This classic Christmas passage is a powerful illustration of God’s plan for Jesus birth – especially how it dates back through the generations of mankind to bring the Savior into this one special family.
This passage is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, and it lists some of his ancestors. It begins by mentioning that Joseph, the husband of Mary, was the son of Jacob. It then goes on to describe how Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married, but before they could be married, Mary became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. This came as a surprise to Joseph, and he initially planned to divorce Mary quietly. But an angel appeared to him in a dream and told him that the child Mary was carrying was the son of God, and that he should take Mary as his wife. Joseph obeyed the angel’s instructions, and he and Mary were married. The child was born and named Jesus. This passage is important because it establishes the miraculous circumstances of Jesus’ birth and his connection to the Hebrew people through his ancestors.
The spiritual meaning of Matthew 1:18-25 for Christians today is that it reminds us of the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth and his divine origins. This passage tells us that Jesus was not just a regular human being, but was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and was the son of God. This is significant because it affirms Jesus’ identity as the savior of humanity, and it reminds us of the importance of his message and his sacrifice on the cross. For Christians today, this passage serves as a reminder of our own need for salvation and the need to trust in Jesus as our savior. It also serves as a reminder of the power of God to work in our lives and to bring about his will, even in unexpected and miraculous ways.
Prayer of Obedience
Dear God,
We thank you for the example of Joseph, who showed humility and obedience in taking Mary as his wife, even though the circumstances of her pregnancy were unexpected and difficult to understand. We ask that you would help us to trust in you and to follow your will, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives.
Grant us the grace to be humble and obedient like Joseph, and to trust in you even when things seem uncertain or difficult. Help us to trust that you are working in our lives for our good, and that you will provide for us and protect us.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who was born to Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Matthew 1:18-25 KJV
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
How can I teach this passage to children?
You can read a full Matthew 1:18-25 Sunday School lesson for kids about the Angels and Joseph.
Another way to teach Matthew 1:18-25 to children is to focus on the key events and messages of the passage, and to present them in a way that is age-appropriate and engaging for children. Here are some suggestions for teaching this passage to children:
- Begin by explaining the context of the passage, and why it is important in the overall story of Jesus’ life. You can explain that this passage is part of the Gospel of Matthew, and that it tells the story of Jesus’ ancestors and his miraculous birth.
- Next, focus on the key events of the passage, such as Mary’s pregnancy and Joseph’s obedience to God. You can use simple language and engaging illustrations or images to help children understand these events.
- Emphasize the themes of trust and obedience in the passage. You can encourage children to think about what it means to trust in God and to obey him, even when things are difficult or confusing.
- Ask children to reflect on the passage and its meaning for their own lives. You can encourage them to think about how they can trust in God and obey him in their own lives, and to consider what they can learn from Joseph’s example.
- Finally, end the lesson with a prayer or a discussion of how the passage can be applied in children’s daily lives. This can help to reinforce the key messages of the passage and encourage children to think about how they can live out its teachings.