Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022 | Lesson 8

Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022 | Lesson 8

Lesson 8 , Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022

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TOPIC: GENEALOGY AND BIRTH OF CHRIST

TEXT: Matthew 1:1-25; 2:1-23; Luke 3:23-38

MEMORY VERSE: “Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).(Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022)

Matthew is the only one of the four gospel Writers to begin his gospel with a genealogical record of Jesus. This chapter, though not interesting to many reader “…given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3: 16). Christian youths are therefore, enjoined to read every part of the Bible.

Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022 | Lesson 8

Question 1: What do you understand by the word “Genealogy” and why do Christian youths need to study Christ’s genealogy?

“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). The word Genealogy means family tree, lineage or ancestors. Christian youths need the knowledge of Christ’s genealogy to know that Jesus fulfils the Messianic prophecies that He will be a descendant of Abraham (Genesis 22: 18) and a descendant of David (Isaiah 11:1,2,10).

Whatever else Jesus may have done, if He was not a descendant of Abraham and David, He could not have become the Messiah. So the gospel according to Saint Matthew directed especially to the Jews, through this introduction naturally settled the proof of Christ as Messiah.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST’S GENEALOGY (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Romans 10: 12; Galatians 3:28)

“So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations” (Matthew I: 17). Christ’s genealogy according to our text, consists of forty-two names from forty—two generations divided into three groups.

Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022

Question 2: Name the three divisions of Christ’s genealogy and how many generations make up each division?

In this genealogy, some names were omitted to establish essential connections. In the same vein, not all youths that passed through a school have their names significant in the records of the school. Significant names in the school records are the prefects, class captains, students with good academic performance and those who represent the school or take part in major events within and outside the school.

Christian youths must make themselves relevant in the church, school and community they found themselves. God promised that the Messiah would come from the loins of David. “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 11:1; 9:7).

Jesus, being in the lineage of David has legal right to the throne of David. There were lessons to be learnt from Christ’s genealogy: (a) God always keeps His word. His promise to Abraham and David was fulfilled in Christ. (b) Godliness is not inherited. David was a godly father but that was not transferred to Solomon.

Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022 | Lesson 8

SCRIPTURAL FACTS CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF JESUS (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Psalm 132:11; Luke 1:31-35, 76; John 14:30; 19:4, 6; 1 John 3:5: Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18). One of the most important facts concerning Jesus Christ is that He was born of a virgin. The Virgin Birth confirms Christ’s deity (Divine nature) and clearly distinguishes Him as the only sinless man conceived without Adamic depravity.

Several predictions were recorded in the Bible concerning the virgin birth of Jesus. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Disputing this cardinal doctrine is by implication, denying Christ’s Deity and His distinctive nature. It was this distinctive spotlessness that disqualified every other man from satisfying God’s demand at Calvary. He, therefore, became the spotless Lamb of God found in fashion as a man.

To receive and believe the record of Christ’s birth by a virgin mother is to settle the whole question of the miraculous. God was the first to unveil the virgin birth of Christ; when He referred to Him as the “seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15). The word “virgin” in this reference, means a woman that has not known a man. The angel even bore witness that, “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost”(Matthew 1:20). “And the angel answered and said unto her,

The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). The virgin birth is therefore, a unique sign from the Lord.

Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022

Question 3: What is the importance of the Virgin Birth of Christ to Christian youths?

The Virgin Birth of Jesus confirms His Deity and distinguishes Him as the only sinless man conceived without any taint of the sinful nature inherited by all men through Adam. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews 7:25,26).

The birth of Jesus occurred at Bethlehem, the birthplace of David (1 Samuel 20:6), and wise men came from the East to pay homage. When they saw the young child Jesus, they fell down and worshipped Him, acknowledging His Deity. Having fulfilled their mission, they did not go back to Herod because they had been warned by God that he was planning to harm the new Child.

Feeling betrayed by the wise men, Herod ordered the slaughter of all children from two years old and under in hope that Christ would be among them. Before he carried out his evil programme, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph to take the child Jesus to Egypt in fulfilment of another scriptural prophecy (Matthew 2: 13-15).

Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022 | Lesson 8

Question 4: What can you learn from the way Jesus was protected from the murderous intention of Herod?

Having received the message from God through angel Gabriel, Joseph took full responsibility to ensure adequate security of Mary and the child, Jesus. From this, we learn, one, that our protection as Christian youths depends on obedience to God’s guidance.

Two, we must respond promptly to divine guidance.

Three, challenges and problems are inevitable facts of life.

Four, God works all things for the good of youths who love Him.

Five, Satan is always working against the purpose and programme of God, but His counsel will always stand (Proverbs 19:21).

Six, God always watches over His children and knows how to deliver them.

Seven, He permits certain things in a Christian youth’s life to accomplish His purpose. After the death of Herod, Joseph and Mary returned with the child Jesus to the land of Israel and they dwelt in the City of Nazareth.

SINGULAR PURPOSE OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Acts 4:12; 5:31; Galatians 4:4,5; Hebrews 2:14,15)

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their Sins, (Matthew 1:21). Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The angel who announced His birth said, the name “Jesus” means “Saviour” or “Salvation of Jehovah or Jehovah is Saviour”.

Question 5: How can a sinning youth benefit from the birth of Christ?

The purpose of Jesus coming into the world is to save mankind from the ruin of sin. This, He accomplished through His vicarious death on the cross at Calvary. Any youth who repents from sin and comes to Him for salvation will receive pardon and cleansing through His blood, no matter how vile.

Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 20 February 2022 | Lesson 8