Matthew 1:18-21

The Birth of Jesus Christ

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Comments

Eight short words lay out God’s plan to redeem his people. “He will save his people from their sins.” Sins. Plural. Not just the “not so bad” sins, but every sin from rudeness to adultery to murder.

When Joseph discovered Mary’s pregnancy, he could have enforced the punishment for adultery prescribed in Deuteronomy 22: death by stoning. After all, betrothal was considered marriage, with the one caveat that the woman remained in her father’s house until the marriage was consummated following a public wedding ceremony.

Joseph decided a private divorce was a better solution. Matthew describes Joseph as “just”, but he was also faithful. When God’s angel revealed the divine purpose for Jesus’ miraculous incarnation, Joseph believed. Joseph followed through, naming the baby Jesus which means “he will save.” Year later, when Jesus let the woman caught in adultery go (John 8:11), I wonder if he was remembering the story his father told him about God’s angel’s message to him about his mother Mary? Like father, like Son.

Application/Reflection

Jesus left the holiness of heaven to come to earth as a vulnerable infant. He was protected by two ordinary humans who believed God’s plan of salvation. God asks us today to believe as well. Do you feel the honor God bestows on you? Knowing Jesus and making him known changes everything.

Prayer

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 212)