By Timothy W. Burnett
In continuing chronologically we move to Matthew 1:18-25. In verse 18 the record shows that Mary was found with a child of God. This verse is significant considering in the next verse Joseph did not believe her. Verse 18 came right after the genealogy of Jesus Christ through Mary. Placed like a gem, God began the record of Jesus Christ's life with a very important truth. Mary was found with a child of God.
On to verse 19, "The Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily." The word "husband" came from the same Greek word as the word husband in Luke 1:16. It came from a word that referred to the man over the household. Understanding this helps to clear up some confusion concerning Joseph "the husband" of Mary listed in the genealogy. This Joseph could only be Mary's father. Joseph her husband was a just man. He desired to do God's will according to the laws and His word. Yet he didn't want to make her a public example. So he made up his mind to divorce her secretly.
Continue to verses 20-22. "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." God did not leave Mary to be alone without a husband. He worked mightily to make sure of this. While Joseph deeply pondered his situation Gabriel appeared to him. He told him to not be afraid to take his wife. He reassured him that she was truly carrying the child of God. Now, it stands to reason that if she were his wife then he wouldn't have to "take unto him Mary his wife." When Mary was espoused to Joseph she was contractually married to him. But they had not yet sealed their marriage with the intent to conceive a child. According to tradition this was not to happen until later. Gabriel also made sure Joseph knew to name the child Jesus. Please note that Jesus was actually given the same name as Joshua the son of Nun. Recall that he led God's people into the "promised land." According to verses 22-23 the conception and birth of Jesus Christ fulfilled the word of God that said, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, 'God with us'" (Isaiah 7:14). Just as God was with His people when Joshua led them into the promised land, so also was God with his people through His son Jesus (Joshua).
Now we come to Joseph's meek response in verses 24-25. "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife; And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and called his name Jesus [Joshua]." The first part of verse 25 states the obvious. Although he sealed their marriage, Joseph did not conceive a child in Mary until she gave birth to Jesus Christ. With a meek heart for God, he went unto his wife and sealed their marrage. He also made sure Mary's firstborn child would be named according to God's will.
Home