew 2:16–18 references Jeremiah 31:15 about the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children.”

5. Matthew 2:1–2, where a star guides the wise men, fulfills the prophecy of Numbers 24:17: “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”

We also have the testimonies of Simeon and Anna at the temple—both elderly, godly individuals. Simeon was just and devout; Anna was a prophetess and widow. Simeon declared:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation… A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29–32)

Anna “gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

Notice the fury of the enemy against Jesus and humanity. Herod, under Satanic influence, tried to destroy Him, and when he failed, he murdered many innocent children. The book of Revelation captures this scene: “And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.” (Revelation 12:4)

The enemy’s rage and wickedness know no limits. He uses any instrument available to attack God and His people.

Much is said of Mary as the chosen instrument to bring the Savior, and rightly so. However, less is said about Joseph, who was also chosen to be the earthly father and mentor of Jesus. What can we say about his character? He was just, mature, discreet, thoughtful, a hardworking craftsman, sacrificial, a model and mentor to his children, and obedient to God. Truly impressive. Though attention is often more heavily placed on Mary, Joseph was undoubtedly an extraordinary man in his simplicity. Both were God’s instruments.

You, too, are an instrument of God. You have been called and chosen for a more significant mission than anything. Let us admire and imitate the qualities of this young woman and the man God chose.

Have a very blessed day.