NEWS & THOUGHTS ARCHIVE

Who is this Son of Mary? 

Evangelist Dr. Bob Sanders
December 1, 2006

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(I) He was the Son of Promise

About seven months ago, some close personal friends called to tell us that they were going to be grandparents. Ever since that time, friends and family have been looking forward to the birth of Elizabeth Grace Feemstra. The promise of her birth has been embraced for eight to nine months, but His birth had been anticipated for thousands of years. There is the promise to the serpent, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). There is the promise of the scriptures, “Therefore 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). There is the promise of the Sovereign, “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:31). Jesus was the Son of Promise! 

(II) He was the Son of a Potentate

The majority of those born in the likeness of Adam have been of a common sort. There are a few that have been born of noble blood. They are born to occupy the earthly thrones of this world. But, the Son of promise is also the Son of a Potentate, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32). “Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35 The one born of Mary is not a son of God; He was “The” Son of God! On several occasions, Jesus is referred to as the “only begotten son.” “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (I John 4:9). “Only begotten,” means only-born, sole, only child. There is none to compare Him to for Jesus is in a class all by Himself! Being the Son of God, He is God! Jesus was the Son of a Potentate! 

(III) He was the Son of Perfection

Most parents that I have met have the unfounded opinion that their children are perfect. I have found this to be especially true of grandparents and their opinion of grandchildren. David said of himself, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5). Just as this is true of David, so it is of all men! The Bible said, “There is none righteous, no, not one: . . . There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God . . . there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Romans 3:10-12). Yet what is true of mortal men; is not true of the Son of God. Listen to the words of the Father at Jesus’ baptism and His transfiguration, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Matthew 3:17&17:5). Perfection looked upon perfection when God the Father looked upon God the Son. We have the words of the fallen when Pilate said on two occasions; “I find no fault in him” (John 19:4&6). Peter left us this record of our Lord’s perfection, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (I Peter 2:22-23). Jesus was the Son of Perfection! 

(IV) He was the Son of Pardon

This promised, perfect Son of the potentate is the only one that can give forth pardon to sinful man! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Pardon cannot be obtained by human merit or works of self-righteousness. It is only through the complete and finished work of Christ on Calvary that sinful man can be brought into right relationship with a Holy God! “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (I Peter 1:18-19) Jesus was the Son of Pardon! 

(V) He was the Son of the Penitent

For all those that will agree with God and take sides with God against themselves, there is pardon and forgiveness. The penitent can be the recipient’s of God’s grace. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9) David said, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Jesus can be your Saviour, for Jesus is the Son of the Penitent! 

Two thousand years ago a baby was born to a virgin. “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.” (Luke 2:7) He was more than just the son of Mary; He was the Son of Promise, the Son of the Potentate, the Son of Perfection, the Son of Pardon, and the Son of the Penitent. Do you know Him as your Lord and Saviour or is He just the son of Mary? Get to know the real Jesus of Christmas. Will Jesus be the object of your attention this Holiday Season?

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