The Bible opens with the Garden of Eden, and a river flowing out of it which divided into four rivers. Four in Scripture suggests the thought of going in all directions North, West, East and South. Noah and his sons (4 in all) were placed in a newly washed world. Abraham, later, was called out of the awful idolatry of this world. By his descendants all the world was to be blest. So Israel became God’s people. His throne was in the center Jerusalem. It too was the center of government and worship for all nations. Those were God’s plans — separation to Himself, but for blessing far and wide. To Israel was given the Old Testament. Everything centered in them. The Savior of the world was to be their Messiah. So when Jesus arrived He was born there. Later, as a Man, He presented Himself to them. So this is why the first Book of the New section of the Bible opens with “Jesus Christ.” This Book has many quotations of the prophets of the Old Testament days. It can be divided into four sections First part chapters 1 and 2. He is born in Bethlehem, according to Micah 5:22But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2). We will mention the other parts and references as we come to them.
V.18 The virgin birth of our Lord Jesus. This is denied by many people today, but we know that the Word of God plainly teaches that our Lord Jesus was born as was promised to a virgin (Isa. 7:1414Therefore 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)).
V.21 Before He was born the wonderful name of Jesus was chosen for Him, and this name means Savior, “for He shall save His people from their sins.” Very often we shall find this word “save” while reading the Gospel.