THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST
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(By Pastor Larry Burkholder)
Jeremiah 22:24-30; Luke 2:1-20; 41-52; Matthew 1:18-25
As many people know, the birth of Jesus Christ just did not begin in the gospels. We can trace God's working out the details for His Son's birth way back in Jeremiah as we will soon find out. Joseph can trace his bloodline back to the wicked king Jehoiachin in Jeremiah 22:24-30. Joseph had no dealings with the conception or birth of Jesus and his story will bear out why or how.
In Matthew 1:6-12 we have revealed to us that Joseph came from the royal bloodline of David. He came through David's son, Solomon (Matthew 1:6, 7). In Joseph's bloodline was a king by the name of Jehoiachin. He was a very wicked idolater and an enemy of Jeremiah. After three months of reigning as king, he was led captive to Babylon. It was then God pronounced a curse on him according to Jeremiah 22:30.
For those who hold to the theory that Joseph was the father of Jesus I ask the question: ''How can Jesus, the son of Joseph, sit on David's throne if none of the offspring of Jehoiachin could sit there?'' This is resolved by understanding that he was born wonderfully by a virgin birth. Also, since Jesus was not from the physical seed of Joseph, He was not under the divine curse. Yet, as the adopted son of Joseph, Jesus had every right to the throne because physically Jesus descended from Mary who was of the uncursed line of David's son Nathan (Luke 3:31).
As a result, our lord will someday sit on the throne of His Father (God) according to Psalm 132:11; Luke 1:32 during the Millenium. "Behold, a king shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth" as read in Jeremiah 23:5. Jesus is the eternal Son of God (Romans 1:3, 4). One preacher writes this: "He is both David's son (humanity) and David's Lord (deity)." - Matthew 22:41-46. (George W. Zeller)
So, in considering the question: "Was Joseph Jesus’ father?" The answer is a resounding "NO!". We read in Luke 2:33. "And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him." Joseph is not connected in any way as to be the father of Jesus. Our Lord Jesus was the Son of Man, fully identifying with the human race, but He was not the son of man in regard to His birth. No human man was involved in the supernatural conception of Jesus!
Now, let’s consider Luke 2:48 where Mary states, "Thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." Mary calls Joseph the father of Jesus. Was Mary wrong? Of all people, she should have known who was involved in His conception. In answer to this question: "Was Joseph the father of Jesus?" we need to understand and keep in mind what a father is meant to be. Here are three simple words that sum up the paternal responsibilities of a father.
1) The father is to provide (1 Timothy 5:8)
2) The father
is to protect (Proverbs 14:26)
3) The father is to teach (Ephesians 6:4)
Now, let’s see how Joseph lined us with this criteria just given:
1) Joseph provided for his family as a diligent working carpenter (Matthew 13:55).
2) Joseph taught his family as two of his sons authored books of the Bible (James & Jude).
3) Joseph protected his family from harm (Matthew 2:13, 14).
I believe we can safely conclude that Joseph was Jesus' father in the sense of what we just studied in that he fulfilled the role of a father, even though he had not a thing to do with the conception of Jesus. Incidentally, Jesus’ conception in the womb of Mary was totally of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:20).
Now as we go to Matthew 1:18-25 we find some very important interesting facts. For instance, in 1:18 we have set before us a scenario such as this. As I have challenged many people down through the years of my ministry, I've said to them: "Put yourself in Joseph's sandals." What might he have thought in his heart? You are engaged to this beautiful woman whom you now are told of God that she is with child. Not his child, not any other man's child; but God's only begotten Son. To all around, perhaps, it appeared that Mary was unfaithful and we know that she was not. Imagine the troubled soul and heart of Joseph at the news!
So, being human, Joseph considered his option. Note that I wrote "option." To deal with this matter, "he thought on those things (1:20). Note that there is no anger in his heart. He did not act in haste. I believe in his deliberations in knowing what to do he was waiting on the Lord's counsel. I believe he immediately went to the Lord in prayer. Why? God quickly provided His counsel which is what Joseph desired (1:20, 21).
A rash decision by Joseph would have done no good for either Mary or himself. No, not even the natural decision to put her away.
Understand, that rash decisions, reactions, or jumping to conclusions never helps in any important or dire situation of which this was one for Joseph. To simply trust the Lord was all that Joseph wanted to do and that he did.
One writer stated: ''I believe Joseph fulfilled 1 Corinthians 13:7 in this situation... he "believeth all things," "that is he tries to put the best possible construction on actions and events." (George W. Zeller)
What does the Psalmist admonish? "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage ... wait I say on the Lord." (Psalm 27: 14)
The first promise by God of a Saviour, Redeemer, was provided to Adam and Even in Genesis 3:15. Later, Isaiah prophecied the miraculous nature of Christ's Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14). Then Micah foretells the exact location of His birth (Micah 5:2). Many centuries later, godly Simon, who had been looking for the promised Messiah, praises God when sight confirmed his faith in God’s Word (Luke 2:25-32). The text of Luke 2:1-20 is the confirmation of the many prophecies just considered concerning the birth of Christ. This truly is "good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10).
In spite of the religious ceremonialism, heathen observances, and social debauchery, we’ve yet been provided a wonderful opportunity for Christian witnessing. We who know Him are the ones who bear the responsibility to give testimony of the reality of Christ's birth to all with whom we come into contact.
From a devotional I read awhile back, I want to share with you some observations I made while reading it. (1) We need always to remember that we do not know the precise or exact date of Christ's birth, nor do we know the exact date of His return. (2) What we do know is that He was born on earth a little over 2,000 years ago and that He will return ... it could be at any time ... He could come today! Are you prepared?
A little over 60 years ago this preacher accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as His personal Saviour, experienced the forgiveness of sins by the blood that poured from Jesus' body on the cross of Calvary, and has had a peace that passeth all understanding since that night back in 1963.
My heart has been sensing what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." And I surely am thankful for the truths expressed in Titus 2:11-13, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
Jesus is coming! Are you ready? AMEN!
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