MATTHEW 1:18-25: GOD’S INTERVENTION IN THE BIRTH OF JESUS
INTRODUCTION
The birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in Matthew 1:18-25, is a pivotal event in Christian faith, marking the moment when God became incarnate to dwell among humanity. This passage provides a concise yet profound account of the miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Mary, betrothed to Joseph, was found to be with a child before their marriage was consummated, placing Joseph in a difficult situation. His righteousness and compassion are evident as he initially plans to divorce her quietly to spare her public shame.
An angel of the Lord intervenes by appearing to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him of the divine origin of Mary’s pregnancy and instructing him to take her as his wife. The angel’s message reveals the core purpose of Jesus’ birth: to save His people from their sins. This event fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, signifying Jesus as “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us,” emphasizing God’s presence among humanity and His plan for salvation.
For contemporary Christians, this passage offers important lessons on faith, obedience, and the transformative power of God’s presence. It calls believers to trust in God’s plans, even when they are challenging or difficult to understand, and to embrace the hope and salvation offered through Christ. The narrative of Jesus’ birth serves as a reminder of God’s profound love and His desire to be intimately involved in the lives of His people.
INTERPRETATION
Matthew 1:18 “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 of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:18 marks the beginning of the Gospel’s account of Jesus Christ’s miraculous conception and birth. This verse sets the stage for the divine intervention that would bring about the incarnation of the Son of God.
This passage emphasizes several key theological points:
1. The Virgin Birth:
The verse explicitly states that Mary “was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit” before she and Joseph had lived together as husband and wife. This affirms the Catholic doctrine of the Virgin Birth, highlighting that Jesus’ conception was not the result of human intercourse but of divine intervention. This doctrine underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing his divine origin.
2. Mary’s Perpetual Virginity:
The phrasing “before they lived together” is significant in Catholic interpretation. It supports the belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity, as it implies that Mary and Joseph did not have marital relations even after their betrothal. This highlights Mary’s unique role and her dedication to God’s plan, showcasing her purity and obedience.
3. Role of the Holy Spirit:
The verse attributes Mary’s pregnancy to the Holy Spirit, underscoring the Trinitarian nature of the Incarnation. This divine action fulfills Old Testament prophecies and initiates the New Covenant. The Holy Spirit’s involvement is crucial as it fulfills the prophecies of the Messiah’s divine nature, signifying that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human.
4. Joseph’s Righteousness:
While not explicitly stated in this verse, the context reveals Joseph’s character as a righteous man. His initial reaction to Mary’s pregnancy sets the stage for his important role as Jesus’ earthly father and protector. Joseph’s righteousness and his willingness to accept God’s plan demonstrate his faith and obedience, making him a model of virtue for believers.
5. The Fulfillment of Prophecy:
This verse begins the narrative that demonstrates how Jesus’ birth fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth (Isa 7:14), which is quoted later in the passage. This fulfillment of prophecy highlights the continuity of God’s salvation plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Infidelity after betrothal
According to the Jewish custom, betrothal was the first part of marriage when the bridegroom and bride make a binding agreement. Then the society considered both as husband and wife. However, they could not live together like married couples until their official wedding within a year. People considered any infidelity in between the betrothal and the wedding as adultery that deserved severe punishment.
Reflection:
Matthew 1:18 invites believers to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation, where God becomes man to redeem humanity. This verse challenges us to deepen our faith in the miraculous and divine nature of Jesus Christ. It calls for a reflection on the roles of Mary and Joseph, their faithfulness, and their willingness to participate in God’s salvific plan. Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s providence, even when His ways surpass human understanding.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the miraculous birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, help us to deepen our faith and trust in Your divine plan. May we always be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen.
Matthew 1:19 “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.”
Joseph’s Righteousness:
Matthew 1:19 presents Joseph as a righteous man, deeply committed to observing the Mosaic Law. This righteousness implies more than just legal adherence; it encompasses a moral and ethical integrity that aligns with God’s will. In the Catholic tradition, righteousness involves living a life of virtue, demonstrating justice, and showing compassion.
Why Divorce After Betrothal?
Joseph’s dilemma arose from his uncertainty regarding Mary’s pregnancy. Betrothal, in Jewish culture, was legally binding, akin to marriage, and breaking it required a formal divorce. Joseph, unsure whether to suspect Mary’s fidelity or consider himself unworthy to be the husband of the Savior’s mother, chose a path that would uphold justice and protect Mary’s dignity. He intended to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace or severe punishment, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 22:23-24.
