Matthew 1:18–2:5a, 9–11

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Honoring the Savior’s Birth
Matthew 1:18–2:5a, 9–11
Matthew begins his Gospel with a record of the genealogy of Jesus (1:1–17). This record clarifies that He is the Son of David (2 Sam. 7:12–16), the Son of Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3; 22:18).

In so doing, Matthew shows that Jesus is a legitimate heir to the title of Messiah (i.e., Christ) and the blessing of Abraham. He also reminds readers that we learn of Christ through the Scriptures (i.e., the Old Testament).
Matthew then tells us how Jesus’ coming took place, describing the main persons and events involved. He focuses first on the Virgin Birth (1:18–25; see also Isa. 7:14). He then focuses on the worldwide recognition of Jesus’ birth.

The Virgin Birth (1:18–25)
Matthew clarifies that Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. They were not yet married, but they were already considered husband and wife (Luke 1:27). Matthew also emphasizes that the marriage was not consummated until after their wedding and the birth of Jesus and that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit (1:18, 20, 22–23, 25; cf. Luke 1:34–35).

Matthew describes Joseph as a “righteous,” or godly, man. We see Joseph’s righteousness in his actions.
Because Mary was pregnant and he knew the child was not his own, Joseph was prepared to divorce her as the Law allowed. He, however, would do it with mercy and compassion. He would divorce her privately and quietly.
An angel, however, appeared to Joseph. God’s messenger revealed that Mary was pregnant by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Mary would give birth to a son, and they should call his name Jesus because He would save His people from their sins (cf. Ps. 130:7–8).

Although it is not clear in our English translations, the name “Jesus” is a Greek translation of the Hebrew “Joshua,” which means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” Thus the very name Jesus emphasizes God’s salvation.

Once again, we see Joseph’s righteousness: he believed God’s message and took Mary as his wife. Thus Joseph trusted God’s word and acted in obedience to it. Again Matthew stresses that the couple did not consummate their marriage before the baby was born and that they named the baby Jesus as the angel had instructed.

The Worldwide Recognition of Jesus’ Birth (2:1–5a, 9–11)
Matthew next focuses on the worldwide recognition of Jesus’ birth. He tells the story of the Magi from the East. These “wise men” came to Jerusalem seeking “He who has been born King of the Jews” (2).

Despite popular Christmas stories and songs, Matthew never says that the Magi were kings or that there were three of them or that they visited Jesus in the manger (11). He, however, does describe them as bringing three precious gifts.

These Magi seem to be Gentile religious leaders, perhaps from Persia, to whom God had somehow announced the coming of the Messiah. They followed a “star” first to Jerusalem and then to the very house where Jesus was staying (9).

When the wise men arrived, they found Jesus with Mary and Joseph. They worshiped Jesus and presented Him with precious gifts.

And so Matthew focuses our attention on the worldwide recognition of the birth of the Savior as Gentiles from the East seek and worship King Jesus.