Passage
Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Jesus Saves His People from Their Sins
Date: Jan. 25, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 1:21b
First, God reveals his plan to Joseph (18-21). When Joseph learned of Mary's pregnancy, he must have been hurt and angry. But he was a man of integrity. He decided to divorce her quietly, to honor God and spare her public disgrace. God visited him as an angel in his dream to quell his fears and reveal his plan. Mary's pregnancy was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit. God was at work in that dark time of history. God told Joseph to name this boy Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Jesus is our Savior, our Messiah.
Second, Jesus is Immanuel: God with us (22-25). Matthew points out that this fulfills God's promises, quoting Isaiah 7. Jesus' birth to a virgin was the sign of Immanuel. Jesus is God with us. God never abandoned his people. He came to be with each of us, despite our human condition, failings and sin. God was with Joseph too. When Mary gave birth to a son, Joseph gave him the name Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank you for being with us in Jesus. Help me put my faith in Jesus, who saves me from sin.
One Word: Jesus is our Savior, Immanuel