Joseph’s Patience and Compassion:
Without concrete evidence of Mary’s innocence or guilt, Joseph faced a significant moral dilemma. Publicly accusing Mary could lead to her stoning or at least severe shame. Conversely, if she were innocent, Joseph would bear the guilt of unjustly condemning her. Thus, Joseph’s decision to divorce her quietly, by writing a bill of divorce as per Deuteronomy 24:1, was a compassionate choice that balanced his righteousness with mercy.
Divine Guidance and Obedience:
Joseph’s plan to divorce Mary quietly set the stage for divine intervention. An angel later revealed to him the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy (Mt 1:20-21). Joseph’s openness to God’s message and his subsequent obedience highlights the importance of discernment and trust in God’s plan, even when it disrupts personal expectations.
The Dilemma of Justice and Mercy:
Joseph’s response embodies the Catholic understanding of balancing justice with mercy. By choosing not to expose Mary to public disgrace, Joseph demonstrated a merciful love that transcended legalistic righteousness. His actions prefigure the reconciling of divine justice and mercy seen in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Comparison with Joseph of the Old Testament:
Joseph, the husband of Mary, parallels Joseph of the Old Testament in his moral integrity and righteousness. The latter overcame seduction and acted mercifully towards his brothers despite their betrayal (Gen 39, 50:20-21). Similarly, Joseph in the New Testament sought to handle Mary’s situation honorably, embodying the virtues of his forefathers.
Reflection:
We are encouraged to emulate Joseph’s example of righteousness and compassion. His actions teach us to uphold truth with love and demonstrate kindness even in difficult situations. Joseph’s story underscores the importance of listening to God’s guidance and being open to His plans, fostering a trust in divine providence.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant us the righteousness of St. Joseph, to follow Your law with love and compassion. Help us to discern Your will in our lives and to act with mercy towards others. May we always trust in Your divine plan and be obedient to Your guidance. Amen.
Matthew 1:20 “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.'”
Context and Background
In Matthew 1:20, Joseph is faced with a dilemma. He discovers that Mary, to whom he is betrothed, is pregnant, and he knows he is not the father. According to Jewish law and customs of the time, this situation could lead to severe social and legal consequences for Mary. Joseph, described as a “just man,” contemplates divorcing her quietly to avoid public disgrace (Mt 1:19).
The Angel’s Message in a Dream
The angel’s message comes to Joseph in a dream, a significant method of divine communication in the Bible. Unlike visions, which occur while one is awake, dreams come during sleep. Joseph’s dream is so real and moving that he wakes up and considers it a divine message.
The angel addresses Joseph as “son of David,” emphasizing his royal lineage and connecting Jesus to the Davidic line, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies that the Messiah would come from the house of David. The angel instructs Joseph not to fear taking Mary as his wife because her pregnancy is of divine origin, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This message reassures Joseph of Mary’s faithfulness and the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception.
Theological Significance
1. Divine Conception: The passage underscores the belief in the virgin birth of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. The conception by the Holy Spirit signifies that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, a mystery known as the Incarnation. This divine act sets Jesus apart as the Son of God, born without original sin, and uniquely qualified to be the Savior of humanity.
2. Joseph’s Role: Joseph’s acceptance of the angel’s message highlights his obedience and faith. By taking Mary as his wife, Joseph becomes the legal father of Jesus, thereby incorporating Jesus into the Davidic lineage. This act of faith and protection of Mary and Jesus fulfills God’s plan and demonstrates Joseph’s righteousness and humility.
3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The angel’s message and Joseph’s subsequent actions fulfill the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah’s birth. The reference to Joseph as “son of David” and the miraculous conception align with the prophecies that the Messiah would be born of a virgin and from the line of David (Isa 7:14, Jer 23:5).
The Role of Dreams in the Bible
The Bible gives importance to dreams and their interpretation. God used dreams for various purposes, such as revealing prophecies and giving warnings from dangers. Like Joseph, the husband of Mary, Joseph of the Old Testament was also a dreamer. His dream about his brothers bowing down to him came true, and his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream saved Egypt and Jacob’s family from famine. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Prophet Daniel’s interpretation also came true. Gideon received encouragement through a dream for winning a war (Judg 7:5).
