St Matthew 1: 18-25 – The birth of Jesus The Messiah

Matthew has told us of Jesus’ descent from David. He is the anointed )”Messiah”) king God has promised. Joseph’s and Mary’s families (“engaged”) have signed a marriage contract but Joseph has not yet taken her (v.20) into his house. If Mosaic law on sexual relations was fully observed then, Joseph could have brought charges against her, and she could have been stoned to death (“public disgrace”, v. 19) for adultery (then including pre-marital sex). Joseph, while observant of the Law (“righteous”), is compassionate: he “planned to dismiss (divorce) her qui-etly”. God had intervened in the birth of some he has chosen – Isaac, Jacob and Samuel – but never before has he replaced the whole male role. Even so, the messenger from God points out Joseph’s role: Jesus is legally descended from David through him. In Aramaic and Hebrew, “Jesus” (v. 21) and “he will save” sound similar. Matthew is keen to show that Jesus fulfills God’s promise made through Isaiah (v. 22). In v. 23, the Greek word translated “virgin”, parthenos, is rendered as unmarried daughter in Acts 21:9. Perhaps maiden is a better translation; it has the same range of meanings as parthenos. Through Jesus “God is with us” (v. 23) but Joseph names his Jesus, not Immanuel.

© 1996-2025 Chris Haslam

Prayer of the Week

O Lord, raise up your power and come among us, and with great might succor us, that, whereas through our sins and wickedness we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be honour and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

A prayer by The Rev’d Dr Elizabeth Smith – (Taken from a letter by our Bishop)

We cry out to you, O God, in shock and grief in the wake of the violence at Bondi Beach. Hold in your eternal life the people who were killed. surround their families and friends with compassion in the depths of their sorrow. Hold in your care the survivors, the injured, and all who witnessed the attacks. Guide the authorities responsible for investigating what happened, and how to prevent such devastation from ever happening again. Have mercy on all who are afraid. give courage. Have mercy on all who are in pain. Give healing. Stir up Australians of all faiths and none to stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbours. Make us builders of a community where everyone has safety, and dignity, and peace. Amen.