Matthew 1:18-25 The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ

 

Introduction:  The emphasis in verse 2-17 was the right of Jesus to the throne.  The emphasis in this text is the virgin birth.  Matthew approaches the subject from Joseph’s point of view.  In verse 18 he introduces the subject and sets forth four things.  (1) Joseph and Mary were espoused.  (2) Mary was expectant.  (3) The child was not Joseph’s.  (4) It was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

 

I.                    Joseph’s dilemma  verse 19

A.     Joseph learned that Mary was expecting.

1.      He knew the child was not his.

2.      He was shamed and crushed by her supposed unfaithfulness.

3.      (Angered) He was – no doubt – shocked and insulted by her explanation.   (He considered this an outright lie.)

B.     Yet Joseph loved that woman.  (He did not wish to see her hurt anymore than necessary.)

1.      Under Hebrew law, he could have her stoned.

2.      Or he could expose her to public shame.

C.     He decided on a quite legal separation.  Verse 19.

1.      Hebrew law required legal procedures to break an engagement.

2.      He would do so legally, but quietly.

 

II.                 Joseph’s encounter with an angel of the Lord verses 20-21

A.     Before he could put his plans into action, God sent an angel to see him.

B.     The angel told him that the child was not illegitimate, but was by the Holy Spirit of God.

1.      He had doubted Mary, but how could he doubt God!

2.      Jesus is the Savior.  (What news!)

C.     For him this was good news.

1.      Mary had told him the truth and he could marry her.

2.      The Christ was about to come.

3.      He was honored by having Him born in his very own home.

D.     Matthew comments on the fulfillment of prophecy. Verses 22-23.

 

III.               Joseph’s reaction to the news.  Verses 24-25

A.     He obeyed the Lord’s instructions.

1.      He took Mary and married her.

2.      He named the child Jesus.

B.     He knew her not until Jesus was born.  (She was still a virgin.)

 

Conclusion:  Look back to verse 21.

            1.  Sinners can have cleansing from sin thru Jesus.

            2.  Am I talking to someone who is not yet saved?

            3.  Am I talking to someone who is saved?  (Obey Him.)

4.  Am I talking to someone who is saved and who needs to join this church?

 

Preached at Pleasant Hill M.B.C. 12-20-81 A.M.

Preached at Texas Baptist Institute 11-23-93