The New Testament also shows God using dreams to guide and protect. The Magi did not return to King Herod because God cautioned them in a dream (Mt 2:12). God warned Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt to save Infant Jesus’ life (Mt 2:13). Another dream brought the Holy Family back to Nazareth (Mt 2:19-22).
Angel of the Lord
The Bible does not specify the name of the angel in Joseph’s dreams. In the Old Testament, the “Angel of the Lord” is often a representative of God or God Himself communicating with humans. Examples include appearances to Hagar, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, and Samson’s parents.
Son of David
The angel’s salutation to Joseph as “son of David” catches the attention. It is an acknowledgement of the fact that Joseph was descended from the bloodline of King David. Through this, the angel prepared Joseph for the next part of the message. Israelites were expecting a Messiah who would be a descendant of King David because of God’s covenant with him (2 Sam 7:12-16). So Joseph, as the legal father, also had a role in the genealogy of the Messiah.
Several people, while seeking the mercy of Jesus, called him “Son of David.” For example, a Canaanite woman called Jesus, “Lord, Son of David” when she beseeched him to cure her demon- tormented daughter (Mt 15:22). Two blind men requested healing from Jesus calling him, “Lord, Son of David.” (Mt 20:30). In these cases, they were acknowledging Jesus as their saviour using the term Lord and the messianic title “Son of David.” The angel addressing Joseph, “son of David” is not the messianic title, but only meant that God sees his ancestral connection with David, from whose line the deliverer would come. There is a difference in using “son” by the translators: They use capital “S” for Jesus as the “Son of David” and the lower case “s” for Joseph as the “son of David.”
Do not be afraid
Some fathers of the church like Saints Thomas Aquinas, Bernard, Basil, and Ephraim interpret that Joseph considered divorcing Mary out of “reverential fear.” Mary had told Joseph of her vision and the message of Angel Gabriel, and what had happened afterwards. Joseph trusted Mary’s narration and considered himself unworthy to be the husband of the mother of God and the foster father of her divine Son. So, the Angel of the Lord relieved the fear of Joseph to take Mary as his wife.
Take Mary into your home
According to the Jewish marriage custom, the last stage of a wedding was when the bridegroom, also known as the husband, would come to the bride’s home and take her to his house. So, the angel was assuring Joseph that he could trust Mary and take her home as his wife.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Genesis specifies the work of the Holy Spirit in the creation account. “The earth had no form and was void; darkness covered the deep, while the spirit of God hovered over the waters” (Gen 1:2). Psalm 104:30 says: “When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and the face of the earth is renewed.” God created everything with his Word (Jesus) and his Breath (Spirit) (Ps 33:6). The angel informed Joseph that the same Spirit that created the world and the humans came upon Mary for her conception. So, Jesus is of divine origin and Mary remained a virgin.
Reflection
Matthew 1:20 is a profound reminder of God’s intervention in human history and the fulfillment of His promises. It calls for trust in God’s plans, even when they defy human understanding. The verse also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as exemplified by Joseph, and invites believers to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, which is central to the Christian faith.
By meditating on this passage, we are encouraged to deepen our reverence for the miraculous birth of Jesus and to emulate Joseph’s virtues of righteousness, humility, and unwavering faith in God’s word.
Matthew 1:21″She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
In Matthew 1:21, the angel of the Lord addresses Joseph in a dream, revealing the divine plan for Mary’s child. This passage holds deep theological significance.
Divine Naming and Mission
The instruction to name the child “Jesus” is profoundly meaningful. “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Yeshua” (Joshua), which means “Yahweh saves” or “The Lord is salvation.” This naming was divinely appointed, reflecting Jesus’ preordained mission to save humanity. According to early Church Father St. John Chrysostom, this name was given from all eternity, emphasizing the divine plan for salvation through Jesus.
Role of Jesus as Savior
The phrase “for he will save his people from their sins” highlights Jesus’ primary mission. Unlike temporal saviors who deliver from earthly oppression, Jesus’ mission is spiritual and eternal, focusing on the redemption from sin and the restoration of humanity’s relationship with God. This act of salvation is central to the Catholic understanding of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Joseph’s Role and Jesus’ Divine Fatherhood
Joseph is not the biological father of Jesus. The distinction in the angel’s message to Zechariah and Joseph underscores this. To Zechariah, the angel said, “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1:13), whereas to Joseph, the angel said, “She will bear a son” (Mt 1:21), implying the child is not biologically his. Therefore, Joseph refrained from consummating his marriage with Mary.
