📅 January 01: Matthew 1 & 2: The Beginning of the Gospel - Exploring the Roots of Christ's Story

Daily Bible Readings January
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Embark with us on the remarkable journey through Matthew 1 and 2, chapters that mark the beginning of the Gospel and set the stage for the story of Jesus Christ. These chapters intertwine the miraculous with prophecy, setting a foundation for understanding the significance of Jesus’ birth and early life.

:open_book: Matthew 1 - Genealogy and Birth of Jesus:

  • Matthew 1 starts with an important genealogy, connecting Jesus to David and Abraham, thus establishing His rightful place in Jewish history and prophecy. This lineage is not just a historical record but a testament to the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout generations.

Key Verse:

‘She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ - Matthew 1:21

  • This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel - the promise of salvation through Jesus. The narrative then unfolds the miraculous birth of Jesus to Mary, affirming the prophecy of Isaiah and highlighting the divine intervention in human history.

:star: Matthew 2 - The Visit of the Magi and Escape to Egypt:

  • In Matthew 2, we witness the visit of the Magi, wise men from the East, who followed a star to honor the newborn king. This event underscores the global significance of Jesus’ birth, extending beyond the Jewish people to all humanity.
  • The chapter also narrates the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt, a move that fulfilled prophecies and showcased God’s providential care. Their eventual return to Nazareth continues the theme of divine orchestration in Jesus’ early life.

Key Verse:

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” - Matthew 2:11

This verse captures the profound moment when the Magi, representing nations outside of Israel, recognize and honor Jesus as the king. It’s a pivotal scene that foreshadows Jesus’ impact on the entire world.

:bulb: Reflective Q&A:

  • :deciduous_tree: Genealogy’s Significance:
    • Question: What significance does the genealogy in Matthew 1 hold for understanding Jesus’ mission?
    • Answer: It serves as a bridge connecting the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing Jesus as the culmination of God’s plan and the promised Messiah.
  • :crown: Universal King:
    • Question: How does the visit of the Magi reflect the universal significance of Jesus’ birth?
    • Answer: The Magi, coming from the East, symbolize the worldwide impact of Jesus’ birth, indicating that He came for the salvation of all peoples, not just the Jewish nation.
  • :pray: Divine Providence:
    • Question: In what ways do the events of Matthew 2 show God’s providential care over Jesus’ early life?
    • Answer: The protection of Jesus from Herod’s decree and the guided journey of the Holy Family highlight God’s active involvement and foresight in safeguarding the Savior for His future ministry.

:thinking: Reflective Thoughts:

  • Contemplate how the early events in Jesus’ life inspire your own faith journey. What does the fulfillment of prophecy and the examples of divine guidance teach you about trust and faith?
  • Reflect on the broader implications of Jesus’ birth for humanity. How does understanding His universal mission influence your perspective on the Gospel?

:speech_balloon: Let’s Discuss:

  • We encourage you to share your thoughts, reflections, or questions about Matthew 1 & 2. How do these chapters deepen your understanding of Jesus’ role as the Messiah and the nature of His mission?

:date: See You Tomorrow:

  • Join us again as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew. Check back tomorrow for our next insightful reading. Discover the full January reading plan here.

Join us on this enlightening journey through the scriptures. Dive deeper each day, and let’s grow in faith and understanding together.

:love_letter: Stay Connected:

  • Don’t miss a moment of our journey. Subscribe to the AIgniteScripture Newsletter for daily readings and insights delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe here.

matthew #Gospel #BirthOfJesus #Magi #BibleReading #AIgniteScripture #DailyDevotional"

