Selected Scriptures "The Most Wonderful Gift Ever"

"God’s Perfect Gift in Jesus Christ"

The birth of Jesus Christ is the most wonderful gift ever given, fulfilling God’s promises of salvation and demonstrating His love. Through humble obedience, Joseph and Mary played vital roles in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

Jesus: Fulfillment, Faithfulness, and Mission

1. God’s Promise Fulfilled (Matthew 1:21-25) — Jesus’ birth fulfills prophecy and reveals His purpose.
2. Joseph’s Faithful Obedience (Matthew 2:14, 21) — Joseph’s actions demonstrate trust in divine guidance.
3. Jesus’ Identification with Humanity (Luke 2:21-22) — Jesus’ circumcision signifies His role under the Law.
4. Jesus’ Divine Awareness (Luke 2:41-42) — At age 12, Jesus reveals His mission to do His Father’s will.

Key Verses

1. Matthew 1:21-22, 24-25: "She will bear a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (NASB 1995)   » The angel’s words to Joseph reveal Jesus’ divine purpose: salvation from sin. This affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically Isaiah 7:14. Joseph’s obedience in naming the child “Jesus” shows his faith in God’s plan.

2. Matthew 2:14, 21: "So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt." (NASB 1995)   » Joseph’s immediate obedience to divine guidance underscores his role as protector of the Messiah. His actions fulfill Hosea 11:1 (“Out of Egypt I called My Son”), demonstrating God’s sovereignty.

3. Luke 2:21-22, 41-42: "And when eight days were completed before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb." (NASB 1995)

    » Jesus’ circumcision and naming signify His submission to the Law, identifying Him as fully human and fully divine. At age 12, His trip to Jerusalem reveals His growing awareness of His mission and divine identity.

Related Passages

1. Exodus 13:2: Dedication of the firstborn, fulfilled in Jesus as the ultimate Firstborn.

2. Leviticus 12:3: Circumcision of male children, showing Jesus’ adherence to the Law.

3. Romans 3:23-24: Humanity’s need for salvation and justification through Christ.

These key words and related passages highlight the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness, as seen in His promises, provisions, and the redemptive work accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Key Words

1. Jesus: Derived from Hebrew “Yeshua,” meaning “The Lord is salvation.”

2. Emmanuel: “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), emphasizing Jesus’ divine presence.

3. Salvation: Deliverance from sin and its consequences, accomplished through Jesus (Romans 3:23).

4. Prophecy: Divine revelation of future events, fulfilled in Jesus (Isaiah 7:14; Hosea 11:1).

Main Characters

1. Joseph: Jesus’ earthly father, a man of righteousness and obedience. His trust in divine guidance overcame cultural shame and danger to wed Mary and protect the Messiah.

2. Mary: Chosen by God to bear Jesus, demonstrating faith and humility (Luke 1:26-38).

Message to the Original Audience

The Gospel writers emphasize God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through the birth of Jesus. The narratives highlight the obedience of Joseph and Mary as examples of faith amid cultural and personal challenges. The message assured the Jewish audience that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Applications for Believers Today

1. Trust in God’s Plan: Like Joseph, believers should obey God’s guidance even when it’s challenging or countercultural.

2. Celebrate Salvation: Recognize Jesus as the ultimate gift, bringing eternal salvation to humanity.

3. Live Faithfully: Reflect obedience and trust in God’s Word, as seen in Joseph and Mary.