The angel gave both Mary (Lk 1:31) and Joseph (Mt 1:21) the right to name the child Jesus. However, it was Joseph who named Jesus, as instructed by the angel (Mt 1:25), thus accepting Jesus as his adopted son. According to the cultural context of the time, naming a child signified claiming the child as one’s own. Jesus’ true fatherhood belongs to God the Father, who assigned the name Jesus for His son.
Joshua and Jesus
The angel revealed Jesus’ mission to Joseph. Jesus, the Greek word for Joshua, means “Yahweh saves.” Like Joshua of the Old Testament, who led the Israelites to the Promised Land, Jesus would lead people to heaven, overcoming sin and Satan. Psalm 130:8 prophesies, “He will deliver Israel from all its sins.” Therefore, God’s promised deliverance through the Messiah was not from Roman rule but from Satan, who tempts people to sin and obstructs their path to heaven.
Theological Implications
– Incarnation: This verse highlights the mystery of the Incarnation, where God becomes man in the person of Jesus Christ. The name “Jesus” signifies God’s active role in human history.
– Salvation: The mission to save people from their sins is a core tenet of the Catholic faith, emphasizing Jesus’ role as the Savior of the world.
– Divine Plan: The divine naming indicates that Jesus’ mission was part of God’s eternal plan for humanity’s redemption.
Matthew 1:22 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet.”
This verse is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through the birth of Jesus Christ. Here is a detailed interpretation:
Fulfillment of Prophecy
In this verse, Matthew underscores that the events surrounding Jesus’ birth are not random but part of God’s divine plan, as foretold by the prophets. Specifically, Matthew refers to the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, which predicts that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and his name will be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Mt 1:23). This connection highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, affirming that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills God’s promises to Israel.
Theological Significance
1. Divine Plan: The phrase “to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet” underlines that the birth of Jesus was not a random event but part of God’s meticulous plan for the redemption of humanity. It reassures believers that God is faithful to His promises and His word is trustworthy.
2. Messianic Identity: By linking Jesus’ birth to Isaiah’s prophecy, Matthew asserts Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, the anointed one who has come to deliver God’s people. This connection reinforces the belief that Jesus is the fulfillment of the hopes and prophecies of the Jewish tradition.
3. Incarnation: The prophecy highlights the miracle of the Incarnation – God becoming man. “Emmanuel” or “God with us” signifies that in Jesus, God has entered human history in a profound and personal way, dwelling among His people to bring salvation.
Reflection
Catholic tradition holds that the virgin birth and the fulfillment of prophecy are essential truths of the faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 496-497) teaches that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. This belief is celebrated in the liturgy, particularly during Advent and Christmas, as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the mystery of the Incarnation.
Theological Implications
For Catholics, Matthew 1:22 is not just a historical statement but a theological affirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of God. It underscores the belief that Jesus’ life and mission were preordained and revealed through the prophets. This verse invites believers to see the unfolding of God’s plan in history and to trust in the fulfillment of His promises.
Reflection
For contemporary Christians, Matthew 1:22 invites reflection on the faithfulness of God and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. It encourages trust in God’s divine plan, even when it unfolds in unexpected ways. Believers are called to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited promise, recognizing His divine presence in their lives and the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Matthew 1:22 serves as a testament to the divine orchestration of Jesus’ birth, fulfilling ancient prophecies and affirming key Catholic doctrines about the nature of Christ and the virgin birth. It calls the faithful to recognize and celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus, the Emmanuel, who is “God with us.”
Application
– Trust in God’s Promises: Just as God fulfilled His promise through the birth of Jesus, we are called to trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives.
– Recognition of Jesus as Messiah: This verse encourages us to deepen our understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and to see Him as the central figure in God’s plan for salvation.
– Embrace of the Incarnation: Reflecting on “Emmanuel” invites us to celebrate and embrace the mystery of the Incarnation – God’s intimate presence with us, guiding and sustaining us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for fulfilling Your promise through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in Your divine plan and to recognize Jesus as our Savior and Lord. May we always feel Your presence with us, guiding us in our daily lives. Amen.
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
This verse is a fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 and holds significant theological importance.
