Ryle begins his exposition of Matthew 1:18-25 by telling us of the two great truths that begin the passage. Firstly, that Jesus took our nature upon Him, and that His birth was miraculous, as His mother Mary was a virgin. He briefly mentions the godly wisdom of Joseph and goes on to speak of the relevance of the two names given to "our Lord". Namely, Jesus, meaning 'Saviour' which describes His office: the other, Emmanuel, which signifies 'God with us', and describes Christ's nature.
We are clearly told that there was a union of two natures, the divine and the human in one person. Ryle emphasises that we must not lose sight of this fact, lest we fall into error. Keep strongly in view says he, the Saviour's divinity, as well as His humanity.
The sweetness and preciousness of Christ is Ryle's theme throughout, reminding us that he speaks of one who is able to 'save His people from their sins', being 'God with us'. This is indeed glad tidings: what better good news could we receive?
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
John Charles Ryle was born in the English town of Macclesfield, in the County of Cheshire, on the 10th of May, 1816. His education took him to the prestigious college at Eton, followed by time spent at the great University of Oxford. His conversion can be traced to a time when...