The Birth of Jesus Christ

The Birth of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:18-25 Key Verse: 1: 21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Introduction Matthew focuses on one family to reveal how Jesus Christ was born. Jesus is the Savior sent by God. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

First, a Jesus-centered house church (18-21;24-25) “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” (v.18)

How Did Joseph Respond? “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (v.19)

What Happened That Changed His Mind? Look at verse 20. “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” Look at verse 21. “...you are to give him the name Jesus....”

How Did Joseph Obey God? “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” (v.24-25)

Second, Jesus saves his people from their sins (21) “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (v.21)

How Does Jesus Save Us from Our Sins? Isaiah 53:4-5 says: “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Luke 1:74,75 explains that Jesus came “...to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.”

Third, Jesus is Immanuel –God with us (22-23) First, Jesus humbled himself to be with us. Second, Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit. Third, Jesus is with us always.

Conclusion Praise Jesus, who came to this world in a flesh to be with us and ultimately to save us from our sins. When we accept Jesus and worship him as our Savior, God gives us peace and rest, comfort and joy, meaning and purpose of life. Jesus saves us from our sins and enables us to serve God without fear in holiness and righteousness!