Who Was in That Manger? 3 Gospel Portraits
The Promised One
Genealogies are more than just a list of names; they tell a story. Understanding the story behind the genealogy of who was in that manger should fire us up to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Matthew’s Christmas portrait establishes:
1. The significance of who was in that manger (vs. 1)
- Jesus – the Saviour of the world (cf. 1 Jn. 4:14-15; Lk. 2:11; Mt. 1:21; Jn. 3:17)
- Christ – the “anointed one,” the Messiah (cf. Gen. 3:15; Num. 24:17; Isa. 42:1; Mal. 3:1)
- The son of David – Israel’s King, King of Kings and Lord of Lords (cf. Micah 5:2; Isa. 9:6-7; Rev. 19:16)
- The son of Abraham – the one “all peoples on earth will ultimately be blessed through” (cf. Gen. 12:1-3; Gal. 3:16)
If you have received Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, when was the last time you shared with someone that He is the anointed one, “the way, the truth and the life” and that “no one can come to the Father” but through Him? As one who has been blessed with eternal life, does the way you serve Him reflect your gratitude?
2. The amazing, saving grace of God (vs. 2-17)
- God sent Jesus Christ, in spite of mankind’s sinfulness (cf. Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:8-10)
- God delights in saving people who are dead in their transgressions and sin (cf. 2 Pt. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:1-6a)
- Jesus Christ came on a mission to seek and save the lost (cf. Lk. 19:10; Mt. 9:13b)
Being saved from God’s wrath and given the gift of eternal life and the Holy Spirit should amaze you. If it doesn’t, ask the Lord to restore unto you the joy of your salvation, which was made possible through His amazing, saving grace.
3. The global purposes of God (vs. 2-17)
- Jesus Christ fulfills God’s promises to bless His chosen people (cf. Mt. 15:14)
- Jesus Christ accomplishes God’s purpose to bless all people (cf. Jn. 3:16; Mt. 28:19)
Christmas is a time to remember that ‘who was in that manger’ grew up and lived a sinless life, willingly died on the cross to pay for our sin, and rose victoriously from the dead. Before ascending to the Father, He commissioned those who believe in Him and follow Him to go and make disciples of all nations. Are you fulfilling the King’s commission and contributing to the global purposes of God?
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