The Embryo of Jesus

When the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary about the birth of Jesus, he said, And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son. . . . (Lk. 1:31a NKJV) Mary wondered about this and asked, How can this be, since I do not know a man? (v. 34b)

Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would move upon her: the power of the Highest will overshadow you. (v. 35b) And it happened as Gabriel said. Mary conceived the embryo of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The new life within her came from both God and a human.

Many doctrines rest upon the concept of the Virgin Birth. One of those doctrines is the redemptive value of Christ’s blood. Blood forms at conception. After conception there is an embryo with blood, but before conception there is only egg and seed. The baby’s blood can be quite different than that of either parent. And the blood of Jesus was quite different from that of His mother. It carried not only her characteristics, but also the characteristics of His Heavenly Father.

Impossible? Yes. But Gabriel reminded Mary that, with God nothing will be impossible. (v. 37) Mary replied, Let it be to me according to your word. (v. 38b)

Originally published December 13, 1991.
Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Genealogy of Jesus

The genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Matthew does not agree with the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Luke. They are the same from Abraham to David, but Luke goes back to David through his David's son Nathan while Matthew goes back to David through David's son Solomon.

It is difficult to know which provides Mary’s genealogy and which provides Joseph’s. Luke reads, Jesus . . . being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph. . . . (Lk. 3:23b NAS) Perhaps he gives Mary’s lineage because Mary furnished the earthly inheritance of her son. Jesus’ genetic code as a human came through Mary. Through her, he was literally from the seed of David.

Matthew also emphasizes the virgin birth. But perhaps he provides Joseph’s lineage. This is important because Joseph’s family determined Jesus’ birthplace as well as His legal family.

Isaiah prophesied, Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse [David’s father], And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him. (Is. 11:1,2a) Jesus is the son of David and the Son of God. He’s God and man—and He’s our Lord and Savior.

Originally published December 13, 1985.
Picture: Basket of pine cones with antique candlestick. Photo by Solveig.