Simple Study: The Gospel of Matthew Part Two
Read Matthew 1:16-2:11
As we finished our last lesson, we came to a long list of “begats,” all building
to this triumphal moment: “And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary,
of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ” (1:16).
Look closely at that verse. In keeping with the pattern, shouldn’t it say, “And
Joseph begot Jesus”? But it doesn’t. Matthew clearly says Joseph is the
husband of Mary, but he’s not the father of Jesus.
Why is this critical? Matthew will show us why, along with how Jesus’ virgin
birth fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
JESUS’ VIRGIN BIRTH
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke both make it clear Jesus was born of a
virgin, a woman who had not yet had an intimate relationship with a man.
Those who deny Jesus’ virgin birth have argued the prophecy of Isaiah
7:14, “the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son…” could also be translated
“a young woman” shall conceive. Yet, all seven times almah, the original
Hebrew word, was used in the Old Testament, the context meant “virgin.”
When this verse was translated into Greek, the word was translated,
parthenos—virgin.
While it’s possible for people to deny the virgin birth, it’s on historical record
that the Bible teaches Jesus’ virgin birth.
HOW DID IT HAPPEN?
If Joseph was not Jesus’ father, who was? Matthew 1:18 tells us the birth of
Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to
Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, she was pregnant by the
Holy Spirit.
Those last three words explain how Mary came to be pregnant with Jesus.
Dr. Luke tells us in more detail in his Gospel, but this is what we need to
know now: Mary was not unfaithful to Joseph. Jesus is not illegitimate.
Yet that’s how it seemed at the moment. Joseph could have accused Mary
of adultery and had her stoned to death. But he loved her and didn’t want
her to be hurt. As Joseph agonized over this situation, God did a very kind
thing—He sent an angel to visit Joseph in a dream and make it clear to him
that what was happening to Mary was of God. The angel’s instruction to
Joseph was to take Mary as his wife.
The angel even said they should name the baby, Jesus, “for He will save His
people from their sins” (1:21). As a God-fearing Jewish man, Joseph understood
that reference to Jesus as a Savior was saying Jesus is the Messiah.
Matthew reminded his Jewish readers that this announcement fulfilled Old
Testament prophecy. (He quoted the Old Testament more than the other
three Gospels put together.) More than 300 prophecies concerning Jesus’
first coming were literally fulfilled. Matthew very intentionally tells us about
Jesus’ life only as it relates to proving prophecies fulfilled.
Now here’s a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14. The angel explained to Joseph:
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be
with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”
which is translated, “God with us.” –Matthew 1:22-23
But when was Jesus ever called Emmanuel? Emmanuel means “God with
us.” Think of it this way: Jesus can’t be called God unless He’s virgin born
(notice the angel confirmed Mary was a virgin). The only way we can call
Him “Jesus, the Savior” is because He’s God with us.
God with us: Is there a more wonderful thing said in the entire Word of God?
In the suffering sacrifice of Jesus, He tasted death for every man. But He had
to be an acceptable sacrifice. We couldn’t die for the sins of the world; we
can’t even die for the forgiveness of our own sin. We need a savior who is able
to save us. If he’s just another man, he’s not going to be able to help us very
much. Jesus must be Emmanuel, God with us, or He can’t be the Savior of the
world. Jesus took our humanity upon Himself so He might die a redemptive
death for us on the cross. That’s how important the virgin birth is.
FULFILLED PROPHECY
Behind the backdrop of history, God is at work fulfilling His purposes. In
Matthew 2, we read of several historical events. Behind them, Matthew
points out how God fulfills His prophecy concerning the coming of the
Messiah in the context of Jesus’ birth.
The Gospel of Matthew was written to the religious people of Israel. The
sincere Bible scholars of Jesus’ day must have scratched their heads,
wondering how these four specific, seemingly unrelated prophecies could
be answered together in fulfillment of the Messiah’s coming.
Matthew shows how literally, accurately, and easily all four prophecies were
fulfilled without any strain on history. It came about as God said it would.
Prophecy #1: Micah 5:2 says the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Because of Caesar Augustus’ census, Joseph and Mary had to go to
Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
Prophecy #2: Hosea 11:1 refers to the Messiah being called out of Egypt.
Because Joseph and Mary had to run from Herod’s murderous plot, they
hid for a time in Egypt.
Prophecy #3: Jeremiah 31:15 prophesied that there was to be weeping
in Ramah. Because Herod ordered the murder of all baby boys under
two years old around Bethlehem, families in nearby Ramah would mourn
this great loss.
Prophecy #4: Isaiah 11:1 said the Messiah would be called a Nazarene.
Once Herod died, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus returned to Israel and settled
in Nazareth, their home area.
No matter how it seems from our limited earth-view, God today is weaving
His beautiful plan throughout history—working all things together for our
good and for His glory. His greatest glory? The praise and honor of His Son,
Jesus Christ. Do you know Him?
Why is it critically important that Matthew clearly says Joseph is the husband of Mary, but he’s not the father of Jesus?
How did Matthew communicate to his Jewish readers that Jesus is the Messiah
How does the bigger picture of God’s hand in history increase your confidence in God?
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