She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

                                                                                                                   Matthew 1:21

Happy February! With a new month comes a new opportunity for us to grow spiritually. This month we will be reading through the gospel of Matthew. This book of the Bible happens to have 28 chapters and this year, February conveniently has 28 days. So…each day, we will be reading one chapter of Matthew as well as focus on one particular passage from that chapter.

Today: Read Matthew 1

Chapter one brings us three important aspects regarding the identity and Person of Jesus Christ. But before we look at that, I want to encourage you not to read past the genealogy, found at the beginning of this gospel, too quickly. I hope you will appreciate the 42 generations described in this list, outlining the lineage of Jesus from Abraham to David and ultimately to Jesus Himself. You may also notice names like Rahab, Tamar, Ruth, and Bathsheba, all of which were not Hebrew women and some whose names are associated with scandalous situations. This introduction to Matthew reminds me that although humanity is fallen and that we often make mistakes, God is able to take our misdeeds and weave them into a wonderful tapestry of redemption. So if you find yourself in a family that is broken, blended, or battle-weary, let this portion of scripture remind you of God’s grace and forgiveness.

What is it that sets the Christian faith apart from the rest of the religious and philosophical thinking of our day? The answer: the Person of Jesus Christ. Most, if not all, other beliefs systems recognize Jesus as prophet, teacher, historical figure, or moral person, but all stop short of recognizing Jesus as who He is: the very Son of God. So what’s in a name? Everything when it comes to Jesus! Our passage today teaches us three important aspects regarding the identity of Jesus.

(1) Twice, we are told, that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (v 18, 20). Born of the virgin Mary, Jesus’ conception was different from any other person that has ever walked the earth. He was actually conceived by God’s Spirit. Considering the gravity of this news, Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, had to be told by way of an angelic visit. Authentic Christian faith will always include an acknowledgement that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 4:15).

(2) Joseph was instructed to name the child Jesus “for He will save His people from their sins” (v 21). The name Jesus literally means “God saves”. That is why we pray in the name of Jesus and why there is power in His name. Every time we utter the name of Jesus, we are declaring the saving power of God.

(3) Finally, we are reminded that the prophet Isaiah had foretold that the child would also be called Immanuel (v 23, sometimes spelled Emmanuel). Immanuel means “God with us.” As we read through Matthew this month, remember that every occasion in which Jesus is teaching is an opportunity, because He is Immanuel, for us to hear directly from our Creator. When Jesus speaks, God Himself is speaking.

So let’s celebrate Jesus this month. He is the Son of God (John 1:14). His name reverberates the truth about the saving power of God (Romans 1:16). And, as Immanuel, we are reminded that He is God (John 1:1). He has been given the name that is above all names, that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).