Chapter V: String 4: The Birth of Jesus (2)

[168]Again Jesus prayed to the Father, saying: "Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." (John 12:27,28) Jesus could not have been praying to himself here, but he was praying to Jehovah God, from whom he came.

[169]That the Father is greater than the Son, Christ Jesus, he shows when he says: "I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I."--John 14:28.

[170]Many others have believed that Jesus, while on the earth, was still a spirit being and that his flesh was merely a covering or house in which that spirit being resided. Otherwise stated, that he was merely an incarnated creature and not wholly a man. The incarnation theory is that a spirit being inhabits for a time the human body, or a human body is created for the express purpose of that spirit being's occupying it for a time. The incarnation of Jesus is Scripturally erroneous. Indeed, if he had been merely an incarnated being, he could never have redeemed mankind. It is not disputed that he could have appeared as a human being; and such is attested to in the instances given in Genesis 18:1,2 and 19:1.

[171]Some insist that Jesus when on earth was both God and man in completeness. This theory is wrong, however. We should never formulate a theory concerning God's plan in direct contradiction to his plain Word. We should have faith in God and in his Word. Faith means to have a knowledge of his Word and then to rely upon that Word confidently. The Bible is the revealed Word of God, given to man for his instruction; and where plain statements of the Bible are given, we should take them at their face value. Following this course, we find that the plan of God everywhere appears harmonious and beautiful.

[172]The adversary takes advantage of an honest desire on the part of some and leads them into error. Every conscientious and reverential mind desires to honor God. For fear they might dishonor him, they are easily led into failure to give proper consideration to plain statements of the Bible. Some have been induced to believe that should they say that Jesus when on earth was a man and not God, such would be a dishonor to God. We should not permit ourselves to be beguiled or misled by sophistry or theories, but should follow the plain teachings of the Bible and then reach a conclusion in the light of that revealed Word after a full examination.

[173]The record concerning Jesus' prehuman existence, his being begotten and his birth, entirely disproves the theory that he was incarnated. The Scriptures above cited plainly show that he was begotten in the womb of a woman, Mary, by the holy spirit, the power, energy or influence of Jehovah; that thereafter he was born in the same general manner that other children are born of a woman (Luke 2:9-11); that he grew to manhood's estate and increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:40,52) None of these things would have been necessary were he merely an incarnated being, a spirit being inhabiting a body of flesh. He worked at the carpenter's trade until he was thirty years of age, at which time he began his ministry. At that time he went to John to be baptized in the Jordan. (Luke 3:21-23) Immediately following that he spent forty days and nights in the wilderness, fasting and studying Jehovah's plan. (Luke 4:1-14) If he were God incarnate, this experience in the wilderness would seem wholly unnecessary.

[174]Jesus was not an angel or spirit being, because we have the positive statement of the Apostle to the effect that, "We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels". (Hebrews 2:9) And again: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise partook of the same". (Hebrews 2:14) Furthermore, he was at one time rich in heavenly power and glory and became poor for the sake of mankind by taking upon himself the nature of man. (2 Corinthians 8:9) He was made in the nature and likeness of man. (Philippians 2:8) The Apostle, writing under inspiration, speaks of Jesus as the man: "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.... The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven."--1 Corinthians 15:21,47; see also 1 Timothy 2:5,6.

[175]Had Jesus been merely an incarnated being it would not have been necessary for him to be born as a babe and grow to manhood's estate. While he was born of a woman, yet he was without sin, because from his Father, Jehovah; for he was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26); "and he was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin", (1 John 3:5) He was without spot or blemish; therefore perfect and holy.--1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:14.

[176]God says to us: "Come now, and let us reason together, ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool". (Isaiah 1:18) We should reason upon God's plan as revealed in the Bible, because he thus invites us to do. When we see the reason why Jesus was made a man, why it was necessary for him to be a perfect man while on earth, then we are glad and give praise to God. Had he not become a man, there would have been no hope for any of the human race to get life through Christ Jesus; and the Apostle declares that there is no other name given under heaven whereby mankind can live.--Acts 4:12.

In what peculiar manner has Jehovah used men and women in the Bible? Give some examples. ¶ 102.

What was typified by Hagar? ¶ 102.

What was the purpose of the law covenant God made with Israel? ¶ 102.

Give the name of Abraham's third wife; and what did she typify? ¶ 102.

