1. MATTHEW 1:18-25 The Significance of Jesus’ Birth

2. Came in the Flesh as a Child the Son of God came into this world as a child  He grew up, facing the same temptations as all of mankind (Is. 7:14-16)(Lk. 2:52)(Heb. 4:14-15; 5:6-10)  He can then aid us in our weakness (Heb. 4:16; 2:17-18) the Son of God was born so that He could die  only a sinless human life could atone for all mankind (Heb. 2:14-15; 10:4-5, 10)(Phil. 2:5-8)

3. Born of a Miraculous Birth Jesus was conceived by the power of God  though subject to the weakness of flesh, He was, and still remains, deity (Jn. 1:1-3, 14)(Col. 2:9-10)  His claims of authority (Jn. 8:51-59)(Mt. 28:18-20) being God, He is able to forgive sin  He is not only our Mediator, He is our Savior (Lk. 5:20- 25)(Rom. 3:23-26)

4. Born into Humble Circumstances though born to be King, He was born into poverty (Lk. 2:22-24, cf. Lev. 12:8)  He did not lead a kingly life (Mt. 8:19-20)(Mk. 6:1-3)  He died a criminal’s death (Mt. 27:39-44)(Deut. 21:23) He would not rule an earthly kingdom, but a Heavenly one, the church (Mt. 16:18-19)(Jn. 18:33-37)  and we can be a citizen in that kingdom (Phil. 3:20-21)

5. Conclusion Christ could have, and was expected to, come in a much different manner than He chose (Eph. 3:8-12)  He came in the flesh so that He could be our Example, Mediator, and Sacrifice  He came maintaining His deity so that He could be the Word of God and our Savior  He came in humility so that He could be glorified as our Heavenly King  and He is coming again to be our Judge and Deliverer (1 Cor. 15:20-26)