Reading the Word

Matthew 1:18–21 (ESV) — 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Understanding and Applying the Word

Yesterday, we read of Mary and her response as she was told that she would have a child. Today, we read of Joseph and his response. Joseph had been planning to divorce Mary, who had become pregnant. Joseph did not know who the father was, but he knew it was not him. We read that an angel appeared to Joseph to explain to him that the child was of the Holy Spirit and that Mary had not been unfaithful to him. The angel also told Joseph that this baby was not just any baby, but was to be named Jesus because he would save his people from their sins.

The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Josiah. Both names mean “the Lord saves”. Jesus was going to enter into the world as a baby and he was coming as Savior. Jesus would go on to live a perfect, sinless life and then go to a cross as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. John 3:16 tells us that all who believe in Jesus will be saved. We must repent of our sin and trust in what Christ has done for us. When we do that, our sins are forgiven and we are given eternal life. Why? Because Jesus, the Savior, came to save us from our sins.

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