Exploring the Scripture

Rather than recounting the birth of Jesus, today’s passage provides important background. It tells that Mary is engaged to Joseph but that she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit before living with Joseph. Then, engagement was considered binding, so Mary being pregnant was what today would be considered as a violation of the marital agreement. Joseph would have had every right to make a public spectacle of her and reject her as his engaged. But we are told he is “a righteous man” and he decides to “dismiss her quietly.” Already, the text introduces a different notion of righteousness than simple obedience to the law. He decides to respond to Mary out of compassion.

After having decided, an angel visits Joseph and tells him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. The angel tells him the child Mary is expecting has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. Further he is told to name the baby “Jesus.” This is important, as the earlier verses of this chapter have shown Joseph as a descendant of David. By naming the baby, Joseph claims Jesus as his own and as a descendant of David. This allows the author to proclaim this child as “Emmanuel,” in fulfillment of Hebrew prophecy, a connection especially important throughout Matthew’s Gospel.

The name Jesus meant “Yahweh helps” or “Yahweh saves.” Even with such an intense meaning, the name Jesus was common then. It serves as a bridge between the holiness of God and the commonness of humanity. Jesus was known in tradition to be the successor of Moses and this theme continues throughout Matthew’s Gospel.

Today is the last Sunday of Advent, the Sunday just before celebrating Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day. The church’s declaration, after the expectation of Advent, is that Jesus is born! Not only do we remember an event that occurred 2,000 years ago, we affirm that Jesus is born anew. Jesus’ birth is not just a one time event. He is born again each time we remember and relive his life and ministry. Whenever his disciples reach out in love, compassion, and care toward others in need, Jesus is present. He lives today just as much as he did after his birth in Bethlehem, his upbringing in Nazareth, and his life in Palestine. With joy, on this day, we shout “Jesus is born!”

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Jesus’ birth occurred under unusual circumstances.
2. Jesus’ birth fulfilled Hebrew prophecy.
3. Jesus was God’s gift to humanity to bring about salvation.
4. Jesus is reborn in each act of genuine Christian discipleship.

Questions to Consider

1. What do you find most unusual about Jesus’ birth?
2.  How have you experienced God’s love so far this Advent season?
3. How does Jesus’ birth fulfill your greatest longings?
4. How have you experienced Jesus’ birth anew as you share with other Christian disciples, both in giving and receiving acts of love?