Give the apostle Paul's statement as to what the wives of Abraham typified. ¶ 103.

What did Isaac typify or picture? ¶ 103.

What constitutes the seed of Abraham, according to the promise? ¶ 103.

Quote the words of St. Paul concerning the seed of Abraham. ¶ 103.

What is first necessary relative to the seed before the people can be blessed? ¶ 104.

What was the expectation of the Jews concerning this seed? ¶ 105.

Give the names of Isaac's two sons; and what was Isaac's age when they were born? ¶ 105.

After the birth of his sons, where did Isaac go to reside? and while there, what did God say to him? ¶ 106.

Which of Isaac's sons became successor to the promise? and why? ¶ 106.

What really determined who would be the successor to the father's estate? ¶ 107.

Did the Lord indicate that there should be any exception to this rule relative to Jacob and Esau? ¶ 107.

How did the Lord indicate this to Rebekah the mother? ¶ 107.

How did Esau occupy his time generally? ¶ 108.

What different disposition did Jacob possess? ¶ 108.

Did Esau show an appreciation of the birthright, particularly the Abrahamic promise? ¶ 108.

Relate the circumstances of Esau's selling of his birthright. ¶ 108.

Why did the birthright properly belong to Jacob? ¶ 109.

About what was the age of Jacob and Esau at the time of this transaction? ¶ 109.

Was their contract binding on both? ¶ 109.

What privileges did the birthright carry with it? ¶ 110.

State the circumstances under which Esau attempted to deprive Jacob of the birthright after he had sold it to him. ¶ 111.

Was the mother of these men justified in her action in this matter? and if so, why? ¶ 111.

Relate the conditions under which Jacob obtained the blessing from his father. ¶ 112.

What blessing, as shown by the Scriptures, did Isaac bestow upon Jacob? ¶ 112.

After Esau failed in his attempt to defeat his own contract with Jacob, what did he do toward obtaining the blessing from his father? ¶ 113.

Why have Christian people severely criticized Jacob and Rebekah because of this transaction? ¶ 114.

Who was the more reprehensible, Jacob or Esau? and why? ¶ 114.

Whom did Esau picture or typify? ¶ 114.

Whom did Jacob picture or foreshadow? ¶ 114.

Did God approve or disapprove Rebekah's action? ¶ 114.

Why did Jacob flee the country? and upon whose advice? ¶ 114.

At what important Biblical place did Jacob spend the night? and what occurred there? Give the Scriptural account. ¶¶ 114, 115.

Why should we disapprove any one whom God approves? ¶ 116.

How did God later show his favor to Jacob? ¶ 117.

What is the meaning of the name Israel? ¶ 117.

What promise did God make to Jacob after his name was changed to Israel? ¶ 117.

How many sons did Jacob have? ¶ 118.

Give the names of his wives, and the sons by these wives, respectively, ¶ 118.

Which one of his wives did he love most? ¶ 118.

Which was Jacob's beloved son? ¶ 118.

Under what circumstances was Joseph taken away? and upon whom did Jacob bestow his affection thereafter? ¶ 118.

Whom did Joseph typify? and of whom was Benjamin a type? ¶ 118.

Where did Jacob spend his last days? ¶ 119.

What marks the beginning of the nation of Israel? ¶ 119.

In pronouncing the blessings upon his sons, what special prophecy was made by Jacob concerning Judah? ¶ 119.

Who is foreshadowed by this prophecy? ¶ 119.

After Jacob's death, by what name were his offspring known? ¶ 120.

What position did Joseph now hold in Egypt? ¶ 120.

How were the Israelites treated during Joseph's lifetime? ¶ 120.

How were they after Joseph's death? ¶ 120.

Whom did God raise up as a deliverer of the Israelites from Egypt? ¶ 120.

What did Egypt typify or picture? and what was typified or pictured by Egypt's ruler Pharaoh? ¶ 121.

Whom did the Israelites in Egypt picture? and of whom was Moses a type? ¶ 121. Who was Moses? ¶ 122.

What prophecy did Moses speak relative to a mighty one to follow him? ¶ 122.

After hearing this prophecy, for whom were the Israelites looking? ¶ 122.

From what tribe did David descend? ¶ 122.

Through whom did God repeat the promises to Israel? ¶ 123.

To what particular house or line was the promise finally limited? ¶ 123.

