Day 272, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 2:1-40
Be Authentic Like Jesus | Proofs about Christ
Was Jesus really born the Son of God? This is the question that many around the world are still asking. In today’s Bible reading, Jesus, the apparent illegitimate son of Mary, is claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God. That seems hard to believe. The unspoken but very loud question in people’s minds is, “what proof do we have?” In Jesus’ day, they did not have Driver’s Licenses, Social Security cards, or any other modern method to prove identity. So how can it be established that Jesus is the Son of God?
Proofs of Jesus’ true identity
Genealogical records
In the Jewish society of that time, genealogical records proved your lineage and demonstrated your inheritance rights. In Matthew’s book, Jesus’ family tree is traced through Joseph, his legal father, from Abraham through David’s line. Jesus is Jewish, and through the line of Abraham, all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). Through the line of David, Jesus has the right to reign (Genesis 49:9-10; Jeremiah 23:5).In the book of Luke, Jesus’ genealogy is traced through a different line. It is traced backward from Jesus’ adopted father Joseph to the first man of creation, Adam, and then finally to God. In this account, Joseph’s father is said to be Heli, not Jacob. The contributing author in Gotquestions.org states that there is no word for son-in-law in the ancient Greek language. Jesus’ lineage is likely traced through Mary’s line, Joseph being son-in-law to her father.
Jesus was always one with God in heaven. Then in magnificent grace, God sends his Son from heaven to be miraculously conceived in Mary, a virtuous Jewish girl, who is still a virgin (Philippians 2:6-7; John 1:14; Matthew 1:20-23).When he is conceived, Jesus takes on Adam’s flesh (humanity). Both genealogies have some common ancestors, two being King David and Abraham. By legal right and natural lineage, Jesus is the Messiah the Jewish people are seeking.
Historical records
What other proofs of Jesus’ validity exist? Historical records and dates prove the probability of the Bible story. A prosecuting attorney might ask a defendant, “Where were you at such and such a date?” He tries to break down the testimony of the defendant. Still, if the defendant’s testimony is true, then there is evidence that he was there.
The first four books of the New Testament are filled with exact times, names of people, and events around the birth of Jesus. If his birth is a lie, why not hide the truth? Facts of history can be easily proved or disproved. Luke 3:1-2 records the time of John the Baptist’s ministry. He prepares the way for Jesus. Luke 2:1-2 records the time of Jesus’ birth.Fulfilled prophecies
Fulfilled prophecies testify to the truth of the gospel’s claims. As we learned yesterday Malachi 4:5-6 and Luke 1:17 testify to fulfilled Scriptures concerning John the Baptist being forerunner to Christ. Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:20-23 testify to fulfilled Scriptures concerning the virgin Mary having a baby who would be the Jewish Savior and Immanuel. Immanuel means “God with us” —he will be physically present with his people. Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:4-7 testify to where Jesus would be born (in Bethlehem), and that he will be ruler over Israel, which is in the future (Revelation 19:6-16).Testimonies
A testimony of two or three reliable witnesses is sufficient in our courts to establish truth as it was in Jewish society (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; and 2 Corinthians 13:1). Jesus had many more than that. In Luke 2-3 there are testimonies of the shepherds, the righteous man Simeon, and the prophetess Anna. Matthew 2 records the magi’s testimony. These are astrologers, wise men from the east, bearing expensive gifts for the Christ child. They say that they have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him, the king of the Jews.
Later, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptist would hear the voice of God giving testimony at Jesus’ baptism. All those present at the Jordan River that day would also listen to it.
John testifies that he saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus in the form of a dove. By that sign previously revealed to him, he knows and testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Matthew 2:1-2).
Later, at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, John the Baptist hears the voice of God giving testimony at Jesus’ baptism. All those present at the Jordan River that day also hear it. John testifies that he saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus in the form of a dove. By that sign previously revealed to him, he knows and testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, (John 1:29-34). Even Jesus’ enemies later recognize his integrity. The Herodians (a political party loyal to King Herod) admit to Jesus, “Teacher, … we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are” (Matthew 22:16 NIV).
Us
We have learned that Jesus is authentic by his lineage, historical records, fulfilled prophecies, and testimonies about him. What about us? How authentic are we? We do not carry identification cards saying we are Christians, but have we been miraculously born of God by his Spirit? Have we been saved by grace through faith? We may not carry a card, but if we are followers of Christ, we are sealed by his Spirit until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). Can our neighbors testify that we are Christians? Are we truthful, accountable, and reliable? Do we behave and act with integrity? Are we sacrificial in our love?
Children grow to be like their parents most of the time. Are we showing ourselves to be more and more children of God, in favor with God and men, as Jesus was?
Discussion
How do we know Jesus is the Son of God from heaven, born to save the world? What proofs are there?
What proofs should we find in a Christian that he really belongs to Christ?
Here is a song that goes well with today's Bible study: A Little More Like You and a bonus: Chain Breaker
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-genealogy.
Focus Verse
Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Here is a video of the birth of Jesus Christ
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Jesus is the Messiah by the proofs given in today's Bible reading. In our Next Lesson we will look at the Preparation made for his coming and his message. Join us!
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