Today’s reading is Matthew chapter 1.
In Matthew 1, the geneology of Jesus is laid out, and an angel speaks to Joseph, telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. Mary would bring forth a son named JESUS, who would save His people from their sins. His birth would fulfill the prophecies of old.
He would be called Jesus Christ. His name describes His mission.
“And Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:16
CHRIST and MESSIAH are synonymous. They both mean the Anointed One. In the Old Testament, those chosen to be kings and priests were anointed with oil and set apart for their special callings. Jesus was chosen to be our Savior, Redeemer, and King.
JESUS is a name that comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua, a name connected with Yahweh (the God of Israel) and the Hebrew word meaning to save or deliver. In Greek, the name became Iēsous and in English, Jesus.
Matthew tells us that the angel who spoke to Joseph said, “thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Matthew tells us that the birth of Jesus Christ would fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy: “Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
Matthew says that Immanuel (or Emmanuel) means “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, our God who came to live among us as our Savior and Deliverer. He came to save us from our sins.