What promise did the Lord make to David relative to the throne of Israel? Quote the prophecy. ¶ 123.

When David was king, what prophetic utterance did he make concerning the building of a house unto Jehovah? ¶ 124.

Why did God not permit David to build the temple? ¶ 124.

Which one of David's sons was permitted to build the temple? ¶ 124.

Upon what condition was Solomon's to be the line from which the great Deliverer would descend? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 125.

Did Solomon receive Jehovah's approval? ¶ 126.

Why was the kingdom taken away from Solomon? ¶ 126.

After Solomon's death, what happened to the nation of Israel? ¶ 127.

Name the last three kings of Solomon's line to rule over Israel. ¶ 127.

What did Jehovah pronounce through the Prophet concerning Zedekiah? Give the Scriptural statement. ¶ 127.

In view of this, was it possible for the Messiah to be counted through the line of Solomon? ¶ 127.

What other son did David have who was subsequently exalted? ¶ 128.

From whom did Mary the mother of Jesus descend? ¶ 128.

What did the prophet Jeremiah prophesy concerning the coming of Messiah through David's lineage? ¶ 129.

What message did the angel of the Lord bring to Mary relative to the Messiah? ¶ 130.

What did Mary say in response to the messenger? ¶ 130.

Why did Mary say: "From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed"? ¶ 131.

What was meant by her prophetic statement: "He hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree"? ¶ 131.

Why were the Jews looking for some child to be born who would be a great ruler? ¶ 132.

Why did they expect their nation to become great? ¶ 132.

What prophetic utterances led the Jews to believe that there should be raised up amongst them a great king? Quote the prophecies. ¶¶ 132, 133.

Did the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah relating to the coming king have a complete fulfillment at the birth of Jesus? ¶ 134.

Of what relative importance was the birth of Jesus? ¶ 135.

How much time elapsed from the original promise made to Abraham until the birth of Jesus? ¶ 135.

During that time, what was Jehovah doing relative to the promise? ¶ 135.

Where was Jesus born? ¶ 136.

How was Bethlehem foreshadowed by the Prophet? ¶ 136.

Give a brief statement of the important things which occurred in and about Bethlehem. ¶ 137.

Where was Nazareth situated? ¶ 138.

State the relative importance of the city of Nazareth. ¶ 138.

Who were in control of Palestine at the time of the birth of Jesus? ¶ 138.

What important decree was issued by the ruler of Palestine that led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem? ¶ 138.

Why must they go to Bethlehem and not to some other city? ¶ 138.

How did Joseph and Mary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem? and at what time did they reach the latter city? ¶ 139.

Where did they find lodging? ¶ 139.

What important field lies near Bethlehem? and who were watching their flocks there? ¶ 140.

How many watches were kept in a night? ¶ 140.

Was there great earthly splendor and show at the birth of Jesus? and if not, why not? ¶ 141.

What kind of people had God chosen to participate in the events of that night? ¶ 141.

Who in heaven were participating in this great event? ¶ 141.

What did the night on the earth picture? ¶ 142.

At what particular place was Jesus born? ¶ 142.

What attracted the attention of the shepherds? and what message was delivered to them? Repeat the message. ¶ 142.

Repeat all the text of Luke 2:8-11. ¶ 142.

What song did the shepherds hear from the heavenly hosts on this occasion? ¶ 143.

What effect has this heavenly message had upon the hearts of men for centuries past? ¶ 143.

Under what conditions will the peoples of earth learn of the importance of the birth of Jesus? ¶ 144.

What was the date of Jesus' birth? ¶ 145.

Tell what you can concerning the three "wise men" that journeyed from the East to Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus. ¶ 146.

Who sent the "wise men" to Herod? ¶ 146.

Why should we expect Satan to try to form a conspiracy to destroy the babe Jesus? ¶ 147.

Explain the significance of the names given Satan; and how do these apply to his operations against Jesus and his followers? ¶ 148.

When the promise was made to Mary that she should be the mother of Jesus, how did Satan regard this promise? ¶ 149.

What was one of the purposes of Jesus' coming to earth relative to Satan? ¶ 149.

What attempt did Satan make to destroy Mary and her babe before the birth of Jesus? ¶ 149.

What was the "star" or light that guided the "wise men" to Bethlehem? ¶ 150.

Who were these "wise men" and whom did they worship? ¶ 151.

Had Pharaoh the king of Egypt employed similar men? and for what purpose? ¶ 151.

