Matthew 1:21 declares, “She will bring forth a Son, and you will call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” This verse teaches three profound truths.
This first truth is His entrance. “She will bring forth a Son…” The birth of JESUS defies human reason and logic.
· A king should be brought into the world by the most famous woman in society. Yet, JESUS was born to a young, unknown teenagwe girl in a small town.
· A king should be born in the most state of the art hospital. Yet JESUS was born in a cave and placed in a feeding trough.
· A king should be born into the most prestigious family in the nation. Yet, JESUS was born into a common, unknown “peasant family.”
· A king should be born surrounded by the most famous citizens. Yet, JESUS was born surrounded by stable animals.
The second truth is His name. “…and you will call His name JESUS.” The name JESUS was a very popular name in the ancient world. That is the reason JESUS was referred to as JESUS of Nazareth, in order to distinguish Him from so many other
JESUS’s of that day. The name JESUS describes both His character and His mission. John 20:31 states, “But these are written so that you may believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
The third truth is His Purpose. “…for He will save His people from their sins.”
“Save” means “to rescue” or “to deliver.” In verse 21, Matthew writes that JESUS will rescue or deliver people from the worst of all dangers, eternal separation from GOD because of their sin. One commentator added, “But coupled with the idea of rescue is the idea of keeping those rescued safe and secure, preserving them so that the danger shall not again involve them.”
What a glorious truth! He shall save His people from their sins. Look at the word “from.” It is spelled apo in the original language. It means “to separate.” When JESUS saves His people, it means He separates the sinner from his/her sin so that these sins can no longer reach him/her or inflict their deadly power on him/her.
We have the opportunity to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas because JESUS has saved us from our sins. Let’s join with the apostle Paul in exclaiming, “Thanks be to GOD for His indescribable gift!”
Pastor Mike