Living Water #562

LIVING WATER EPISODE 562 || 18 12 2025

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

WHO IS CALLED THE MESSIAH

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:16 (NIV)

“And Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.”

Matthew 1:16 may appear to be a simple genealogical statement, yet it carries profound spiritual weight. In one sentence, God reveals the fulfillment of ancient promises, the mystery of divine intervention, and the true identity of Jesus Christ. This verse brings together human history and divine purpose, showing us that God enters the world through real people and real stories to accomplish eternal redemption.

1.  God Works Through Ordinary Lines:
When Matthew writes, “And Jacob the father of Joseph,” he reminds us that God’s redemptive plan moved through ordinary families and seemingly insignificant people. Jacob was not a king, and Joseph was not a prophet, yet through their lineage God established Jesus’ legal right to the throne of David. This teaches us that God does not depend on human status or power; He fulfills His promises through faithful obedience, even in quiet and unnoticed lives.

2.  Joseph: The Husband, Not the Father:
By calling Joseph “the husband of Mary” rather than the father of Jesus, Scripture carefully preserves the truth of the virgin birth. Joseph’s role was not biological but legal and protective, demonstrating righteousness expressed through obedience. He accepted responsibility for what he did not create, showing us that faith often requires trust without full understanding and obedience without public recognition.

3.  Mary: The Chosen Vessel of Promise:
Matthew’s statement that “Mary was the mother of Jesus” highlights God’s choice of a humble and willing servant to carry His greatest gift to humanity. Mary was not chosen for her status but for her surrender, and through her obedience the Savior entered the world. This reveals that God still looks for hearts that are available, faithful, and responsive to His word, regardless of human expectations.

4.  Jesus Who Is Called the Messiah:
The declaration that Jesus is “called the Messiah” is not a casual title but a proclamation of fulfillment. Messiah means the Anointed One—the promised Deliverer, King, and Savior foretold by the prophets. Matthew makes it clear that Jesus is not merely part of history but the center of God’s redemptive plan, calling every reader to recognize, believe, and confess Him as the Christ.

Matthew 1:16 draws heaven and earth together in a single verse, revealing Jesus as both fully human and fully divine, born into history yet sent from God. This genealogy is not just about where Jesus came from, but about who He is and why He came. The verse ultimately confronts us with a personal question: will we acknowledge Jesus not only by name, but by faith, as the Messiah who reigns and redeems?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Jesus, who is called the Messiah. We are grateful that through ordinary people You accomplished an extraordinary plan of salvation. Help us to trust You like Joseph, surrender to You like Mary, and confess Jesus not only with our lips but with our lives. May our hearts receive Him as Savior and King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.