“You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God.” James 2:22-23 (NAS)

This Old Testament quote by James concerning Abraham is originally found in Genesis chapter fifteen, verse six: “Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son…” Luke 2:4-7a (NAS) Part two

Last week we provided the information from the Scripture that demonstrated what time of the year Jesus would have been born (September/October). 

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son…” Luke 2:4-7a (NAS)

We take a brief break in our study of Old Testament quotes found in New Testament writings to revisit the (by popular demand) timely topic of Jesus’ birth.

Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give His angels charge concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, lest You strike Your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Matthew 4:5-7 (NAS)

Matthew records, as does Luke in his inspired parallel account, the only time Satan, God’s adversary, goes toe-to-toe with Jesus, God’s advocate, in an exchange of Scripture. 

“And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.’ ” Luke 4:17-19 (NAS)

In putting together the key chronological events of Jesus the Christ’s earthly life and mission, as well as the early church’s development, doctrine, and destiny, the Holy Spirit chose and moved Luke to be the divine chronicler. 

“And he who has seen has borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. For these things came to pass, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, ‘Not a bone of Him shall be broken.’ ” John 19:35-36

Throughout the Old Testament record, the LORD’s broad brush strokes of the plan conceived before the foundation of the earth to bring forth the Savior were laid out, though somewhat concealed, through the fathers and the prophets.

“And David says,  ‘LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP, AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM. LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED TO SEE NOT, AND BEND THEIR BACKS FOREVER. ‘ ” Romans 11:9-10 (NAS)

This quote from the Septuagint by the apostle Paul dictated to his faithful scribe Tertius in his letter to the Roman church is found in Psalm chapter sixty-nine. One could say this is a “perfect” Messianic psalm since portions of it are quoted seven times in the New Testament. 

“And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; for though the twins were not yet born, and had not done anything good or bad, in order that God’s purpose according to His choice might stand, not because of works, but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ ” Romans 9:10-12 (NAS)

The apostle Paul, while being moved by the Holy Spirit, explains to the Roman brethren the sovereignty of God. 

“And as for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no more to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘ I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ ” Acts 13:34 (NAS)

In making his defense for Jesus as the Christ before the assembled Jews and God fearing Gentiles at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, the apostle Paul followed the pattern of proving who Jesus was by quoting Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by or through Him.