December 2nd – Matthew 1:18-25

December 2nd – Matthew 1:18-25

Spend some time meditating on the conception and birth of Jesus. Then, come back and read the commentary, my verse, and my response to God.

• Request God’s help.
• Read Matthew 1:18-25
• Record a verse that stands out to you.
• Respond to God.

Oh my! This never gets old, does it? If you have time, read what God shared with me below.

First, three separate miracles are happening within these verses. 1. The conception by the Holy Spirit; 2. Mary believed God and submitted to His plan, even though she had no idea how it would happen, and 3. Joseph believed in God despite the physical evidence in front of him. Granted, both Mary and Joseph were visited by an angel. Still, it is remarkable that they surrendered so readily to something so hard.

However, I will go out on a limb and suggest Joseph may have had an even greater faith than Mary. Why? Because he never saw an angel except in a dream and could not know if Mary hadn’t been with another man. (Only Mary knew without a doubt that the conception was supernatural.) Verse nineteen describes Joseph as a righteous man. He didn’t want to disgrace her even though, at the time, he thought she HAD been with another man. Wow!

Have you ever believed God’s promises over circumstances? If so, what verses encouraged your faith?

My Verse: Matthew 1:20: “But when he had considered this, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (NASB).

My Response: Fortunately, in verse twenty, an angel of the LORD addresses Joseph as “Son of David” and reveals to him that his Son, Jesus, would be the One who would “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NASB). This revelation and the prophecy mentioned in verse twenty-three convinced Joseph. Joseph arose from his sleep, did what the angel of the Lord commanded, and “took her as his wife” (Matthew 1:24b).

Remarkably, the obedience and faithfulness of Joseph did not end with the wedding. Joseph purposefully “kept her a virgin” until Jesus was born, so there was no doubt the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Father, give me a Joseph-like faith! His steadfast obedience reminds me of his namesake, Joseph, the son of Jacob, who also could have questioned You. Instead, he chose to trust You and walk by faith, not by sight. Thank you for the story of Your Son’s earthly arrival. It is refreshingly messy and beautifully convicting because, without faith, it is impossible to please You. Amen.