What kind of man was Herod? and under whose influence was he? ¶ 151.

Give the Scriptural account of the "wise men" going to Herod. ¶ 152.

Why would they go to Herod, the enemy of Jesus? ¶ 152.

Define a conspiracy. ¶ 152.

Is it possible for one to be involved in a conspiracy without knowing the real purpose? ¶ 152.

What did Herod do when the "wise men" approached him? ¶ 153.

What characteristics did Herod manifest in his consultation with the "wise men"? ¶ 153.

Would we expect God to help a wicked man like Herod carry out his purpose to destroy God's beloved Son? ¶ 154.

Where did the "wise men" find the babe? ¶ 155.

Why did they not return to Herod? ¶ 155.

How did God thwart Satan's purpose here to destroy the babe? ¶ 155.

What wicked thing did Herod do when he found that the "wise men" had not returned to him? ¶ 156.

Who prompted Herod to do this wicked act of slaying children? ¶ 156.

How was Jesus saved from this slaughter? and where did his parents take him? ¶ 156.

Could we presume under these circumstances that God would use the "wise men" for his witnesses to the birth of Jesus? ¶ 157.

What humble, honest creatures did he use as such witnesses? ¶ 157.

Was there anything in the mission of the "wise men" that is beneficial to mankind? ¶ 158.

Why would God permit this conspiracy? ¶ 158.

Does Satan deceive honest people? ¶ 158.

Who has been responsible for all the persecution of Jesus and his followers? ¶ 159.

Who has protected them, and how? ¶ 159.

Why are all the descendants of Adam sinners? Quote the Scripture. ¶ 160.

Jesus being born of a woman, was he a sinner? and if not, why not? ¶ 161.

What is meant by the words "holy ghost"? ¶ 162.

What is the meaning of the word father? ¶ 162.

Why is Jesus called the Son of God? ¶ 162.

Why was our Lord named Jesus? and what does the name imply? ¶ 163.

Did he exist before he became Jesus? and what was his prehuman name? ¶ 163.

What is the meaning of the word Logos? and what relation has the Logos to all of Jehovah's creation? ¶ 163.

Did Jehovah have a beginning? ¶ 164.

What is meant by the term "in the beginning" as used in John 1:1,2? ¶ 164.

Give further Scriptural evidence of the prehuman existence of Jesus. ¶¶ 164, 165.

Are Jesus and Jehovah one and the same being? Give the Scriptural proof. ¶ 166.

In what sense are the Father and the Son one? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 167.

When Jesus prayed to the Father, did he pray to himself or to another? ¶ 168.

Who is the greater, Jehovah or Jesus? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 169.

When Jesus was on earth, was he a spirit or a human being? ¶ 170.

What is meant by the incarnation theory? ¶ 170.

Do the Scriptures warrant the conclusion that Jesus was an incarnated being? If not, why not? ¶ 170.

When Jesus was on earth, was he both God and man? If not, why not? ¶ 171.

By what must we determine these questions? ¶ 171.

What is the meaning of faith? ¶ 171.

How does Satan sometimes lead persons of honest heart into error? ¶ 172.

Should we follow sophistry or the Bible in reaching a conclusion on these questions? ¶ 172.

Briefly review the argument of the begetting and birth of Jesus which disproves that he was an incarnated being. ¶ 173.

If Jesus was God incarnate, why should he have had the experience in the wilderness? ¶ 173.

Angels are spirit beings. What Scriptural proof have we that Jesus was not an angel? Cite the Scriptural proof. ¶ 174.

Give further Scriptures to show that he _was_ a man, made in the likeness of men, and that he _is_ the Lord from heaven. ¶ 174.

Had Jesus been an incarnate being, would it have been necessary for him to be born as a child? ¶ 175.

Why should we reason upon God's plan? ¶ 176.

Could there have been any hope for the redemption of the human race except by Jesus becoming a man and by his death providing the ransom-price? ¶ 176.

THE ANGELS' SONG

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold:
"Peace to the earth, good-will to men
From heaven's all-gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.

* * * * *

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And men, at war with men, hear not
The love-song which they bring:
Oh! hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing!

And ye, beneath life's crushing load
Whose forms are bending low;
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,--
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh! rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophet-bards foretold,
When with the ever-circling years
Comes round the age of gold;
When Peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

--_Sears_