“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”– Matthew 1:20 (KJV)
“As he 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 as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’– Matthew 1:20 (NLT)
“While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child in her is from the Holy Spirit.’– Matthew 1:20 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 1:20 Mean?
This verse presents a crucial moment in the life of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. It is important to remember that Joseph is faced with a significant life choice: he is engaged to Mary, who is pregnant under mysterious circumstances. As we read, we find that Joseph is initially troubled by this situation. The societal norms of the time would have cast a negative light upon Mary, as her pregnancy before marriage could have resulted in severe consequences. In such a critical moment, God intervened. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, offering him guidance and reassurance.
The angel identifies Joseph as a “son of David,” linking Joseph to the royal lineage of King David. This is significant because it positions Jesus, born from Mary, in the long-awaited lineage of the Messiah. By addressing Joseph as such, the angel establishes the importance of his role in history. It serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of God’s promises made many generations earlier regarding the Messiah coming from David’s line. This verse underscores the reality that God sees and orchestrates events, even when they seem confusing and disheartening to us.
Matthew 1:20 Explanation and Commentary
In Matthew 1:20, we witness a divine intervention that transforms fear into faith. Joseph was a man who sought to do the right thing and was evidently troubled by the situation he found himself in. Self-doubt began to cloud his judgment, and he contemplated quietly ending his engagement to Mary. This blend of fear and intention reflects something we can all relate to at various points in our lives. Have we ever faced a situation that left us feeling lost or confused? Have we wrestled with decisions so profoundly that we lose sight of hope? Just as God sent an angel to Joseph, He is ever-present with us, guiding us towards the right path in difficult moments.
The angel’s words, “fear not,” underscore a powerful message that we can embrace. Fear has a way of paralyzing us, making us second-guess our decisions, and even leading us away from God’s plan. The call to “fear not” is a theme we find throughout Scripture. For example, in Isaiah 41:10, we find God telling us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” The encouragement Joseph received was not simply to dismiss his fears but to understand the divine plan unfolding around him.
Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s message is significant. He chose to trust God’s promise rather than rely on his own understanding. This act of faith led him to take Mary as his wife, which brought Jesus into the world. This moment wasn’t merely significant because of its outcome; it demonstrated a profound lesson for us. When we trust God, even in uncertain circumstances, we allow room for God to work wonders in our lives. There’s a sense of reassurance in knowing that we too can trust God with our fears and doubts, believing that He has our best interest at heart.
Context of Matthew 1:20
The context of Matthew 1:20 cannot be understated. This event occurs early in the Gospel account of Matthew, following the genealogy of Jesus. This genealogy traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, highlighting His identity as the Messiah. Knowing this context helps us appreciate the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the coming Savior, an important theme that runs throughout the entire New Testament. Joseph’s response is set against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in Israel’s history, marked by oppression and a longing for deliverance.
In the broader biblical narrative, we see how God often chooses ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary plans. Just as He selected Mary to bear the Savior, He chose Joseph—an everyday man, a carpenter—to be the earthly guardian of Jesus. This aspect resonates with us deeply, as it serves as a reminder that we too can play significant roles in God’s story, regardless of our background or status.
Moreover, this passage sets into motion other crucial events in the life of Jesus, which we later see unfold in the Gospels. Joseph’s decision to accept Mary as his wife was vital, not just for their personal lives but for the entire world. He played a critical role in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. This context invites us to reflect on our choices and how they can affect not only our lives but the lives of those around us. Can we embrace the time God has placed us in and make choices that align with His will?
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 1:20
Let us break this verse down and analyze its components. The phrase “while he thought on these things” can highlight a significant aspect of Joseph’s character. He took time to think and process before making a decision, which is often wise. It reflects a degree of caution and thoughtfulness that we can appreciate in our own decision-making processes. God often speaks into our waiting periods, and we can find comfort in pursuing clarity and direction just as Joseph did.
The angel’s declaration begins with “Joseph, son of David.” This specific title is rich with meaning. It reaffirms Joseph’s royal heritage, reconciling him with the prophecies that the Messiah would come from David’s line. This detail underlines the importance of the lineage, showcasing how Joseph is not just an ordinary man in this narrative but a significant figure connected to God’s ancient promises. It is a reminder that where we come from plays a unique role in God’s plan for us.
Next, we see the phrase “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife.” This instruction reveals the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy and provides reassurance to both Joseph and us. The angel gives Joseph permission to proceed without fear, highlighting the importance of faith over fear. How often do we allow fear to shape our decisions? The unfolding assurance from the angel presents an invitation for us to reconsider fear as a deterrent in our lives.
The final part of the verse, “for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost,” leaves us in awe of the miracle that is taking place. This divine conception speaks to the incredible act of God’s love and presence amongst us, through Jesus. It shows us that God’s plans often involve miraculous and unexpected elements that can challenge our natural understanding of the world and our experiences. We can trust that God is at work, even in situations that seem impossible and confusing.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 1:20
There are numerous lessons we can extract from this powerful verse. First, we see the importance of listening for God’s voice. Joseph was contemplating his next steps when the angel appeared. This serves as a reminder for us to strengthen our relationship with God, ensuring we remain attuned to His will and guidance. Our daily routines may sometimes distract us from hearing God’s whispers, but like Joseph, we can cultivate an environment of quiet reflection to invite His counsel into our lives.
Faith stands out as another lesson. Joseph mustered the courage to believe in the angel’s message and embrace his role as Jesus’ earthly father. This act of faith is something we can strive to emulate in our own lives. There will certainly be moments when circumstances look bleak or familiar routes seem unreliable, but it is within these times we can choose to lean on faith, trusting that God is leading us toward our unique purposes.
Another lesson involves community. Joseph made a choice influenced by the counsel of others, even if it came through a dream. We can draw wisdom and commentary from spiritual leaders, friends, and family around us. It highlights the value of building a supportive community as we navigate life’s challenges, just as Joseph did when he accepted Mary as his wife despite the societal pressures and judgments that he could have faced.
Lastly, the importance of our decisions should not be overlooked. Joseph’s decision had further implications beyond his life and Mary’s. Each choice we make can ripple outwards, impacting our families, friends, and the community at large. We are all part of God’s greater plan, and every decision we make can usher in a wave of blessings and transformations for others.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 1:20 is not just a historical account; it is a powerful narrative filled with lessons for us today. It reminds us that God cares about our fears, our doubts, and our choices. He actively seeks to engage with us in our moments of confusion and uncertainty. Joseph’s story encourages us to reflect on our decisions while aligning them with God’s commands, ensuring we entrust our lives into His capable hands. No matter the challenges or expected norms of society, we have the opportunity to lead with faith and trust, knowing that God is always with us.
In closing, we might find ourselves inspired to explore how our own lives align with the teachings of the Scriptures. We might reflect on passages like Matthew 11 or the stories of faith found in Genesis. Let us embrace the journey of faith, following the example set by Joseph, and trusting in God’s miraculous plans for our lives.