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The
people of Israel were waiting for the Messiah, their king.
Matthew
begins his book by showing how Jesus Christ was a descendant of David.
However, Matthew goes on to show that God did not send Jesus to be an earthly
king, but a heavenly king. His kingdom would be much greater than
David’s because it would
never end. Even at Jesus’ birth, many recognised Him as a king.
Herod the ruler, as well as Satan, was afraid of Jesus’ kingship and tried
to stop Him, but others worshiped Him and brought royal gifts.
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Luke’s
story begins with angels appearing
to Zechariah and then to Mary, telling them of the upcoming births of their
sons. From Zechariah and Elizabeth would come John the Baptist, who
would prepare the way for Christ. Mary would conceive by the Holy
Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God. Soon after John’s birth, Caesar
Augustus declared a census, and so Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the
town of David, their ancient ancestor. There the Child was born.
Angels announced the joyous event to shepherds, who rushed to the manger.
When the shepherds left, they were praising God and spreading the news.
Eight days later, Jesus was circumcised and then dedicated to God in the
temple, where Simeon and Anna confirmed Jesus’ identity as the Saviour, their
Messiah.
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