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The Genetics of Christmas, Part 3

Matthew 1:1-17

Do you like a good mystery? Whether it is a book that you are reading or a movie that you are watching, there is something intriguing about trying to solve a mystery. All of us have been amazed by a shocking conclusion. Or better yet, proud of ourselves if we are able to figure it out!

The Bible is full of mysteries. I am not referring to a mystery as in an "Agatha Christie" sort of way. Rather, a biblical mystery is a truth that is impossible for us to fully comprehend. The only way to truly accept it is by faith.

Matthew chapter one, the passage that is the basis for our studies, shed light on a biblical mystery: that of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Simply stated, the virgin birth of Christ refers tot he fact that Mary was a virgin when Jesus Christ was born. She had never had physical relations with Joseph or with any other man. This truth, though clearly stated in the latter part of this chapter (vs. 18, 23) is alluded to in the genealogical section.

Beginning in verse two, you notice a similar pattern repeated throughout the verses. Time after time in the NKJV we find the word "begat" For example verse states that "Abraham began Isaac" The meaning is that Isaac is was the son of Abraham. He was from his seed. He was his physical son.

As you arrive at verse 16, you see something completely different. Jesus was not begotten of Joseph. As a matter of fact, physically, Joseph had nothing to do with Jesus' birth. The Greet text indicates that something out of the ordinary, something different, even supernatural took place with Christ's birth. What happened?

Verse 18 - "... Mary was found with child by the Holy Spirit."

God, in a pure, mysterious, supernatural way what we cannot fully comprehend planted the divine seed within Mary's womb. At birth, He truly became one of us, yet He was different from us. He was 100% God and 100% man.

Take just a moment and meditate on the ramifications of such a truth. As a man, He understands us. As God, He saved us. Now that is the greatest mystery of them all!