The birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25)
Summary
While Mary was engaged to Joseph she found out she was expecting a child through the The third element of the 'Trinity' (God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit is active as God's presence and power in the world.. Joseph decided to break his engagement to Mary quietly. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, telling him to marry Mary. The angel said that Mary would have a son, whom they were to name Jesus, âBecause he will save his people from their sins.â
These events fulfil what had been predicted in A prediction of what will happen in the future.. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel told him to do.
Background
- Marriage - In The second part of the Christian Bible containing 27 books consisting of four types of literature: letters (epistles), gospels, history and prophecy. times, a couple would be betrothed (pledged to be married) before getting married. This was similar to an engagement, although more legally binding. A court procedure was needed to break a betrothal. This explains why Matthew says that Joseph decided to divorce Mary quietly, when they were not yet married. In first century Palestine it was considered a disgrace for a woman/girl to have sex before she was married â and even more of a disgrace if she became pregnant. She would be regarded as bringing shame to her family and may well be rejected by them.
- The Messiah â David was Israelâs greatest king. During Davidâs reign, the people enjoyed peace and wealth. After David their lives were never quite as good and sometimes they had to endure slavery and persecution. The people believed that God would not desert them. He would send them a saviour who would be descended from David, but even greater than him. This person was given the title âThe Messiahâ, meaning the 'anointed one' or 'chosen one'. Many The first part of the Christian Bible which corresponds to the Hebrew Bible but is arranged differently. prophets spoke of this Messiah â he would be a mighty king, a ruler and a saviour. He would also suffer unjustly for the sake of others. Many people recognised Jesus as this Messiah. The title âCłó°ùŸ±ČőłÙâ is Greek and means the same as Messiah (a The ancient language of the Jewish people. The language of the Torah, the Temple and the modern state of Israel. word).
Understanding the text
Matthew describes Joseph as âa righteous manâ. Joseph does not want to subject Mary to public disgrace, even though at this stage he believes she must have been unfaithful to him. Joseph is kind and considerate.
An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him that the child Mary is expecting is conceived through the Holy Spirit and that Joseph should marry Mary as planned. Joseph is obedient to Godâs wishes.
The passage gives many important clues about the identity of this child.
- He is Godâs son as his conception is through the Holy Spirit.
- He will be the Messiah, the promised saviour the Jews have been waiting for. This is shown by the fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy in the Old Testament. A prophetic book within the Hebrew Bible. prophesied about the Messiah, âThe Virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son.â This has been fulfilled with Jesus.
- The prophet Isaiah uses the title âÒ”łŸłŸČčČԳܱđ±ôâ for this saviour. It means âGod with usâ and is very appropriate for Jesus. The gospel writers show how Jesus was âGod with usâ â everything he said and did showed the power of God.
- The angel tells Joseph that the name Jesus is to be given to the child. Jesus is the Greek form of the name Joshua, which means âthe Lord savesâ. This indicates the future identity of Jesus â he will save people from their sins.