THE BOOK OF MATTHEW

“The Birth of Jesus Christ”

Matthew 1:18-25 2. The PROPHECY of His birth
Introduction a. By quotations Mt. 1:22
1. So Christmas is the time for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord. As The quotation is from Isa. 7:14. The events here are a direct fulfillment of the
things have developed, materialism has replaced the spiritual emphasis so that gifts, trees, prophecy. The full telic idea is recorded “that” or “in order that” ( /hina). The
tinsels, etc. have taken center stage and Christ is behind closed doors. perfect tense of the verb “was done” shows that there is a standing historical fact for anyone
who really wants to believe it. Anything in addition to the Messianic meaning of Isa. 7:24
2. However, for those committed to the Scriptures, the birth of Christ still has its is subordinate to its main thrust.
significant place. It is a worthy subject of study and worship. Consider four specific
statements of the Bible regarding the Lord’s actual birth: b. By explanation Mt. 1:23
The noun virgin ( /parthenos) is self-explanatory. The Hebrew word is
a. “In the days of Herod” Mt. 2:1 found seven times in the O.T. and always refers to an unmarried woman (
This is the dreadful Herod the Great who murdered his wife. He was hated by the /almah; Gen. 24:43; Ex. 2:8; Psa. 68:25; Prov. 30:15; Songs 1:3; 6:8; Isa. 7:14). This is a
Jews. Josephus says he died in March, B.C. 4, having been a king of great barbarity. powerful testimony to the absolute sinlessness of our Lord. Sin is procreated by natural
Allowing for the birth event of Christ, it is safe to say he was born B.C. 5. generation. Jesus was born “out of” the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary.
b. “taxing . . . when Cyrenius was governor of Syria” Luke 2:1, 2. There have been c. By signification Mt. 1:23
extremely aggressive efforts to disprove Luke’s reliability here. However, no one has yet The male progeny of Mary is to have the Name “Immanuel” meaning God ( /el)
succeeded in proving him wrong. Luke’s trustworthiness and accuracy of this taxing are with us ( /I manu). Not only is this His Name, but a description of His
legitimate. character and station. It is only found in Matthew in the N.T.
c. “46 years . . . building” John 2:20. The Herodian temple had been in process of 3. The PURPOSE of His birth
construction 46 years. By noting Christ’s age at that time (Luke 3:23), the date of B.C. 5 is a. Salvation Mt. 1:21
again achieved as the year of our Lord’s birth. The name “Jesus” originally was Jehoshuah (Num. 13:16; 1 Chron. 7:27) but it was
contracted. It is frequently rendered Joshua (Acts 7:45; Heb. 4:8) and means “Jehovah is
d. “His star in the east . . .” Mt. 2:2. Some have concluded that certain stellar Helper.” Like Joshua leading Israel into the Promised Land, Jesus is the “captain of our
phenomena support this “star in the east.” While it is not critical, it is interesting to note salvation” (Heb. 2:10).
this possibility.
b. Selection Mt. 1:21
NOTE: Scripture clearly indicates 1) a king, 2) a taxing, 3) a building, 4) a star - - all The immediate intent of Jesus’ birth was the salvation of “His people,” the Jews.
giving historical evidence for the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. While these historical They were His original objective (Mt. 15:24), but through their rejection of Jesus, the door
events give support to the fact of Christ’s birth, the actual account of the event is included to the Gentiles was opened (Mt. 23:37, 39; Acts 15:15-18).
in the inspired Word of God. Give attention to these particulars of Jesus’ birth:
c. Intention Mt. 1:21
1. The PERSONS of His birth. Political deliverance, advanced by current liberation theology, was not the purpose
a. Mary Mt. 1:18 for Christ’s birth. Rather, it has deliverance from sin ( /apoton
Very little is known of her personal history (cf. Acts 1:14). Her sister is alluded to hamartion). Jesus’ mission was for separation from the penalty, power, and presence of sin
(Jn 19:25) and a kinswoman is identified (Luke 1:36), but of her mother, father, and (Jn 5:24). Hallelujah!
extended family, nothing further is known. The utterly unscriptural veneration of her must
be avoided, without denying the incredible role she had in God’s program -- a role which Conclusion
has never been repeated. Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Have you received Him as your Saviour? Now is the day of
salvation! Believe on Jesus Christ as the One Who died in your place.
b. Joseph Mt. 1:19
Little is known of him as well, but he is declared to be just ( /dikaios).
This must relate to Joseph’s respect of the law of Moses. He did all that was humanly
possible as expressed by God. Two Greek verbs are employed to show Joseph was not
willing ( /thelo) to embarrass Mary, but rather was minded ( /
boulomai) to put Mary aside privately. It is obvious that Joseph genuinely loved and
respected Mary. One genealogical feature is mentioned about Joseph -- he was “son of
David.”
c. Holy Spirit Mt. 1:18, 20
Two unbelievable (but Scriptural) statements are made about the Spirit in this text: 1)
The child in Mary’s womb was “of ( /ek) the Holy Spirit.” This marks the origin of the
child -- by divine intervention. 2) That which is to be begotten in Mary was of ( / ek)
the Holy Spirit.” These two statements are solemn protests against any profane thoughts.
According to the law, Mary should have been stoned (Lev. 20:10), but the inspired record
avers what has happened is “of the Holy Spirit.” Because this is true, Joseph is told by an
angelic messenger not to “become afraid (ingressive aorist) but to take Mary his wife to his
side ( /paralambano). The drama was heavenly; earth must acquiesce.