Scriptural text: Matthew 1:8-25
The One Born of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-19). Matthew began this gospel by asserting that Jesus is “Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (1.1). Now he asserts that Jesus is the Messiah. In his description of Jesus’ birth, he gives none of the details about the manger or the shepherds that we find in Luke. His account of Jesus’ birth focuses primarily on Joseph, through whom Jesus will become a son of David (1:1-16). Jewish marriage starts with an engagement by parents, often while the boy and girl are still children. Prior to marriage, couples begin a yearlong betrothal similar to marriage except for sexual rights. Betrothal is binding, and can be terminated only by death or divorce. A person whose betrothed dies is considered a widow or widower.
Joseph is described as righteous -he lives by God’s Law. However, he is not self-righteous, a quality that would cause him to demand harsh justice. He resolves to divorce quietly so that he might not cause her unnecessary pain. In doing so, he models Christ-like compassion in the face of sin. He also demonstrates a Godly balance between the Law of Torah and the Law of Love.
An Angel of the Lord and a Dream (Matthew 1:20). While Joseph was revolving in his mind the proper action to take, considering what was most fit and proper to be done, whether to dismiss her publicly or privately, while he was consulting within himself the glory of God, the peace of his own conscience, and the credit of Mary. Behold the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, probably the same angel which appeared to Zacharias, and brought him tidings that his wife should have a son, and who also appeared unto Mary, and acquainted her that she should conceive, and bring forth the Messiah, whose name was Gabriel. If we will believe the Jews, this Angel must be Gabriel, since he is the Angel who they say “is appointed over dreams. He appeared to Joseph in a dream encouraging Joseph to take to him his wife, and that his wife would bring forth the promised son of David. The Angel of the Lord told Joseph to do not be afraid either that thou shalt offend the Lord, or bring any reproach or scandal upon thyself; but as she is thine espoused wife, solemnly betrothed to thee, take her home to thyself, live with her as thy wife, and openly avow her as such.
The Child’s Name and Mission (Matthew 1:21-23). “And she shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the Prophet Isaiah.