The Birth of One Outline

Matthew 1:18–25 NLT

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’ ” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

The Greatest Gift: Embracing God's Gift of Life

Bible Passage: Matthew 1:18–25

Summary: This passage narrates the miraculous conception of Jesus, emphasizing God's intervention in human history through the gift of His Son, who brings salvation and life to a broken world.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to embrace the new life offered through Christ, enabling them to find purpose and hope amidst struggles. It challenges the audience to reflect on the significance of Christ's birth and how it impacts their daily lives, influencing their relationships and responsibilities.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus' incarnation signifies God's profound love and commitment to humanity. It reveals how God enters our world, transforming hopelessness into hope and fear into faith through the gift of His Son.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to redeem His people. His life, death, and resurrection highlight God’s ultimate gift of salvation, extending beyond Matthew to the entirety of biblical narrative, showing that life in Christ is central to God’s redemptive plan.

Big Idea: God's greatest gift, the life of Jesus Christ, invites us to experience transformative hope and purpose.

Recommended Study: As you prepare using Logos, consider exploring the theological implications of the virgin birth in Matthew 1:18–25, comparing it with other biblical accounts of divine intervention. Look into the historical context surrounding first-century Jewish expectations of the Messiah, and research the specific Greek terms used in this passage for deeper insight into its meaning and relevance.

1. Joseph's Journey of Faith

Matthew 1:18-19

You could begin by highlighting Joseph's response to the unexpected pregnancy, focusing on his righteousness and compassion. Address the fear and uncertainty he faced when confronted with the mystery of God’s work. This can encourage your audience to reflect on how they respond to life's surprises, reminding them that God's plans are always greater than our understanding. Through Joseph's story, illustrate how choosing faith over fear aligns us with God's purposes and opens us to His transformative gifts.

2. Divine Announcement of Salvation

Matthew 1:20-21

Perhaps draw attention to the angel's message to Joseph, underscoring the promise that Jesus would save His people from their sins. Emphasize the miraculous nature of the virgin birth as a divine intervention and the significance of Jesus’ role as Savior. Encourage the audience to consider how God's transformative gift in Jesus is a personal promise of salvation that brings hope and purpose for their lives today, just as it did 2,000 years ago.

3. Promise Fulfilled in Christ

Matthew 1:22-23

Maybe focus on the prophecy fulfillment, as reported in the text, showing that Jesus’ birth was in alignment with God's longstanding promise of a Messiah. Discuss the importance of recognizing God's faithful plan in history and acknowledging this continues to bring hope in our personal lives. Inspire your audience to view challenging times in light of God’s eternal faithfulness, as demonstrated through His promises and fulfilled in Christ’s birth.

4. Faithful Acts of Obedience

Matthew 1:24-25

You could conclude with Joseph's obedience and his acceptance of God's plan, highlighting the importance of faith-inspired action. Emphasize how embracing God's greatest gift requires courage and a willingness to trust and follow His guidance, even when it defies human logic. Encourage the congregation to commit to living out their faith as Joseph did, finding purpose through obedience to God's will, which enriches the journey of life.

In the teachings of Jesus, particularly in John 10:10, He speaks of coming to give life and that abundantly. This is underscored through stories throughout history where the oppressed found hope through His message, reminding us that every moment of existence is a precious gift to be lived fully and joyfully in reverence of the Creator.

At work, it can be easy to focus solely on productivity and overlook the importance of valuing each person’s contributions. You might find yourself feeling drained and disconnected from your coworkers. This week, take a few moments each day to intentionally thank a colleague for their work or support. Write a note or verbally express your appreciation. Reflect on how every person is an expression of God’s gift of life and purpose. This practice not only lifts others’ spirits but also shifts your focus to the blessing of community in the workplace.

As an adult, you may occasionally feel weighed down by the pressures of life, leading to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. Combat this by creating a daily ritual of gratitude. Each morning, write down three things you are grateful for, anchoring yourself in God's gift of life. When feelings of anxiety creep in, refer back to this list, reminding yourself of the goodness in your life. This practice not only brings peace but also helps you to refocus on God’s blessings amidst the challenges.

How does the concept of the virgin birth underscore God's divine intervention in history?

In what ways does the passage in Matthew 1:18-25 reveal the nature of God's love and commitment to humanity?

How does Joseph's journey from fear to faith challenge us to respond to our own unexpected circumstances?

How can you incorporate daily practices of gratitude to reflect God's blessings in your life?