JESUS, IMMANUEL, OUR SAVIOR

Passage: Matthew 1:18~25  

Key verse: 1:21

First, Jesus' birth through David's descendant, Joseph's obedience (18-20, 24-25). Jesus' birth came through the painful self-denial of Mary and Joseph. Joseph was happy to be engaged with Mary. But soon she was found pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Joseph could have stoned her to death as the law required. But he rather decided to divorce her quietly as a kingly righteousness man. But the Lord intervened him. Joseph denied his own plan. He took up the cross of bringing her as his wife. Thus the suffering Christ was born in David's line as promised. Second, they will call him Immanuel (21-23) Matthew found many scriptures fulfilled in Jesus; He was born to save his people from their sins; The virgin will give birth to a son! They will call him, 'Immanuel', 'God with us, 'God's dwelling among sinners. Matthew, a selfish tax collector was so moved by Immanuel Jesus who chose him as one of 12 disciples and dwelt with him till he was changed to be the light and salt of the world. Praise Jesus, Immanuel!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your coming to save us from our sins by being with us, sinners.

One Word: Jesus, Immanuel, came to save us from our sins