The Virgin Birth
The Catholic interpretation emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth. The term “the virgin” signifies a specific virgin chosen by God for this unique role, emphasizing God’s providential plan. Mary was that chosen virgin that Isaiah had prophesied about. This event signifies that Jesus’ conception was through the Holy Spirit, affirming His divine origin. Mary, as a virgin, conceived Jesus without the involvement of a human father, highlighting the divine intervention in the incarnation of Christ. This miraculous event signifies Jesus’ unique role in salvation history and His divine nature.
Immanuel: God with Us
The name “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us,” is crucial in understanding the nature of Jesus. It signifies that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This dual nature is essential for the Christian understanding of salvation, as it underscores that God took human form to redeem humanity. The presence of God among His people through Jesus is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God’s closeness and personal relationship with humanity. This presence of God among His people is a source of profound comfort and hope, reflecting God’s unwavering commitment to His creation.
Title of Emmanuel
While Isaiah 7:14 states that the Messiah’s name would be Emmanuel, it is understood more as a title than a literal name. In Isaiah 9:6, other titles such as “Wonder-Counsellor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” are also given. These titles specify the nature and mission of the Messiah rather than being used as everyday names. They highlight various aspects of Jesus’ identity and His divine mission to save humanity.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Matthew’s citation of Isaiah 7:14 serves to link the Old Testament prophecies with their New Testament fulfillment. This connection is vital for demonstrating that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. The Catholic Church teaches that the prophecies of the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Jesus, affirming the continuity and faithfulness of God’s plan for salvation throughout history. This verse is not merely a historical event but a profound mystery that invites believers to recognize and celebrate the ongoing presence of Christ in their lives.
Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
In the broader context of Matthew 1, Catholic teaching also addresses the perpetual virginity of Mary. While Matthew 1:25 mentions that Joseph “knew her not until she had borne a son,” Catholic interpretation holds that this does not imply that Mary and Joseph had conjugal relations after Jesus’ birth. The term “until” in this context is understood idiomatically, meaning that the focus is on the virgin birth of Jesus without implying a change in Mary’s virginity status afterward. This interpretation supports the doctrine that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus, which is a long-held belief in Catholic tradition.
Reflection:
Consider how the reality of “God with us” impacts your life. In what ways can you become more aware of and responsive to God’s presence daily?
Prayer:
Emmanuel, God with us, thank You for the gift of Your presence through Jesus Christ. Help us to live in constant awareness of Your love and guidance. May we embody Your grace and truth in our interactions with others. Amen.
Matthew 1:24 “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
This verse is part of the narrative describing Joseph’s obedience to God’s command delivered through an angel, emphasizing his role in the divine plan of Jesus’ birth.
This passage highlights several key theological points:
Obedience and Faithfulness
Joseph’s immediate compliance with the angel’s command underscores his righteousness and faithfulness. He accepts Mary as his wife despite the unusual circumstances of her pregnancy, demonstrating his trust in God’s plan. Unlike Zechariah and Mary, Joseph did not ask for any clarification from the angel because the communication to him was not through a vision but a dream. Dreams are not in our control. Joseph believed this dream because it was an extraordinary one. He rejoiced for the clarity he received from God and accepted Mary and the child. Joseph married Mary by taking her to his home as the Angel of the Lord had commanded, and he did not consummate the marriage.
The Role of Joseph
Joseph’s role as the legal father of Jesus is crucial. By taking Mary as his wife and naming the child Jesus, Joseph fulfills his part in the divine plan, providing Jesus with a legitimate lineage from the House of David, as prophesied in the Old Testament. Joseph became the father of Jesus not by a formal adoption but by his marriage to Mary, the mother of Jesus. However, unlike other stepsons, Jesus had no human father. That made Joseph’s relationship with Jesus more intimate. Besides, Joseph knew that he was protecting and nurturing the God incarnate who created him and had been protecting him. This legal paternity does not contradict the belief in Jesus’ divine conception by the Holy Spirit.
Theological Implications
The primary theological focus of Matthew 1:24-25 is to affirm the virgin birth of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian belief. The emphasis on Joseph’s obedience and the virginity of Mary before Jesus’ birth serves to highlight the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception and birth, underscoring his identity as the Son of God.
Reflection
Joseph’s actions teach us the importance of listening to God’s voice and responding with immediate and unwavering faith. His willingness to embrace God’s plan, even in the face of uncertainty, challenges us to trust in God’s providence and to act in accordance with His will. Joseph’s silent yet powerful witness calls us to be attentive to God’s guidance in our own lives and to act with courage and faith when He calls.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to follow the example of Saint Joseph, who obeyed Your command with unwavering faith. Help us to trust in Your divine plan for our lives, even when it leads us into the unknown. May we embrace Your will with a humble and obedient heart, and live out our vocation with the same fidelity and righteousness as Saint Joseph. Amen
Matthew 1:25 “And he knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.”