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Matthew 1,2
The divine purpose begins again in the next step for God Manifestation on earth. This does not depend upon “human salvation” but upon the creation by the Spirit of a course of New Men and New Women, after the fashion of God’s work in mankind. We again start the reading of the New Testament in the company of three great men, Yahshua Christ, David and Abraham. To Abraham and David were made great covenants of promise, confirmed in the appearance of Yahshua, the Son of the Deity in both birth and sacrifice. The promise of the blessing of inheritance of the Promised Land was made to Abraham and his seed; of the dominion of a royal throne to David and his seed; and they who would be followers in Christ, as the Son of Abraham in whom all the families of the earth are to be blessed, must be faithful, loyal subjects to him – and as the Son of David, by whom all the families of the earth are to be ruled. • The record reveals: • [1] The genealogy: vv. 1-17. • [2] Establishing the royal line: vv. 18-25. • Mat. 1:1 contains a phrase which is only used in relation to the first Adam and the last Adam (cp. Gen. 5:1). The generations ‘listed’ (there are some individuals missing, for good reasons) by Matthew number forty two, which is the number of stopping places listed of the children of Israel in the wilderness (Num. 33:1-49). In that, the generations are representative of the probation of mankind until the coming of the Great One; of the struggling through the wilderness of trial and testing by the families of the earth. It is significant to note in the list at v. 16 the wording changes from ‘begat’ to ‘of whom was born’ emphasising again the divine Hand and presence of Yahweh as his Father directing the issues of mankind for His eternal purpose. • From vv. 18-25, the narrative of the birth of our Lord and Saviour is given in simplistic yet majestic terms, declaring that he was begotten “of the Holy Spirit” for it required such an influence in order for one to be able to overcome the law of condemnation resident in all flesh including his. Compare with this, the uncertainty of Mary and Joseph in vv. 18-19, confirmation that angels are with the faithful at all times (vv. 20-21; Heb. 1:14), and the determination of these remarkable servants of the living God to perform His will (v. 25). • The statement of the power of Yahweh’s prophetic Word (vv. 22-23) accords with the declaration of Isaiah 7:14, the great sign offered to Ahaz, king of Judah. He rejected the sign, but now the fulness of it is seen in the announcement of the birth of our Saviour Yahshua, to save God’s people from the enemy of sin and he would do this by conquering and destroying the law of sin in himself (Heb. 2:14). • Chapter 2 continues: • [1] The visit of the wise men: vv. 1-2. • [2] Herod seeks knowledge of the Lord: vv. 3-6. • [3] Herod’s deception: vv. 7-8. • [4] The star reappears: vv. 9-10. • [5] The magi pay homage: vv. 11-12. • [6] Flight into Egypt: vv. 13-15. • [7] Massacre of the children: vv. 16-18. • [8] Return from Egypt: vv. 19-23. This chapter speaks of the birthplace of Yahshua, at Bethlehem of Judea, at which people were already seeking “The King of the Jews,” in accordance with the prophecy of Daniel ch. 9. This, coming to the attention of Herod the king, “he demanded” of the scribes and chief priests where the Christ should be born. Their answer reflects the prophecy of Mic. 5:2. The king sent the wise men (v. 7) with the scheming appeal, “that I may come and worship him also.” What exquisite hypocrisy was here! He only wished to find the child that he might murder him; but the gracious God, who searches the heart, prevents the designs of wicked men from being accomplished to frustrate His divine purpose! When the Magi wise men from the east, found the child by divine providence, they offered gifts of gold (kingship), frankincense (priesthood), and myrrh (prophet). • Compare Psa. 45:1-8 speaking of the One who was the Word made flesh. Again the presence of the angel is manifest in making the Magi aware of the king’s intent. Here is the hand of Yahweh working within the family in fulfilment of His prophetic word in Hos. 11:1, written 750 years before, and Jer. 31:15, written 600 years before. The journey of the life of Yahshua begins by him being taken into Egypt in fulfilment of the prophecies, and then return to the Land of Israel, a journey which encompasses his early life and shadows the walk of every believer. In this is seen a repetition of the events of creation in the “First Adam” (Gen. 2), with the divine power vested in a greater parable seen in the greater “Last Adam.” — Logos.