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Prophecies Concerning The Birth of Jesus Introduction: Sometimes people get fixated on the wrong things. Man teaches a frog to sing an opera but the critics say he was off key! People place great emphasis on December 25th as birthday of Jesus but the Bible does not do so. If it was important we would be told the day of His birth. The emphasis in the Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus' birth is often lost on people today. We want to look at those prophecies for there is a lot to learn from them. In fact even Herod understood something about those prophecies, Matthew 2.1-4. A) Genesis 3.15 the Seed of woman 1. Singular word is used here (seed) and not "seeds" showing a singular individual. 2. This would not be accomplished across generational lines. 3. He would be born of a woman. Anytime we have a body we must have a birth. Or a birthing process. a. The Seed would possess a physical body, Hebrews 10.5 b. Jesus did not just appear out of mid-air, the people knew His parents, He had brothers and sisters. B) He would be of the lineage of David, 2 Samuel 7.12-13 1. From the lineage of David would come a Great King and Kingdom. 2. This kingdom would be everlasting. 3. Daniel tells us more about this kingdom as it would never end, Daniel 2.40-44 4. This ties in with the place of Jesus' birth as He would be born in Bethlehem, Micah 5.2. a. Of importance is again placed upon His authority and power. C) He would be born of a virgin, Isaiah 7.14 1. At this time Assyria was seeking domination. Syria and Israel were threatened and entered into an alliance against Assyria. a. King Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel sought to enter into an alliance against Ahaz of Judah. b. In response Ahaz of Judah sought protection from Assyria, 2 Kings 16.7. 2. It was at this time Isaiah was told to go to Ahaz and tell him not to worry about King Rezin and Pekah. Ephraim would cease being a people and Rezin the head of Syria would be removed. 3. To prove that what Isaiah was true Ahaz would be given a sign. On this ocassion Ahaz was to ask for a sign, Isaiah 7.10-11. a. However he refused to ask, Isaiah 7. 12 b. Why? Because he did not want to believe the message. Apparently his mind was made up to not rely on God but to rely on political forces and alliances. c. His reasoning was faulty, Isaiah 7.12b. One does not tempt God when one does what God commands. 4. God would give a sign not for Ahaz but the house of David. We can also add for us. 5. What was the sign? A virgin having a child, and His name being Immanuel. Isaiah 8.8,10 also refers to the Child. 6. Great emphasis is placed on the first part but even greater emphasis should be on the second part. Matthew 1.23 which means God with us. D) Everything would rest upon this Child, Isaiah 9.6-7 1. His authority and power would not come from political or military forces. Jesus never lead an army, never fought in a physical battle. 2. But His government, rule and authority would come from who He is, God with us. 3. Terms used to describe Him. a. Wonderful -- He came to reveal the Father to us, to bring everlasting life. b. Counselor- one who imparts wisdom from above, revealing the will of the Father. c. Mighty God -- unlike a prophet who derives his power from God, Jesus was God. d. Everlasting Father -- He is eternal. e. Prince of peace - He came to bring peace between God and man. 4. This world has seem many leaders but only one who changed the world like Jesus. E) The heartache that was to come after Jesus' birth, Jeremiah 31.15 1. The slaughter of the innocents, Matthew 2.11. 2. It was as a Child, Jesus was the most venerable. But God directed His safety. F) Out of Egypt God would call His Son, Hosea 11.1 1. Matthew 2.14 Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. 2. Out of Egyptian bondage God called Israel. 3. Out of bondage of sin God calls us today.
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