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The declaration of the angels indicates that there was something unique about Jesus (Luke
2:7-15): "And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings
of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city
of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased."
You knew there was something unique about Jesus when the wise men sought to worship Him (Matt. 2:11). Jesus is unique because He was born of a virgin. Isaiah predicted, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). "Almah" is translated "virgin." Seeking to cast doubt on the Bible and the Lord, modern versions mistranslate this passage, saying "the young woman is with child." Folks, there is nothing unusual about a young woman or maiden being with child. How could a young woman who is not a virgin being with child be a "sign" as Isaiah predicts? Matthew gives an inspired understanding of Isaiah by quoting and applying the passage to Jesus (Matt. 1:22-23). Matthew uses a Greek word that means "virgin." If that is not enough, he adds, "[Joseph] knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS" (Matt. 1:25). Jesus is so unique, supposed believers doubt the virgin birth, saying, "I do not believe in the Virgin Birth and hope that none of you do" (Harry Emerson Fosdick, spoken from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City). Hmmm! Mr. Fosdick knows? Jesus was not born of a virgin because he was not there? Fortunately, we do have eyewitnesses to Jesus' unique birth. The Angel of God who spoke to Mary declared it (Luke 1:30-35). Mary's response of not "having known a man" declares it. The Angel of God to Joseph declared it (Matt. 1:18-25). Elisabeth, being filled with the Spirit, declared it (Luke 1:41-45). When I compare the integrity of the eyewitnesses to that of Mr. Fosdick — well, there is no comparison. God did indeed make Jesus like unto His brethren to save them (Heb. 2:14-18). Someone has properly said, "If God wanted to relate ultimately to us, if God wanted to show us love, acceptance and compassion, if God wanted to express an understanding of all we go through, God's only option was to become one of us!" He did indeed become one of us. |