DAILY READINGS: Nehemiah 10-11; Zechariah 7; Revelation 15
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Matthew 1:16
“Whom” in the text is singular in number and feminine in gender. It excludes Joseph as Jesus' father and points to Mary as His virgin mother. This frees Jesus from the curse on Coniah's heirs which would have been on Christ through Joseph (Jer. 22:23; Mt. 1:11). Yet Jesus is the lineal son of David through Nathan, Solomon’s other brother (Lk 3:31). And being the adopted son of Joseph, He is also in Solomon’s royal line and entitled to sit on David’s throne one day (Lk. 3:23; Isa. 9:6, 7). The virgin birth of Jesus qualifies Him “to save His people from their sins.” Are you one of His people? If not, make sure you are today.—K. C. Ung
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is giv'n;
The government shall rest on Him, th’ anointed One from Heav’n. —S. H. P.