Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.
Days 272-273
XVI The Life of our Lord - 5 B.C. - A.D. 29
Introduction
- Prefaces to synoptic gospels - Matthew 1:1; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:-4
- Preface to John's gospel - John 1:1
- Two genealogies of Jesus Christ - Matthew 1:2-17; Luke 3:23-38
- Caesar Augustus rules Roman empire - 27 B.C. - A.D. 14
Announcements
- Annunciation to Zacharias about John the Baptist - Luke 1:5-25
- Annunciation to Mary about Jesus Christ - Luke 1:26-38
- Song of Elisabeth to Mary - Luke 1:39-45
- The magnificat of Mary - Luke 1:4656
- Birth and childhood of John the Baptist - Luke 1:57-80
- Annunciation to Joseph of coming Messiah by angel - Matthew 1:18-24
Birth and Childhood of Jesus
- Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 1:25
- Praise of angels and homage of shepherds to babe in manger - Luke 2:8-20
- Circumcision of Jesus - Luke 2:21
- Presentation in the temple - Luke 2:22-38
- Visit of the wise men - Matthew 2:1-12
- Flight to Egypt (and death of Herod the Great) - Matthew 2:13-20
- From Egypt to Nazareth - Matthew 2:21-23; Luke 2:39
- Childhood at Nazareth - Luke 2:40
- Jesus to Jerusalem at age twelve - Luke 2:41-50
- Eighteen years spent at Nazareth - Luke 2:51-52
- Birth of Paul - A.D. 10-15
- Caesar Augustus dies - Tiberius now reigns - A.D. 14
*~*~*~*~*
Genealogy - I searched for a chart which would show the genealogy of Christ - thought I had found one - absolutely awesome. Had the outline of a man, at the head were Adam and Eve and their offspring...down through to Noah and his 3 sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth....down to David...through to Jesus Christ....then onward...as first perusal I thought it okay, even downloaded it...then realized as I looked at it more closely...**gasp** it appeared to be Islamic...looking for that 12th Inman...(note to self...do not download w/out first thoroughly checking!)
The sad conclusion is, there were no easy, simple genealogies laid out in chart or graph form...at a glace type...if I had the time, I would enjoy drawing out something similar to the one mentioned above, abet from a Christian perspective! If someone comes across something, please share.
As I began to read the lineage of Jesus, I remembered someone once stating how each gospel presented a facet of Jesus - a little digging gave me this:
Matthew - written to the Jews to show the Messianic prophetic fulfillment of Jesus Christ
Mark - written to the Romans to show him as an obedient servant - hence no lineage - slaves aren't worthy of such.
Luke - written to a Gentile audience showing Jesus as the Son of Man or a Savior for all mankind.
John - God incarnate - shows Jesus before time began - numerous I AM statements.
Reese in his introduction to the NT mentions that Zacharias was a high priest - however, my research does not seem to substantiate that position. Specifically, a high priest was to enter once a year to offer a blood atonement for the national sin of the people. This passage clearly states that Zacharias was burning incense. Burning incense appears to have happened daily, which was to be indicative of the peoples prayers ascending to the Lord. A priest could only be picked for this particular honor once in his lifetime. Once he had performed the function, he was 'retired' from performing it again. God's sovereign appointment for Zacharias - some commentaries fault his unbelief, stating he 'blew it' - and for which he was chastised. God had blessed an older couple previously - this was not a 'new' miracle. He did speak unadvisedly, but perhaps a more chilling observation to this scenario would be to ask ourselves, where stand I? When have I spoken unadvisedly and not trusted the Lord, nor remembered HIS previous goodness to me, others or mankind in general?
Mary's question on the other hand...received no rebuke...a woman pregnant without having sexual relations? Never heard of that...yes a prophecy was given...but no previous incidence and never another one.
Luke 1:17 - in the spirit and power of Elias - not resurrected Elijah, how could it be? Elijah was translated...the commentaries I consulted affirm that John was a type of Elijah - bold in speaking the truth, rebuking kings, hanging out in the desert, not afraid of what man would or would do to them as they proclaimed the Truth of God's Word. How much do we reflect our brother's in being bold for the Lord?
I wondered if the 6th month reference was a Jewish calendar or if they had adopted the Roman calendar dating system...and a note, Father specifically did not give dates regarding Jesus' birth. Nor was there ever any 'do this in remembrance' of me injunction as there was to keep the breaking of bread. If you have never researched the topic of Jesus' birth, the date currently assigned, who assigned it, where that date came from, please be encouraged to do an in-depth study.
Remember we all will give an account - our works being tried by fire - I trembled inwardly with the thought that I may be engaging in activities or 'works' which I think pleasing to my heavenly Father, only to find that they will be nothing but vapor in HIS sight as they are tried. What wood, hay, stubble are we keeping in our lives?
I noticed the word, Israel used several times in these days readings...specifically "He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;" Luke 1:54 and "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people." Luke 1:68 and "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:32 - God was doing something specific for Israel in sending HIS son. He fulfilled prophecy - He provided a light to the Gentiles - but just because Father opened up the doors to the Gentiles in no way mitigates the prophecies yet to be fulfilled for Israel. If Father chose a nation as HIS own, can HE un-choose them? If so, what does that say about the doctrine of election?
Joseph - a gentle, loving man. Chosen by God to raise HIS son. What an awesome calling. Father spoke to Joseph through dreams and he was immediately obedient. "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:" Matthew 1:24. No hesitation, no arguing, no doubting, nothing but immediate obedience. Oh that the servants of the most high God were to be that obedient in all matters which HE corrects, guides and/or directs. What would be the result?
Servants of God - the shepherds were glorifying and praising God, Simeon was blessing God - what adoration for a sovereign and bountiful God. Lord, help us, Your people, to give you all the glory, praise and bless Your holy name. Show us to be steadfast as Your servants of old - standing firm in the midst of a wicked and adulterous generation.
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