Phrase

editing

NT

Matthew 1:18-25

esv

mine

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph,

All text in gold highlight refers to the Divine Conception. All text in green highlight refers to the purpose of Jesus.

before they came together she was found to be with child

Divine Conception evidence #1: Mary is pregnant before union with Joseph

from the Holy Spirit.

Divine Conception evidence #2: Scripture state the Holy Spirit is reason for pregnancy.

And her husband Joseph,

Divine Conception evidence #3: Joseph was not the father of Jesus.

being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

But as he considered these things, behold,

an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife,

Divine Conception #4: The truth of this pregnancy is corroborated by authoritative angelic proclamation.

for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Divine Conception #5: the gender of the child is prophesied, planned, determined before birth

She will bear a son,

and you shall call his name Jesus,

Purpose of Jesus #1: The very name of Jesus means Yahweh Saves.

for he will save his people from their sins.”

Purpose of Jesus #2: This salvation is from sin, not from any earthly power. Thus Jesus' unique origin is able to save us uniquely from sin.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

Purpose of Jesus #3: Jesus' heritage and birth fulfills what was predicted. Therefore Jesus' unique heritage was planned, determined, ordered.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and

Divine Conception evidence #6: this Son's unique conception and birth carries prophetic verification, authority and evidence.

they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Purpose of Jesus #4: Part of Jesus' mission is to be known as God with us. The very arrival of Jesus sends a message of God's presence, God's care and love.

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,

but knew her not until she had given birth to a son.

Divine Conception evidence #7: The uniqueness of this Son's Fatherhood is further clarified by Joseph abstaining from knowing Mary before the birth.

And he called his name Jesus.

Purpose of Jesus #5: As prophesied, predicted, foretold, Jesus is named thus.

phrasing

Notes

Refer to: www.desiringgod.org/labs/god-s-miraculous-conception www.desiringgod.org/labs/what-makes-christmas-merry Principle for Bible Reading Repetition When we want to make certain that people understand what we are saying we repeat ourselves. From time to time, the biblical authors repeat themselves to highlight a specific point. Whenever you realize repetition in the Bible, make sure you take extra time to think about what is being repeated. Study Questions If someone asked you why the virgin birth is so important to Christians, how would you answer? Watch the lab. Why does Pastor John not particularly like the terminology of, “the virgin birth?” How can the reality of the divine conception serve as a source of joy and peace this Christmas season? Principle for Bible Reading Walking by Faith in Bible Study How can you walk by faith when your Bible is open before you, but your mind wanders and heart is distracted? Applying “A.P.T.A.T.” to your time in God’s word may help: A - Admit that you need God’s help to focus and be engaged. It might be helpful to cast all present anxieties on him before you begin your study ( 1 Peter 5:6–7 ). P - Pray for help to not only understand God’s word but to be obedient to it ( James 1:22 ). T - Trust a specific promise. In this case, Paul’s words to Timothy may be helpful: “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” ( 2 Timothy 2:7 ). A - Act by prayerfully reading, thinking, and meditating on truth. T - Thank God for his word and for meeting you whether you feel like it was especially rich or not. Study Questions What makes Christmas most merry for you? Matthew goes out of his way to emphasize that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in Matthew 1:18–25 . Why is this important? In Matthew 1:21 and Matthew 1:23 , two names are ascribed to Jesus; what are they? Reflect briefly on each name and thank God that Jesus perfectly fulfills each name given to him.

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