SERIES: God In Control
TITLE: Sovereign Birth
Scripture: Matthew 1: 18-25; Luke 2:1-17
“A virgin will conceive and bring forth a son and you shall call his name Emmanuel.” “He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
I. THE PREAMBLE TO THE MAIN EVENT
Matthew emphasizes the (Jewish) record, specifically how Jesus fulfilled the ancient (prophecies).
What we know about Joseph;
1. He was a carpenter. The Greek word can be translated “woodworker” or “mason.”
2. He was a (godly man). V.19
Two stages to the Jewish wedding;
1. Kiddushin- (betrothal) period. Legally binding but without (sexual relations)
2. Huppa- Wedding on much grander scale. Marriage with all benefits.
“God still looks for Joseph’s today. Men and women who believe that God is not through with this world. Common people who serve an uncommon God.” Max Lucado
II. THE REALITY OF THE MAIN EVENT
Events taking place:
1. It happened during the time of Caesar Augustus. Caesar means (emperor), while Augustus means (honored, revered, or esteemed).
2. A census was for one of two reasons:
1) (Taxation)
2) Register for (army).
3. Go to city of birth, which for Joseph was Bethlehem. The name means (house of bread).
NEXT WEEK: Sovereign Visitors- Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:8-20
