Jesus Divine Birth: Unusual Events Matthew 1:18-25
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(1:18-25) Introduction: the coming of God's Son into the world was one of the most phenomenal events in all of history. It necessitated and caused some very unusual events.
1. His birth was of the Holy Spirit (v.18).
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
God’s plan in Genesis 3:15 “15 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.” has come to pass.
Jesus is from the seed of the woman… The woman was the carrier of God only begotten son.
Jesus had to be human ( a legally born man that was free from to redeem back what was stolen, conned , and taken from the first man Adam
Jesus Christ, Birth: Jesus' birth was of the Spirit. Never before had a man been born "of the Holy Spirit," but Jesus was. A person either accepts the evidence of Scripture at this point or rejects it. The Scripture is clear in what it says: "Before they came together, she [Mary] was found with child of the Holy Spirit." It is a matter of faith and trust in the God of love
⇒ who is revealed in Scripture as caring for man with an eternal and perfect love.
⇒ who set out to save man from his sins (Mt. 1:21).
⇒ who caused the greatest event of human history: God becoming one with man-"God with us" (Mt. 1:23).
2. His birth created a predicament (vv.18-19).
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
) Betrothed, Espoused: there were three steps involved in a Jewish marriage. (1) The engagement: the parents usually determined who a child was to marry-often at a very early age. (2) The betrothal: at a determined time the couple agreed or disagreed with the engagement. If they followed through, the betrothal was immediately binding. A legal divorce was thereafter required. The betrothal lasted one year. When Joseph discovered Mary's pregnancy, they were already betrothed to one another. (3) The marriage: the consummation of the couple took place. It should be noted that in Joseph's case consummation did not occur until after Jesus' birth.
Thought 1. Believers are not to be unequally yoked together. Joseph was a just man; Mary was a virtuous woman. Both were godly. Believers should be careful in selecting their companions for marriage:
2. (1:18-19) Joseph: Jesus' birth created a predicament. Joseph faced the predicament of his life. The words "a just man and not willing to make her a public example" show a deeply troubled spirit. Joseph was literally torn between obeying the law (exposing Mary to the authorities) and his love for her. He struggled, for he was perplexed, troubled, and disappointed. His imagination ran wild. He felt deceived, experiencing jealousy and rage. Mary had committed whoredom against him. Yet he cared for her and loved her deeply. He did not want Mary to be hurt. He wanted to divorce her quietly and secretly. (See DEEPER STUDY #3, Betrothed-Mt. 1:18; DEEPER STUDY #4, Adultery-Mt. 1:19.)
Thought 1. Jesus' birth creates a predicament for every man. Imagine the emotions and the hurt Joseph felt when he discovered Mary, his fiancee, was pregnant. Imagine the thoughts that must have flooded his mind! What a predicament Jesus' birth created for Joseph! Jesus' birth creates a predicament for every man in that every man is now forced to make a decision about Christ and His claims.
Thought 2. There is no room for gossip and censorious judgment among God's people. In Joseph's mind Mary's sin was great. She had committed whoredom against him. Yet, he cared and truly loved her. It was just this love that helped him in his treatment of her: "Love shall covers the (a) multitude of sins" (1 Pe. 4:8). A person who truly loves cannot be critical, judgmental, or censorious. The person who loves will not talk, gossip, or criticize. He will get alone with God and pray about the problem-just as Joseph did.
3. His birth necessitated a special revelation from God (vv.20-21).
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
3. (1:20-21) Joseph- Son of David: Jesus' birth necessitated a special revelation. Note the words, "while he thought on these things." Joseph did just what he should have done: he got alone with God to think and pray through the predicament. Because of his godly dependence and obedience, God met his need. God gave Joseph a special revelation. God's purpose was fourfold.
a. To give assurance to Joseph. When the angel called Joseph "Thou son of David," Joseph was shocked. He was awakened to a glorious call. He was chosen by God as a son of David to be the earthly father to "The Son of David," the Messiah! All Jews knew the prophecies that said the Messiah was to be of the line of David. Joseph knew them; but to hear himself addressed as "Joseph, thou son of David," quickened his attention and alerted him to an extremely important message. It indicated to some degree a divine call. Remember: Joseph was only a humble carpenter.
b. To guide Joseph.
c. To explain the predicament.
d. To reveal the destiny of the promised child (see DEEPER STUDY #5,6-Mt. 1:21).
Thought 1. There is a right way to confront traumatic experiences. Joseph demonstrated the right way. He got alone and "thought on these things" (Mt. 1:20). Being a just and godly man, he got alone with God; he shared his thoughts with God. He probably wept as a child pouring out his soul to God. Believers often weep when facing terrible trials.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (He. 4:15-16).
4. His birth was a fulfillment of prophecy (vv.22-23).
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
There are many Old Testament prophecies about Jesus Christ. Some interpreters place the number of Messianic prophecies in the hundreds. The following are those that are considered the clearest and most important.
14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
5. His birth stirred a great obedience within Joseph (vv.24-25).
4 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
. (1:24-25) Jesus Christ, Birth- Mercy: Jesus' birth wrought a great obedience. Very simply, Joseph obeyed God. Despite the predicament-despite the appearance of things-Joseph obeyed. He did exactly what God said. Imagine how difficult it must have been! Mary was pregnant, yet they were not married. How much gossip was there? What did the neighbors think? What did Joseph and Mary tell them? Would people believe the story of angels and of a virgin birth from two people whom they knew so well? What a situation! Yet, Joseph did exactly as God said-despite all. What a lesson for great obedience on the part of every believer!
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (Jn. 14:21).
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love....Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (Jn. 15:10,14).
"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (He. 5:8).
Thought 1. Joseph acted as God would have a man to act.
1) He was merciful and gentle and tender toward one who had hurt him so much.
2) He forgave as one who had been forgiven. He had the attitude that is needed by believers when a loved one or a fellow believer is found in sin.
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Ga. 6:1).
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Ep. 4:2).
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ep. 4:32).