Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph and the Birth of Jesus, Our Immanuel

When the angel had finished speaking, Joseph awoke, believed, and “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” That is, he “took [Mary home as] his wife” (Matthew 1:24). His submission to God is as powerful and complete as that of Mary, who also offered herself as the servant of the Lord. Joseph refused to be led by shame or anger. He laid aside the plausible plan of divorce and took Mary as his wife.

To make the supernatural conception of Jesus perfectly clear, Matthew says Joseph “had no union with her,” he “knew her not until she had given birth to a son” (Matthew 1:25). Then Joseph took her newborn baby and “he called his name Jesus” just as the angel had said (Matthew 1:25).

What a tender picture of living faith! Mary and Joseph listened to the Lord. They silenced their emotions of fear and shame and obeyed him. Why? Because they understood that God is with his people to save. Because they were willing to listen to God and follow him, whatever people might think or say. Joseph understandably wanted to divorce Mary, but he listened to God’s angel and obeyed the angel’s voice. He suppressed his impulse to take care of himself, to avoid shame, and did as God said. So Joseph illustrates the capacity for difficult obedience that flows from the knowledge that Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us, to bless us.

The first chapter of Matthew offers a picture of genuine faith, but more than that it is an account of the acts of the triune God. The Father’s plan of redemption has come to the beginning of its climactic phase. The Spirit’s prophecy to Ahaz and through Ahaz set up the Immanuel principle that now comes to fulfillment. The Spirit also fashioned life in the womb of Mary and moved the hearts of Mary and Joseph to accept their roles in the divine drama. Finally, the eternal Son has entered the world of humanity.

May the Spirit work in us to receive what God began to accomplish in the birth of Jesus. May we also submit our plans and our emotions to him, as Joseph did. May we give our hearts and minds to him as Mary and Joseph did. May we know that God is with us, to bless us, in every season of life. In every distress, let us turn to God for comfort. In joy and in blessing, let us not ascribe it to good fortune or hard work, but to Immanuel, who is present to bless. God is with us in the person of Jesus. May we have the faith, trust, love, and obedience to receive the blessings of Immanuel as we celebrate this season of Christ Jesus.

Adapted and modified excerpts from Daniel M. Doriani, The Incarnation in the Gospels, Reformed Expository Commentary.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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