The Christmas story is probably familiar to everyone reading this blog. Sometimes in looking at the familiar, you overlook what is important. The lesson emphasizes the fact that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of a virgin. Because of His miraculous conception, Jesus was both God and man. There has never been and never will be another individual so conceived. As we study this lesson, try to put yourself into the story. What would it have been like to have been Mary? What about Joseph? This lesson has some meaningful applications to life's issues.
The lesson comes from Matthew 1: 18-25. Matthew wrote primarily to a Jewish audience and Luke to a Gentile audience. A common phrase in Matthew's gospel is "that it might be fulfilled." Matthew wanted to convince the Jews that Jesus was their Messiah. Luke tells how the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary; whereas Matthew recounts how an angel came to Joseph in a dream. Luke speaks of an angelic choir, and shepherds finding the Baby in a manger. Matthew tells of an unusual star, and wise men coming from afar, finding the young Child in a house.
As we compare the two accounts, there is an order of events:
1. The angel appears to Mary telling her she will conceive and bear the Christ child;
2. Mary goes to visit Elisabeth and stays three months, until the birth of John the Baptist;
3. Mary returns to Nazareth and is found to be pregnant (since Joseph was not with her, he is not suspected of having relations with Mary);
4. Joseph decides to "to put her away privily";
5. The angel appears to Joseph and instructs him to take Mary as his wife;
6. Joseph obeys and goes ahead with the marriage;
7. The couple go to Bethlehem and Jesus is born.
The first section is the "Perplexing Problem." vv. 18- 21 In the Jewish society, being engaged was legally binding. You would have to divorce your fiance if you desired to break up. Both parties were required to remain pure and faithful during the engagement period. If the woman was found to be unfaithful, it was considered adultery and she could be stoned to death. (Deut. 22) At some point in time, Mary had to tell Joseph about her being with child and the nature of what the angel had told her. One can only imagine what that conversation sounded like. Try to see the situation from Joseph's viewpoint. The woman you love is having a baby and it is not yours. Joseph did not want to make a public example of Mary, thus he wanted to make the separation private. He was no doubt trying to prevent her public ridicule and death. He would not turn her over to the civil magistrates for punishment.
It is to Joseph's credit that he did not react hastily. There is a life lesson for us that says to think before you speak or act, and in major decisions in life, proceed slowly. While Joseph was pondering what to do, "the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream." Joseph is addressed by the angel as "thou son of David." Joseph probably knew that the Messiah was to be born of the house and lineage of David. The angel tells Joseph, "fear not." Think about what may have been going through Joseph's mind. "What would my friends think of me? Everyone would know my wife was unfaithful. How could I not be humiliated?" Joseph had faith in the words of the angel and chose to obey God and not be concerned with public opinion and disapproval.
God confirms Mary's story, "That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Can you see Joseph's face of astonishment at this point. "And she shall bring forth a son." Christ was not only conceived of a virgin, but He was also born of a virgin. He was the seed of a woman (Genesis 3: 15) and also the Son of God. He came not to bring a political revolution, but to break people free from spiritual bondage. His salvation would be eternal rather than temporal. He was not a national Messiah, but a spiritual messiah, having come to deliver from sin. Albert Barnes said, "It is impossible that we should be Christians if we indulge in sin, and live in the practice of any known inquiry."
The second section is "Fulfilled Prophecy." vv. 22-25 Matthew now breaks into the story to tell of the Old Testament prophecy which was fulfilled through Mary. He refers to Isaiah 7:14, a virgin would miraculously conceive and give birth. In Jewish society, the name of a person was indicative of his character. Joseph was told to name the child “Jesus.” The prophecy said that He would be called, “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Jesus means to save or to rescue. Jesus was His common name while He conducted His earthly ministry. Immanuel was not His common name, but rather a designation of His being. He became, “God with us” and a mediator between God and us. He served to reconcile us to God.
Matthew returns to the story, and tells us that Joseph obeys the revelation he had received. He is willing to undergo public censure if he has to. Though Jesus was the Son of God, He was publicly recognized as the son of a carpenter, Joseph. Note that Jesus is called Mary’s firstborn, and not Joseph’s firstborn because Joseph was not His father. The message is that what God has declared, He will certainly perform.
At this Christmas season remember what that first Christmas must have been like for those involved. They had great faith and courage. Knowing what we know now, how much greater should our faith in practice be.
The Golden Text is: “That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us.” (Luke 1: 71) “Jesus redeems from sin; this is the grand, glorious, the important victory. Let us get sin cast out, and then we need, fear neither death, nor the devil.” (Adam Clarke)
My summary points:
1. Think before you speak or act, and never respond hastily.
2. Jesus came to save us from our sin, not in our sin.
3. What God says He will do, He will do.
Next week, “I Will Extol Thee, My God.” (Psalm 145: 8-21)
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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