This verse has been a focal point in discussions regarding the perpetual virginity of Mary, a doctrine upheld by the Catholic Church.
Understanding “Until” (Greek: ‘heos hou’)
The Greek term ‘heos hou’ translated as “until” in this context does not imply that a change occurred after the specified event. In biblical usage, ‘heos hou’ can denote a period up to a certain point without indicating a reversal of the situation afterward. For instance, in Matthew 28:20, Jesus says, “I am with you always, even until (‘heos hou’) the end of the age,” which does not imply that He will cease to be with His disciples after the end of the age.
Similarly, in 2 Samuel 6:23, it is stated that Michal, the daughter of Saul, “had no child until the day of her death,” which clearly means she never had children, and the term “until” does not suggest she had children after her death.
The Context and Purpose
The primary purpose of Matthew 1:25 is to emphasize the virgin birth of Jesus, underscoring that Joseph had no marital relations with Mary before Jesus was born. This is to affirm that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy of a virgin birth (Isa 7:14) and establishing Jesus’ divine origin.
The Catholic Church teaches that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. This belief is rooted in the Church’s understanding of Mary’s unique role in salvation history as Theotokos, the Mother of God. The term “until” in this context is interpreted not to suggest a change in Mary’s virginity status after Jesus’ birth but to affirm the extraordinary circumstances of Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit.
Saint Jerome, an early Church Father, defended Mary’s perpetual virginity by explaining that in biblical language, “until” does not necessarily imply that a subsequent action occurred. He compared it to other scriptural uses, such as in Psalm 110:1, “The LORD says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'” Here, “until” is used to affirm the virginal conception and does not imply a change afterward.
The Catholic Church’s understanding is further supported by the recognition that references to Jesus’ “brothers” and “sisters” in the New Testament refer to close relatives or kin, not biological siblings. For example, James and Joseph, mentioned as Jesus’ brothers, are identified elsewhere as sons of another Mary, a disciple of Christ, not Mary, the mother of Jesus (Mt 27:56).
Catechism References:
– CCC 496: “From the first formulations of her faith, the Church has confessed that Jesus was conceived solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary…”
– CCC 499: “The deepening of faith in the virginal motherhood led the Church to confess Mary’s real and perpetual virginity even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God made man.”
Conclusion
Matthew 1:25 does not contradict the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity. The use of “until” in this verse is meant to highlight the virgin birth of Jesus and does not imply that Mary and Joseph had marital relations afterward. This interpretation is consistent with the broader scriptural context and the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church.
Reflection:
This verse invites us to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation and the profound faith and obedience of Mary and Joseph. Their lives were marked by a deep trust in God’s plan, despite the extraordinary and challenging circumstances they faced. Mary’s perpetual virginity points to her total dedication and unique role in God’s salvific plan, while Joseph’s righteous and protective nature exemplifies true fatherhood and guardianship.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary. Help us to emulate Mary’s purity and Joseph’s righteousness. May we always trust in Your divine plan and be obedient to Your will. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
CONCLUSION
The narrative of Matthew 1:18-25 profoundly illustrates God’s direct intervention in human history through the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. This passage not only emphasizes the divine origin of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, but also showcases the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, affirming Jesus as “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” Joseph’s righteousness and obedience serve as a model for all believers, demonstrating the importance of faith and trust in God’s plan, even amidst uncertainty and societal challenges. Through Joseph and Mary’s unwavering faith, we are reminded of the transformative power of God’s presence and His relentless pursuit of humanity’s salvation.
For US, this passage is a call to embrace God’s divine plans with trust and faith, no matter how incomprehensible they may seem. It encourages us to reflect on the roles of Mary and Joseph, who accepted God’s will with humility and obedience. Their lives exemplify the virtues of righteousness, compassion, and unwavering faith, urging us to deepen our own spiritual journey and to recognize God’s ongoing presence and work in our lives. The birth of Jesus is a testament to God’s profound love and His desire to be intimately involved in the redemption and salvation of His people.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the miraculous birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, help us to deepen our faith and trust in Your divine plan. May we always be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Grant us the grace to follow Your will with courage and humility, and to recognize Your presence in every moment. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.