Daily Devotionals

Matthew 1:18–20｜The Birth of Jesus Christ: God’s Guidance and Our Faith

Kermit Wu

— 2 min read

I. Passage Overview

Matthew 1:18–20 (ESV)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, 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, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’”

Matthew turns from the genealogy (1:1–17) to the specific circumstances of Jesus’ birth, showing how God’s plan unfolds through divine intervention and human obedience.

II. Background and Exegesis

1. Why does Matthew specifically record the birth of Jesus? What does this have to do with our faith?

  • To prove that Jesus’ birth was supernatural
    • Matthew emphasizes twice that Jesus was conceived “by the Holy Spirit” (vv.18,20).
    • This confirms that Jesus is truly Son of God, not the product of human effort.
  • To connect to our salvation
    • If Jesus were merely human, He could not save humanity.
    • Only One who is both fully divine and fully human can bridge the gap between God and man.
  • To show God’s faithfulness to prophecy
    • The virgin conception fulfills Isaiah 7:14 (“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son…”).
    • Matthew presents Jesus as the long-expected Messiah.

2. Who are Joseph and Mary? What are their qualities?

  • Joseph
    • A descendant of David (v.20, “Joseph, son of David”) → legal heir to the royal line.
    • Called “a just man” → he sought to obey God’s law yet show mercy to Mary.
    • Humble and obedient → willing to alter his personal plans to follow God’s guidance.
  • Mary
    • A young woman, likely a teenager, betrothed to Joseph.
    • Described elsewhere as “highly favored” (Luke 1:28) → she trusted God despite social risk.
    • Willing to bear shame for God’s mission → an example of courageous faith.
  • What does this reveal?
    • God works through ordinary people who are righteous, humble, and willing to listen.
    • The Messiah entered history not through the palace but through the home of a carpenter and a young virgin.

3. How did God help Joseph fulfill his calling to care for Jesus? What encouragement does this give us?

  • God intervened through a dream
    • When Joseph was troubled and planning to divorce Mary quietly, an angel of the Lord spoke clearly (v.20).
    • God removed his fear (“do not fear to take Mary as your wife”) and confirmed Mary’s innocence.
  • God affirmed His sovereign plan
    • “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” → this is God’s work, not man’s.
    • Joseph’s role was to trust and obey, not to control events.
  • Our encouragement today
    • When God gives us a calling that seems impossible or misunderstood by others, He also provides guidance and courage to carry it out.
    • God’s assignments are never given without His presence and direction.
    • Obedience often requires faith in what God has revealed—even when circumstances look scandalous or confusing.

IV. Summary

  • Jesus’ birth is divinely initiated → conceived by the Holy Spirit, proving He is truly the Son of God.
  • Joseph and Mary demonstrate faith and obedience → they trusted God despite misunderstanding and social cost.
  • God guided Joseph through divine revelation → showing that His call always comes with His help.
Our faith is rooted in the supernatural work of God.
If Jesus’ birth were ordinary, our salvation would be impossible.
But because it is entirely of God, our hope is unshakable.

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