1:18-25 The Birth of Jesus

Passage: Matthew 1:18-25 (BSB)

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

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."

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

23 "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means, "God with us").

24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and embraced Mary as his wife.

25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

Context

• Where this fits in the book: (what comes before/after)

Observation

What does the passage actually say? Read it 2-3 times before moving on.

• Key repeated words/phrases:
• Who / what / where / when:
• Connecting words (therefore, but, because, so that...):
• Contrasts or comparisons:
• Commands vs. promises:

Interpretation

What did this mean to the original audience? What is the author's main point?

• Main idea of the passage:
• Cross-references (links to related passages):
• Difficult words/phrases and their meaning:
• How does this point to Christ / fit the whole counsel of Scripture?

Application

What does this mean for me, today?

• Is there a sin to confess, a promise to claim, or a command to obey?
• What would change if I believed/lived this today?
• One specific action step:

Prayer

Turn what you learned into a prayer.

Notes / Questions

Anything unresolved to study further or ask someone about.

Resources

Links to online sources of information or bibliography of useful books.